Debating getting a pet snake, just got some questions!
Howdy folks! I've been thinking about getting a pet snake, and I was wondering what advice y'all would have for me. I already have two cats, so I know I would need both a sturdy enclosure and a small enough snake to not pose a threat to them if it somehow escaped. On addition, I have a passion for design and construction involving western themes. I was hoping I could make a 2 tiered enclosure, 2 foot x 2 foot x 4 foot for each chamber, a plain acrylic top and a darker tinted/covered acrylic pane on the bottom. The top would feature an old pair of my cowboy boots, ethically sourced desert branches, a simple cross, an old revolver holster and belt, some rope as a bridge, and a heating lamp/water dish. Underneath would be a skull hide (3D printed, possibly?), an open cigar box with a heating pad for it to sleep, and some other prop bones. With all that out of the way, here are my questions:
What kind of snake would be best for such an enclosure, accounting for being a beginner to snakes, having cats, etc?
What precautions would I need to take for the leather items, 3D printed items, ethically sourced desert plants, etc? Such as scrubbing or treating them to make them safer for an fella?
What kind of substrate could match a western look? Sand is the classic, but depending on the snake I am recommended, I could change things around for the welfare of the snake.
Would such an enclosure even work for a snake? Would a lizard be better? Or something more simple for a simple snake? The building is not a challenge, I could make that enclosure in 3 days. I care about animal welfare first, and if my ambition will hurt it, I will not move forward with my plans.
My current research has narrowed down the two candidates to either a corn snake or a ball python. If there is a mysterious, third option, or if either of those would fit the framework, let me know! I would love to have a new critter to pass the time with, and a scaled rope seemed like a perfect fit. Thank you!