Garter vs. Bull vs. King: Which is the best display snake?

[artgecko]

I know it's a broad topic, but I'm trying to decide which colubrid to add to my collection and I've decided that what my collection is lacking is an active display snake. I would prefer something that is out and about during the day and isn't overly sensitive to temps / humidity (I'd like to setup the enclosure in living space with regular room temps, but provide a hotspot via UTH). I know garters have weird dietary requirements, so I'd prefer one that will typically take f/t small rodents and / or fish (if the diet is easy to prepare / provide, then I'm cool with a little prep work or unusual prey needs).

Of the Colubrids I've been browsing, the neon blue and "flame" garters, the albino / hypo bulls, and California kings have caught my eye so far, but I'm very open to other suggestions. Corns and anything native to GA are off the table (which *may* include the flame garters.. I'll have to research that).

I'd like to be able to handle the snake as well, but it will primarily be a display animal. I haven't decided on enclosure size and wlll tailor that to the species I choose.


I'd appreciate any input you guys have, I have zero experience with colubrids except my hognose (who is a very problematic feeder).

[Tsanford]

Not a colubrid, but what about a GTP?

[ChrisS]

I'd say go with a bullsnake or garter. Garters are going to be the most active. But I don't know exactly how the species is broken down so not sure if you can keep them in GA or not though. And the Bulls are just a personal favorite of mine so I'm biased there. Also staying with colubrids there are king rat snakes.


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[EL-Ziggy]

I haven't kept garters since I was a kid, but I do keep kings and bulls now. I'd say my bulls are a little more active than the kings. The bulls are bigger but the husbandry is pretty similar and straightforward for both. The bull's warm sides are kept a few degrees cooler. They're both great snakes to keep! I don't think you'd regret either choice. If you're looking for more of a display animal have you considered a jungle carpet python? They're beautiful too!

[EL-Ziggy]

Here's a side by side comparison of an albino bull snake, an albino whiteside bull snake, and a cal king.

[Miranda2]

Bullsnakes can be intimidating. Mine would hiss and tail rattle but once out of her cage was dog tame. But they do tend to hide and will manhandle any decorations that arent nailed down. So for a display, maybe if you dont mind a plainer tank with only heavy decos. But they are very cool, and a nice handful when full grown. Also they poop alot, I swear mine would poop twice for every rat she ate.
Sadly I had to rehome my bullsnake and my pine, because we moved to a smaller house and didnt have the room for the larger colubrids.
EL-Ziggy your albino bull is gorgeous.
We had a kingsnake years back and he was a hider, only saw him late at night. But was easy to handle.dont know anything about garters but they have some really pretty ones here in the wild.

[bcr229]

My garters hide. I have a CA high-white king male that is always out and about. Same for my female MBK.

[artgecko]

Thanks for your input and the great pics! Sorry for the late reply.. Mothers day weekend was extremely busy.

Tsanford- A GTP is "on my list" for later, but I've heard they are very picky on temps and humidity. I do want to pick one up eventually, but in this case, I am looking for a good display snake for our den, and I think it would be too hard to control exact ambient temps for a GTP in that room.

ChrisS- Thanks for the info! I will look into king rat snakes. I think I'm leaning towards either a bull or garter myself.

El Ziggy- Thanks! I actually have a carpet now, but he's still a wee little guy and tends to hide a lot. Because this is for a display tank in our main living room, I am hoping for something that needs lower ambient temps than a carpet. Great pics btw! They all look great, but I'd have to say that the albino bull is my favorite.

Miranda- Thanks for the advice. I guess the pooping would be a negative? lol Seriously though, I'm thinking a fairly simple setup with aspen, some large climbing branches, and a couple hides. Maybe some fake foliage, but nothing fancy.

bcr229- Interesting information. Most of what I've read claims that garters are very active and kingsnakes are less so... But again, I guess it depends on the snake. With my luck, no matter which species I pick, I'll get a shy hider for my display animal lol.

[EL-Ziggy]

Art- If you do decide to go with a Bull, or other Pit, I'd highly recommend Jason Nelson at Envy Reptiles. He produces some amazing Bull and Gopher snakes. I'm in GA too and never see any of the Pituophis species at any of the local expos. Best wishes with whatever you choose.

[artgecko]

Thanks for the info! I'll look him up. I've never seen any at the Atlanta expo either.. Some cal kings and milks, but those were sold by resellers only (that I knew of).