Beginner Snake

[kc.exotics]

Ok, so I'm stil new to the forums, so sorry if this isn't in the right section.

So I want to get my first snake in a few months ( the next expo is in April, sadly).

Ive heard various people say a corn snake is better than a ball python, and vise versa, for a first snake. For those of you with experience, which do you prefer, and why? Also, if any body has any care tips for either they would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Kat

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Ok, so I'm stil new to the forums, so sorry if this isn't in the right section.

So I want to get my first snake in a few months ( the next expo is in April, sadly).

Ive heard various people say a corn snake is better than a ball python, and vise versa, for a first snake. For those of you with experience, which do you prefer, and why? Also, if any body has any care tips for either they would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Kat

Corn are a lot more forgiven when it comes to husbandry issue however both make great snake the key with BP is to meet their husbandry needs to a T which a lot of new owners fail to do.



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[bcr229]

My first snake was a high white California king snake. He's an awesome little guy and I still have him. I'd say he's also a better pet than 90% of my ball pythons, and a better first snake than all of them. Handling doesn't throw him off of food, he's very laid back, he's one of the snakes I use to introduce non-snake owners to snakes, he's more forgiving of husbandry mistakes than pythons or boas, he can be kept in a tank rather than a rack or T8 (though he's in a rack now), etc.

[PitOnTheProwl]

I would agree with Kings as well, though they can have attitude.

[kc.exotics]

Are Californian King snakes good beginner snakes? What is the general cost of one? What is the basic care for them ?

Thanks,
Kat

[Yodawagon]

I think king snakes are easier to take care of as a whole. They also are more active and entertaining typically, which might keep people's interest longer.

[Asherah]

They are one of the more personable species that I have owned. LOVE kings. They are pretty easy keepers and generally have good dispositions which would make me recommend them as a beginner species. Babies tend to be a bit nippy, but they usually grow out of that. They are usually voracious feeders. Meal time is never a problem.

I would suggest looking into king care sheets before purchase of one. There are a couple different methods of keeping them (ambient temps, heat lamp, uth, heat tape) and you need to pick one that works best for you and your animal.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

They are great snake you can find kings as low as $25 for the rest YOU need to do YOUR homework, and see which species will be the best fit for YOU

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[kc.exotics]

Thank you guys!

[Prognathodon]

We have two Mexican kings at home (one mine, one long-term boarder). They're both sweethearts. My girl nipped once in the first week or so, due to a handling error on our part; the other one hasn't at all. My girl actually has a mellow feeding response: leave the f/t mouse at the entrance to her cave, and it disappears; but she's also a reliable feeder, as is the other (who strikes and wraps his f/t).

Diaval, our boarder, likes to come out and watch us in the evening. His cage sits on an end table next to the couch, and we see him frequently. He's not *quite* crawl-up-your-arm friendly, but he doesn't try to to get away, either; nor does my Scatha. When out for handling they move around enough to be interesting, but aren't crazy fast, and will settle down and sit with you. Scatha was more flighty when I got her as a little 15-gram worm, but settled in a couple weeks to a month.

I don't have experience with California kings specifically, but I understand they're all very similar in temperament.


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