Ball Python Or Cornsnake?

[Abemas]

I'm presently trying to decide whether I want to get a Ball Python or a Cornsnake and I was hoping you guys could help me make my decision. Both snakes appeal to me in different ways but I can't make a decision. A friend of mine has a huge collection of cornsnakes and their vibrant colors are amazing. However, they don't seem to be snakes that like to just sit and be held...they are constantly on the move and trying to climb up my sleeve or something similar. I've read in a few places that Ball Pythons tend to be more calm and are more prone to just curling up and being still when you hold them. While obviously a snake does not have the tempermant of a dog....would it be fair to say that Ball Pythons "like" to be held? (Or atleast more so than a corn?)

Also if any of you have some general recommendations for one of these snakes over the other I would greatly appreciate them!

Thanks!


One more thing....is it true that Ball Python's don't musk?

[SnakeySnakeSnake]

I cant speak for cornsnakes, but as far as balls, the answer is simple!

It depends



Sometimes they are scared and stay curled up in a ball in your hands, sometimes they just HAVE to be anywhere BUT in your hands, sometimes they will explore your arms and neck, sometimes they will go up your sleeve, sometimes they will just curl around your arm and stay there.

Depends on the snake, depends on their mood, depends on a lot of things As long as you realize they are the boss, and they will do what they want to do when they want to, then everyone will get along fine

[gmmuscle91]

Well i have both, and the cornsnake does tend to wander more and faster while my bp tends to sit or slowly wander. I love them both and they are both great pets. Bp's require more humidity and higher temperatures and are picky with feeding. Bp's grow a bit bigger than a corn snkae girth wise but they both get about the same length. A corn snake is a little easier to keep but they are both great snakes. really it is up to you and what you like better.

[adizziedoll]

Oh, Oh, I know the answer to this one!!!!
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GET BOTH!!!! (duh)

[McAdry]

Personal opinion only I would get a bp there eaiser to keep in my opinion not as prone to escape bigger and easier to find if they do. I prefer them because even as babies i can hold them without fear of squeezing two hard and hurting them as they try and get free.As for color depending on what your willing to spend bp's have many color morphs too it just all comes down to personal prefernce really a smalll quick snake or a nice medium sized reasonably heavy bodied snake that is a little bit calmer.

[JLC]

Hmmmmm....in my opinion, cornsnakes are much simpler to care for. Notice I said "simpler" and not "easier." They have less stringent husbandry requirements and tend to be less moody (for lack of a better word) than bp's can get.


However, I do believe that bp's can be a fine first-snake for someone willing to learn how to care for them and willing to put in the effort it takes to maintain the proper environment and be patient with them when they go through a possible seasonal "mood."

All around, any species of snake will have its characters. You can generalize all you want, but you won't know about your particular snake until you actually own it and get to know it, no matter what species it is.

My advice, especially if you feel like you can or should only have one snake at this time...get the one you are most passionate about and feel would bring the most long-term satisfaction.

[Abemas]

Thanks for all the input thus far. I think I am leaning more towards the python. Can anyone comment as to whether pythons musk like a corn does?

[Shelby]

Pythons do have musk glands, however BPs are not likely to musk you like a colubrid (such as a corn) will. They may if they are extremely stressed or agitated. I have never been musked by a ball python though..

[joepythons]

Oh, Oh, I know the answer to this one!!!!
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GET BOTH!!!! (duh)

I second this .I had to answer this same question years ago and i decided on both .

[Mina]

That is what I am doing. Getting both. I already have my BP, and as soon as this years babies hatch, I will pick out my cornsnake.

I've done a lot of reading and research on both snakes and both really appealed to me. I love my BP, and when the corn comes, I know I will love it as well. If you have the time, the money, and the room, get both. They are different enough from each other, that you will enjoy both.