Corn vs. BP

yes, I know im on a site called BP.net. but obviously many of you have experience with other breeds.

We have a family friend who is pretty set on getting a Corn snake. I know the obvious difference with size & appearance, but curious as to your opinions on the two breeds? Pro's & Con's?

The young lady is doing all sorts of research on care and tank set up, etc. I'm very impressed with the knowledge she already has on snakes.

Just wondered if any of you have something to offer on which might be better for first time snake owner.

Thanks!

Corns are very tolerant little guys that are a great size for a new snake owner. They are pretty easy to maintain and can handle the ups and downs a new snake owner can throw at them. I also think it would be a good choice for a young person to start with. If they like a corn it won't be long until they will want a bp.

If the person is showing a true desire to learn and provide the correct habitat I don't see any reason they couldn't handle a bp though.

Corns are good starter snakes. They are very tolerant, they are garbage disposals and will eat anything too. How ever, they also don't sit still. Imo, a ball is a much better handling experience than a corn. Corns are what opened the snake door for me. However, I prefer my balls and boa way more. I wouldn't ever get another corn now, having had the other two. Alot also depends on what they want out of snake. A corn you will see, a bp you won't.

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My mom says BPs make better first snakes because corn snakes are swift movers, and BPs are slower moving, and I agree, all depends on your opinion of things.

If you want a snake that sits still and enjoys the experience you can't beat a ball python.
If you want a snake that wants to go-go-go and rarely sits still, then a corn snake fits the bill.
Corns are sweet but kids tend to lose interest fast when the snake won't sit still

I've never had a feeding issue with a corn, their requirements are easier than ball pythons ( all mine corns are in tubs on a shelf in my snake room. Since the temps in my snake room are around 80-85, no need for more heating for them ) and they also come in so many colors and morphs. But they are super squirmy and very active.

My 5 year old handles most of the care for our corn snakes, as she says they are hers ( along with my new pied :rolleyes: ) so you can see they are very easy to deal with.

I think whichever your friend chooses, they will be happy.

Going to have to agree with DrDooLittle up there.

I love my Corn. She is hilarious. I have her in an enclosure, so she is often watching me when I'm in the room. She has a definite attitude, but is always fabulous in even chaotic situations. She has done school presentations, met with people afraid of snakes and is a great girl for those curious about snakes. But she is VERY active. Constantly trying this or that. Never sits still. It makes her fantastic for kids, because that means she's very interactive. But at home, sitting down on the couch for a bit, she is a lot to handle.

In fact, my boyfriend grew to dislike snakes because he prefers them chill and laid back (Thankfully, we fixed this by introducing him to a ball python, who curled up around his arm and stayed like that for about 30 minutes. He was smitten).

We are getting a ball python here shortly (Picking him up after our vacation in August) and my other half is very excited for him. He confessed to me the other night that he didn't like the Corn, but he loved snakes. And he was happy I'd pushed him to get the Ball Python, because it's the kind of snake he wanted.

So, overall, I'd say Corns are great. You don't worry about whether or not they'll eat. Mine strikes in full blue. They're characters. They are great to introduce to kids. But, they are active and will not sit still and 'cuddle' on the couch like some larger species do.

Ball Pythons are more chill, but they can also be more delicate in the way of food and stressful situations. But I've met tons of BPs that were just great, and handled even school interactions well.

I'd say Corns are a great first snake, but I will not be buying anymore of them. Instead I would focus on BPs, simply because they are so laid back and that suits our home life much better.

Thanks for all the input. I didn't realize Corns were so much more active. Makes me wonder if my daughter would have preferred a Corn. lol She often gets frustrated by the 'hiding' of our ball. But she is more active when we have her out, but not Tooo active. Sounds like with corns, you have to be on the move all the time, when they are out.

I'll be sure to pass on this info. to our friend. Thanks again!

Yup, they are very active. Like a fart in a skillet. My daughter also prefers the bps and boa, over the corn. She is 8.

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Originally Posted by DrDooLittle

Yup, they are very active. Like a fart in a skillet. My daughter also prefers the bps and boa, over the corn. She is 8.

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Great expression! :D I think my daughter & kids in general wouldn't be crazy about them moving so fast, especially if they were hesitant about snakes at all. But i understand how BP's might get boring just sitting there. :)