What type of snake should I get?

Hey, I'm going to be looking for a pet snake, and I was wondering what I could get, either a Ball python or Corn Snake. I've done lots of research on both of them when it comes to eating, how nice they are, and prices for them. I just wanted some opinions on which one would be better, because I am having a hard time deciding. Thanks.

Hi, I have a few ball pythons so here's my opinion on those.

They are overall slow, calm and relaxing to hold and watch. like to stay in their hides all day nice and cozy but at night will go out and explore their whole tank/tub. Their faces are super cute and they can be great first snakes.

I remember when I first held my first ball python he was a teeny tiny baby that fit in the palm of my hand snd when he first moved I felt so anxious that Id drop him. First few weeks he didn't want to eat but now hes our best feeder. Also as babies they are very head shy and will mostly scare easily, watch your movements around them be slow and gentle until they gain confidence. Now a days I can't even show people how they ball up because he lets me tuch his head and all no problem but that takes time.

As they grow they get chubby and they are very chill pets you can watch tv with for a while. They need regulated temps but I'm not too sure about what they should be as it varies a little bit depending on your state's natural temperature (Using a heatmat at 85 degrees (random number) in a state where the average temperature is 90 degrees will cook the poor fella while in alaska it might not heat them up enough).

I dont know much about corn snakes but this is my 2 cents on ball pythons. Remember to learn about how to keep their proper temps and humidity and all that important stuff.

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So you're telling us that they are equal in your view?

When you think of getting a corn snake are you excited and happy? Do you regret not getting the ball python?

When you think of getting a ball python are you excited and happy? Do you regret not getting the corn snake?

Personally, I'm a bigger fan of ball pythons. I have known 12 people who got corn snakes, myself included, as hatchlings, and had them escape within a couple weeks. Few and far between are the people I have known that have had their BPs escape and not found them.

But, which one makes you happier?

Most of it depends on you on what you feel you can handle and what you prefer. I find opinion changes a lot once you've actually had the chance to handle them, so unless you already have done so, I strongly recommend trying to get some hands on experience with each species. It seriously makes all the difference. I used to consider a corn snake but the moment I held a ball python for the first time I knew this was my dream snake.

Better or worse depends on what you personally like and want to handle!

When I was getting my first snake, I picked bp's and researched the heck out of them before getting one, and got one, because that's what I always wanted.

I totally agree that handling helps.
I was looking into both ball pythons and corn snakes, and still do plan on having both eventually (my partner prefers ball pythons, and I do like them as well).
However, after I handled both, I don't know if anything will make me feel as much joy as I feel letting a young corn snake wiggle between my fingers, and slither around my wrist and across my palm.
(important to note that I don't yet have a corn snake, I'm looking into it as well, and it'll take me some time).
But I think the point stands that handling is going to be your best bet!

You can't go wrong either way. Corns are more active than Balls and more slender.

I agree that it would be useful to see and handle both in person, and the best way to do that is probably to go to a reptile show.

No reason not to get both. Just saying...

Depends on you ability to provide the proper environment for one or the other and your expectations.

They are very different animals, one head shy that can stress easily and not be very forgiven when it comes to husbandry issue, and one that will tolerate handling will be more active etc

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I've had both and have to say, corns are MUCH easier to care for in my opinion. Heat and humidity, though important, isn't as much of an issue for them. By this, I mean that it's easier to get the right levels for a cornsnake than a ball python. Many people have trouble keeping ambient temps right and humidity levels high enough for the ball pythons. They were always good feeders for me. They come in a variety of morphs, most of which are VERY affordable. (I got both of my nephews some at a reptile expo for $10 each.) With that said, I still prefer my ball pythons. Once you dial in their husbandry, you'll have a great pet. They do tend to be shy, but with regular handling, do just fine. Yes, some can be finicky eaters, but if you DO dial in their husbandry as mentioned, a lot of the issues that cause this go away. (Though I did have a large rescue refuse every meal for almost two months before it got back on a regular routine.) I agree with some of the above posts. Handle a few of them. Read up on their care, and make sure you get the enclosure and the rest of their needs first. Whichever you can offer the best environment for is the one I'd go with!

I'm only 16, i dont have enough money for both. I do have money for one or the other though.

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Originally Posted by Burke

I'm only 16, i dont have enough money for both. I do have money for one or the other though.

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You can wait until a reptile expo is near you and then go pick out a snake then! You'd have many choices to choose from and you'd get to talk to a breeder one on one and that would probably narrow down your choice! Plus at reptile shows snakes are a lot cheaper! I've seen normal balls from $10-$25 dollars! If you don't have reptile shows near you one of the absolute best things you could do is go to a reptile rescue! A lot of people dump snakes and you can get a very nice morph for super cheap and give a snake a second chance! I got my chocolate ghi morph for $60 lol


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Originally Posted by Vithaxton

You can wait until a reptile expo is near you and then go pick out a snake then! You'd have many choices to choose from and you'd get to talk to a breeder one on one and that would probably narrow down your choice! Plus at reptile shows snakes are a lot cheaper! I've seen normal balls from $10-$25 dollars! If you don't have reptile shows near you one of the absolute best things you could do is go to a reptile rescue! A lot of people dump snakes and you can get a very nice morph for super cheap and give a snake a second chance! I got my chocolate ghi morph for $60 lol


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If money is a factor definitely understand that an expensive snake doesn't make a better pet than a cheap one. Boys are cheaper than girls and often make better pets. Normal ball pythons and "common" cornsnakes (I actually like the normal corns better than any of the morphs) can be had for less than the price of a meal at mcdonalds. The housing is going to cost more than the animal. Feeding it is going to cost you 2 to 5 dollars a week depending where you are getting your food from.

What size of a tank should I get for my snake? What is a good website/store to get them at an okay price? I dont want to use a plastic container though.

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Originally Posted by Burke

What size of a tank should I get for my snake? What is a good website/store to get them at an okay price? I dont want to use a plastic container though.

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My advice would be don't knock the plastic container. Read some threads on here about tubs and you will realize why especially if you are trying to keep a ball. A corn is a little easier to keep and a little more forgiving with husbandry issues. Regardless of which way you go, a thermostat is going to be your biggest investment. A tub will cost you around $8. A tank will be about $1 a gallon.

Read the stick threads about setups here.

Adult females can easily be kept in a 3'x2' enclosure. So keep that in mind, down to about 2.5'x1.5'

Now, that is floor space. For the plastic tubs you don't like, there is only like 7 inches of space above the snake.

Look into enclosures with that floor space, and whatever you want for overhead space. You'll want to keep the right temperatures and humidity in the enclosure, for that you don't really want something with overhead ventilation, but instead on the sides, and not too much ventilation.

Keep in mind that in all likelihood you'll be coming back freaking out why your snake is having so many issues.

Meanwhile I'm sitting next to a wooden box enclosure with a glass front and a friggin chickenwire mesh lid that is being heated by a 13w compact florescent bulb in a house that is between 68 and 72 degrees... and there is a 24 year old corn snake in there that has been in that enclosure for 20 years (at a different house; but she's currently fine-ish in this house).

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Originally Posted by Burke

What size of a tank should I get for my snake? What is a good website/store to get them at an okay price? I dont want to use a plastic container though.

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I'm going to be 100% honest with you do not get a tank if your a lazy person lol You will have to mist that thing like crazy! I use tubs! The best setup for a first time snake owner that I always recommend is going to Walmart and buying a tub there. A 41 quart tub will hold big females. If your getting a adult ball I recommend that size. It costs around $10 to $15. Then poke some holes in the sides for air ventilation or the top. I always do the top! Your going to need a humidity gauge for a while till you get the hang of it. Depending on how many holes you have will determine humidity in the tub! More holes less humidity! Less holes more humidity. Don't be scared to put a lot of holes at first you can always tape them up if you have too many. Now go get a under the tub heat pad from Petco. Make sure it is Zoomed! It's a sticky pad and goes on the bottom of about a quarter to half the tub. That will be the hotspot! Now make sure you buy a thermostat for the heat pad. They sell those there also! Plug the heat pad into that and set the thermostat to 80-85 don't set it any higher until you know the exact temp of the heat pad. You can get a heat gun from home depo and it's like a laser gun! Point it at the heat pad and it will tell you the temperature! You've pretty much got it setup! Add a hide (cave) and a big water bowl and use paper towels as substrate! You can also slide the tub under your bed and then slide it out when you want to handle your snek! lol that's what I originally did with my balls! Good luck!


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Seconding on the thermostat. Out of everything this is the most important equipment that would be worth investing money in to ensure safety and reliability. Remember, you will save way more money long term if you get a higher quality thermostat now rather than a cheaper one you will need to repair within a year or two. Make sure to save up for that!

You know what? Don't get a ball python, get a corn snake.

You're young and want to save some money on your pet snake and the enclosure. You also don't want to use tubs.

For ball pythons you're going to need to spend 200 to 300 dollars on an acceptable enclosure that doesn't require constant stressful attention. A tank can work, and can be made into something that works for ball pythons without constant attention, but it will require serious effort to set up on your part. You'll need a good thermostat and a lot of other stuff. It will still be 200 to 300 dollars to convert a tank, and it won't look nice or pretty. Let me break each of the acceptable BP enclosure styles down for you.

Things you need regardless: Heat tape or a heat mat, thermostat, water dish, hides. That's 20-40 dollars on the heating, 100 dollars on a good thermostat where you don't need to worry, and about 10 dollars for the dish and hides (assuming you are going with a dog dish and a few terracotta bases). That's about 150 dollars.

Tank: You need a tank, lid, clips for the lid or straps, and to cover the lid almost completely. You will also need a good substrate. End result is about 150 dollars, or less if you get it second hand.

Tub: You need a tub and some straps, done deal 20 dollars.

Reptile enclosure designed for the purpose: You need the enclosure, about 200 to 300 dollars.

Your options are 170 dollars on a tub, 300 on a tank, or 400 on a reptile enclosure.

Go for the corn snake.

If you're a bit short on money AND you want a tank, and you like both, then this is the only situation I'd say to get a corn snake... if you have to get a snake.

Keep in mind that your setup with even a cheap thermostat ($30), DIGITAL hygrometer ($10), and temp gun ($25) combined can cost much more than the snake. Like Vith said, normal ball python and corn snakes are CHEAP, sometimes even for free. But just because an animal is cheap, doesn't mean you're allowed to take worse care of it.

You can get all the necessary stuff on both reptilebasics.com and amazon.