What type of snake should I get?

[Burke]

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.

[LiadanCroft]

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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[Oxylepy]

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?

[MissterDog]

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.

[redshepherd]

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.

[Chilcie]

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!

[dboeren]

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.

[bcr229]

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

[Stewart_Reptiles]

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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[jedimojeaux]

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!