Snake People! - I need your help!

[Moshimaru]

I've been intrigued by snakes for awhile and lately have had some actual one on one time with a some that have just sealed the deal. The problem I face now, is what species do I get? There is another Reptile Expo coming up next month where I plan to purchase.

I'm looking at either a corn, hognose, or ball python. On one hand, I don't want a super huge snake but one that would enjoy being handled and what not.

Any suggestions?

 

[WallyLoopey]

I would go with ball python. They are easily handled and hardly ever bite.
In reality anything with a mouth can bite though

 

[expressmailtome]

@Jenphilly may have a recommendation.

 

[Lwalker]

I only have experience with California Kings and Mexican Milk Snakes. Both were easy to handle and keep. Never got bitten but as with birds you need to learn proper handling and body language. California King snakes are a good size (average about 4 feet but can get to 6) and not very thick. The Mexican Milk snake is smaller (about 2 1/2 feet) and more slender.

Fascinating creatures. Just make sure you have a vet who knows about them (and the money to pay for specialists if needed)-- you will be used to that, having parrots.

 

[Heather F]

@MandaExotics and @riddick07 are the real snake aficionados here that I can think of, tagging them

 

[aooratrix]

Hognoses are uncommon here, at least. Unless you know of a vendor or breeder who brings them to that event, you may not see one. From my experience, a ball is more laid back than a corn and won't get as long as some of the larger corn snakes. You should find both at almost any reptile fair.

 

[Moshimaru]

Hognoses are uncommon here, at least. Unless you know of a vendor or breeder who brings them to that event, you may not see one. From my experience, a ball is more laid back than a corn and won't get as long as some of the larger corn snakes. You should find both at almost any reptile fair.

They had hognose's at the last one. I didn't really take stock of all the snakes, other than there were a million!, but "accidentally" picked up another Beardie lol

 

[MandaExotics]

Ball pythons are great but they're the heaviest and larger of the choices. Most are pretty docile. Some people say they've had issues with them being picky eaters but I haven't had that issue. I'm fairly biased to hognose snakes, I ended up with my first one last year and have found they're my favorite. They're rare in most pet stores but common at expos usually. Most aren't prone to biting and they're easy to carry in hand to different places; I'm excited for the summer as my hognose will get a taste of the outside for the first time. Hognose snakes require the smallest amount of space for all these choices but they're also burrowers in substrate (I still see mine regularly though). Corn snakes are awesome in that they weigh less than an adult ball python if that's an issue and come in so many color morphs. I really do love corn snakes. King snakes are cool but there's a few species that can be nippy when young but grow out of it with regular handling. Corn snakes tend to be a bit less nippy than many rat snakes when younger and I think they make awesome pets. Out of all these, a ball python is more likely to stay in one place for longer but they're all fairly easy to handle. This is a generality though as some individuals may differ (disclaimer lol).

 

[Moshimaru]

Ball pythons are great but they're the heaviest and larger of the choices. Most are pretty docile. Some people say they've had issues with them being picky eaters but I haven't had that issue. I'm fairly biased to hognose snakes, I ended up with my first one last year and have found they're my favorite. They're rare in most pet stores but common at expos usually. Most aren't prone to biting and they're easy to carry in hand to different places; I'm excited for the summer as my hognose will get a taste of the outside for the first time. Hognose snakes require the smallest amount of space for all these choices but they're also burrowers in substrate (I still see mine regularly though). Corn snakes are awesome in that they weigh less than an adult ball python if that's an issue and come in so many color morphs. I really do love corn snakes. King snakes are cool but there's a few species that can be nippy when young but grow out of it with regular handling. Corn snakes tend to be a bit less nippy than many rat snakes when younger and I think they make awesome pets. Out of all these, a ball python is more likely to stay in one place for longer but they're all fairly easy to handle. This is a generality though as some individuals may differ (disclaimer lol).

Thanks for the insight! I have all my supplies already minus the habitat. I think it may just end up what I end up seeing there and falling in love with.

 

[MandaExotics]

Thanks for the insight! I have all my supplies already minus the habitat. I think it may just end up what I end up seeing there and falling in love with.

That's the best way to do it Not that it matters now but as snakes get larger you may find they can tip over the water bowls. My adult snakes get glass bakeware for this reason: they can't tip them over and can submerge themselves in the larger bowls. When they're young I use the plastic dog bowls. I've also used kritter keepers and taken the lid off before but it's a little heavy to fill full enough so I don't do it often. I like ceramic bowls for their weight too but not the reptile bowls they sell with the ridges as I find them harder to clean.

 

[Tyrion]

I bred all of the above for 25 plus yrs and it really is your preference ...corns are nice because they easy to look after and come in such pretty colors and you wont loose your wallet to get them ...Balls and come in some nice colors but you will be paying more for them ..they are nice because they are bigger of the three but they are a lil harder to look after require more heat and they are a lil more shy as babies ...Kings and Milks are great because they are easy to look after and come is some amazing colors but they are nippy at first and may pee on you ....Hoggs are nice pets and easy to look after and come in some pretty colors ...as in birds snakes come in first best snakes to own and corns are the ones ...I would just go to the show and see what catches your eye just make sure you do your research on each because even though I say easy to take care of they do need to have proper housing and care or they will get sick ...and please don't let anyone tell you that you can keep them in small cages once they get to adult size ...a corn,king,milk should have no smaller then a 30-50 gallon tank and a ball should have nothing smaller then a 3ft-4ft cage ...you can keep them in smaller cages but its not the best ...even though allot of people do it should not be done...have fun at the show

Edit ...all babies should be started out in a small tank no bigger then a 10 gallon

 

[riddick07]

I agree go to the show and just leave with the one that catches your eye. I have corns and ball pythons but haven't picked up a hognose yet. Hognose are considered rear fanged so you may have a slight reaction to their bite. It's almost not worth mentioning but I have seen multiple people with decent reactions. Most of the time it's because people let the animal chew on them for a little while for a photo op before getting the snake off. I was going to get a hognose but decided on a false water cobra and rufous beaked instead. Though knowing me I might add a hognose anyway lol

I would look up corn morphs since often adults look much different than babies that way you know what the animals will look like as adults when you walk though the show. You can't go wrong with any of the three you meantioned! If you want something to sit still with you for longer periods than the ball python is the better option.

 

[Jenphilly]

I am so sorry I've been offline for a bit and just catching up... I see Victoria answered (riddick07), but throwing my two cents in as well!! We have different opinions on some snakes

For the hognose, if you have an allergy problems or react to spider bites, swell up when a mosquito gets you and especially if you react at all to beestings, getting a hognose is not the best plan. Victoria mentioned they are rear fanged... I would also avoid them if there are kids in the home, just the mom in me.

Corns are a super awesome first snake. 99% of the time they are wonderful natured, tho they are pretty active, tho my Jigsaw is pretty mellow and I think I've posted pics of her chilling around an arm or in a pocket. So many awesome color variations too.

If you consider a ball python, please purchase from a reputable breeder and make sure they give you a feeding history. Ball python babies are notorious for failing to thrive because they can lack a feed response so literally starve themselves. If you go with a ball python, do not get a hatchling and be sure to ask for the feeding history and make sure if a younger ball python, they have taken regular meals in the last month or so (typically weekly minimum). If not, walk away, no matter how pretty, we've had the heartbreak of trying to get ball python babies to eat and when they lack that feed response there is little you can do to jumpstart that response. But, if you purchase one that is 6 months or older and growing / feeding well, not the worry as with a baby. BPs also come in an amazing array of mutations. They are usually very mellow, they are known in the snake world as 'pet rocks'. Tho, you will sometimes find one that is more outgoing and curious. The pretty little one Victoria got recently (butter line morph I think), is super adorable and has a very curious nature, so they can be fantastic snakes.

Corns and established BPs are both fairly forgiving for temps and humidity. So both fairly easy, just make sure you have the proper setup, under viv / cage / tank heating that can be adjusted and a good digital heat temp gun / reader (not the crappy stick on type, you want a digital one that you can take temps on warm and cool sides, as well as direct where the heater is).

Another option that I've grown quite fond of are the Chinese Beauty snakes. They are not super common, so you may have trouble finding one of those at a show. But you want Chinese, do not (in all caps DO NOT) get a Vietnamese Blue Beauty as a first snake. They get larger and don't have the friendliest temperaments usually. Victoria has quite a few Beauties, if you look back thru the posts, you'll see posts on her first clutch of babies that hatched out in 2016, awesome snakes too. Slightly bigger and thicker then a Corn.

I agree to go and see what snake species you are drawn to... just try to have your phone with you so you can do some quick homework / research before you buy. Some breeders are pretty underhanded and much like with birds won't tell you the entire truth, so there are some snakes you want to avoid that are more difficult first snakes - the first one that pops into my head is a rainbow boa. While they don't get huge and thick, they are super high maintenance and totally unforgiving for mistakes in temps / humidity. So having access to do a quick search could be a lifesaver for you!!

Good luck and look forward to hearing what you end up with!!

 

[Moshimaru]

I went with a year old ish ball python. He's still settling in by I'm already wanting more! Picked up a crested gecko as well... oh my I see another obsession happening soon!

 

[WallyLoopey]

Congrats! I LOVE crested geckos. So beautiful.

And yes..it can become an obsession real quick! Watch out!

 

[HawkEagle]

Crested Geckos are wonderful! So are snakes! Congratulations

 

[theocnoob]

Do yourself a favor and start with a snake that is very hardy, not prone to health problems, and has a good feeding response. I suggest a young kingsnake, such as a california king, from a reputable breeder (get a feeding history!). Any time I've gotten a snake I've always asked to watch it be fed before I buy to see its food response. You may have to come back on another day if it's most recent meal was TOO recent. If the snake nails the prey item immediately or almost immediately and swallows it vigorously, that is the snake for you. Put your ear to its nose and listen for wheezing or clicking or popping. Should be none. Check the snake for mites and ticks. Snake mites are small black bugs and they like to be around the eyes, nostrils, heat pits (such as in some pythons and vipers) and the vent area. Snake ticks (very rare in cb snakes) look like a weird protruding scale. Check the snakes vent (anus) and make sure that it is completely clean and not irritated.

And yes, california kings are more active, flighty, and bitey than ball pythons, but they are also hardier and have a better feed response.