Balls Vs. Corns: Which one should I get?

Question

I am interested in buying a snake. The only reptiles I've had as pets were anoles. I am interested in a docile, slow moving snake that may actually grow to recognize me. I plan on handling my snake at least every other day when its possible. I will be keeping it in a rubbermaid box about the length of a long 20 gal tank, but wider. I don't want anything big enough to eat rats. After much research my search is down to boas or corns, which one should I get? And where in Rhode Island can I find a breeder?

Answer 1

i have 5 ball pythons and i love them. the only thing is for ball pythons, you need to choose one that eats great. come can be very difficult to feed. i feed my 3 bigger ones (3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet) small to medium sized rats. a mouse is just too small for them. i feed my 1 year old an adult mouse. finally i feed my hatchling a mouse pinky every week. eventually, they will need to eat rats. if you feel uncomfortable, you can feed them 2 small mice each feeding time.

i recently rescued a 5 foot male boa. he is my first boa and he is a pain! he is just so much diff. from balls. so boas should be left for more experienced snake owners, not beginners. corn snakes are too skinny and squirmy for me to handle. but thats just me.

good luck!

Answer 2

If you're interested in getting a smaller snake to keep in a 20 gallon sweater box - neither a Ball Python nor a Corn Snake is a good choice for you.

As the other person mentioned, a Kenyan Sand Boa seems like a perfect option for you, very docile snakes that can be handled often as you'd like, and they're super easy to care for, and won't ever get large enough for rats. Rosy Boa as they also mentioned is great too, but they will grow out of a 20 gallon, and I've seen some large enough to feed on rats.

So at this point I think a Kenyan Sand Boa is the best choice of what  you're looking for.

I'm not exactly sure where you can get a Sand Boa in RI, try googleing "Kenyan Sand Boa Breeder in Rhode Island" - but if you feel comfortable shipping to where you live, that is also another option, breeders now-a-days pack their animals very well and gaurentee satisfaction. But trust me, NEVER get one at a pet store.

Try these sites:

http://www.vmsherp.com/ViewSandBoas.htm

http://www.jasons-jungle.com/available-s...

http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/pp_class...

http://www.sandboapage.com/eryx_kenyan_s...

http://www.sandboapage.com/eryx_kenyan_s...

http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/anim...

(on the last link scroll down a bit for the Sand Boas)

If I can be of any more assistance please don't hesistate to email me. I really hope I could be of some help to you! And good luck in getting your new snake, you'll love them, they're great pets!

Answer 3

Personally, I'd rather have balls than corns. It's up to you, though.

Answer 4

boas get big id get a cornsnake for your first one

Answer 5

definetely a corn

Answer 6

both so you can be a freak like me....seriously....

I have five reptiles....three are snakes....2 corn and one ball

im a freak i know ...FREAK!

Answer 7

u need to get a corn snakes cuz they are the most kind snakes in the world and they only grow up to 12 inches and a boa is most likely to bite you and they grow up to be 2 yards. and since your in rhode island it would be faster and have more chances finding a breeder with corn snakes cuz they r the most popular snakes in the united states.    GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!

Answer 8

try a sand boa they are the perfect snake for your needs they are small nice love to be held and sometime don't even get to eating adult mice. a rosy boa might work to they are small and a little bigger try a rubber boa too they are all small and docile and cheap. hear are some places to buy them

http://market.kingsnake.com/detail.php?c...

http://market.kingsnake.com/detail.php?c...

http://market.kingsnake.com/detail.php?c...

it's where i got all three of mine. none of the get bigger than 32 inches. corn snake grow from 3-5 feet long don't listen to the person who said they grow 12 inches they are crazy

if you have any questions e-mail me

Answer 9

We got a corn about 3 months ago.  She is a great pet.  Very easy to take care of.  Eats frozen (then thawed) mice.  She will come out of her hiding spot if I say her name.  I don't know about a local breeder, but I have heard good things about www.cornutopia.com.  Also the yahoo groups for corn snake owners is great ( http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/corn_...

Answer 10

I would recommend getting a Ball Python. Very docile snake. Very well tempered, easy to take care of and actually more beautiful than a corn snake. The ball pythons generally only get about 3 to 4 feet in length and can get as round as a tennis ball in the biggest part of their body. Perfect for a 20 gal enclosure. They do eat mice however most snakes either eat mice or rats. I would lean towards a ball. A ball is a python not a boa. I hope you make a good choice. Good Luck~