Looking for the right snake?

Question

I am getting a pet snake but I am not sure what kind to get I have narrowed it down to two a King Snake or a Ball Python. I would like it to be fairly easy to take care of because I am a beginner and will be good to handle and hold. I also want it to be able to adapt well where I live which is georgia. Any suggestions? If so.. why?

Answer 1

being a beginner like i was i would go for a ball python as they are slower moving whic makes getting used to handling alot easier. they are easy to care for and in my opinion the ideal pet and they make a great starter snake. hope this elped

Answer 2

I'd like to choose a kingsnake from your options. Why? Because i have one and she's the most docile snake i've ever known ^^

She never bites me at all ^^

Umm...kingsnakes are more colorful in my eyes, while ball python usually have brownish color pattern (except for albino and leucystic one)

I know ball pythons are docile & a laid-back snake. You can't watch TV or read novels with your kingsnake sit tight and sleep on your lap, that's a rare case ^^

What kingsnakes usually do is to move around and keep your hands busy. But ball pythons can sit and join you watching TV shows for hours without making you "busy" ^^

So the choice is yours but i still vote for kingsnakes

Hope this helps ^^

Answer 3

I would recommend, out of those two, a king snake. A ball python, while remaining small, will be thicker than the ball python. I have attached a care sheet for both.

Enjoy your snake and welcome to the world of reptiles!!

http://www.geocities.com/kingbones7/care...

http://www.newenglandreptile.com/CareBal...

Answer 4

I would recommend a ball python for a starter snake. I have own and currently owning both type of snakes and a ball python would be the best for you.

Ball pythons are more docile and "chill" when you hold them. They aren't quick at movements so it wouldn't scare you as much when they move. They are much easier to handle and hold, king snakes are very quick and can move away from you much quicker then the ball python. When I put my ball pythons on the bed they usually just chill on my bed or my shoulder while my king snake just practically disappear or about to fall off my shoulder(they aren't suppose to be shoulder snakes)

So basically I would recommend a ball python, they aren't fast movers, their movement isn't as quick as a king snake, they are much easier to handle if you want a shoulder snake, and they are much thicker so it's easier to hold. =]

Hope this can help and if you need anything at all fel free to email me! I would love to help you out! =] Here is a link about a ball python if you need anything else. Or just email me =] Good luck on picking out a snake.

http://www.reptilerescueca.org/Ball.html

Answer 5

Both are very good types of snakes.

The average kingsnake costs $60 to $150.  The "designer kingsnakes" (fancy colors only found in captivity) cost quite a bit more.  They're pretty good feeders on frozen/thawed mice.

If you get a ball python, you'll want a normal, because the "designer ball pythons" are at least $300, sometimes almost $3000.   Not a good idea for a beginner to spend that much on their new pet.   The normals are anywhere from $30 to $75.  on the downside, not all of them will eat frozen/thawed mice, so there's a slight chance you'll have to feed live.

King snakes are thinner and therefore weigh less, so they might be easier to handle.  But ball pythons are really nice snakes, not as hyper and more inclined to hold still, so it depends on how involved you want to be in the handling.  Think active toddler (king snake) vs infant (ball python).  The ball python is more likely to cuddle, but the king snake is more entertaining.

Of those two, I'd go with a ball python if anyone who will spend time with the snake has a cat.  Why?  Because BPs tend to be less aggressive than king snakes, and won't get as upset if they smell a cat.  King snakes will FREAK if they can smell cats, even if the cat is not present....so if a cat owner comes near them they still get waaay nervous.  My friend has several king snakes, and when I visit they smell my cat on me and go bonkers.  

Also, have you considered a corn snake?  They are very nice for beginners.  Most cost under $100, though if you want something really fancy it could cost around $700.  They come in almost every color imaginable (even purple!  ok, it's purpleish gray, but still sorta purple) and are very docile.  They almost never bite, they're one of the least nippy snakes.  The only time I've ever been bitten was when my hands smelled like mice and a confused (and hungry!) yearling started chewing on my thumb--that hurt less than your average papercut.    Most people say they're the best beginner snake.  They'll need a 10 to 20 gallon tank as a baby, and a 55 gallon tank as an adult, just like a king snake or ball python would need.  And they're native to the southeastern USA, so a corn should do great for you!  Since they're a temperate snake, you'll have an easier time keeping them warm year round.  Plus, you'll be hard put to find one that won't eat frozen/thawed mice.

As far as morphs go, I like anerys (dark gray, cost about $35), ghosts (light gray, costs about $50), butters (pale to bright yellow, cost about $50), and amels (orange and white, cost about $30).

If you're looking for a good breeder, there are lots in the southeast.  I reccomend either a professional or hobbyist breeder over a pet store, because they actually know what they're doing...most pet stores won't.  Kathy Love in Florida (her business can be found at www.cornutopia.com) breeds mostly corn snakes but also has some really nice ball pythons.  Bailey Reptiles in Louisiana breeds exclusively ball pythons, all sorts of fancy colors plus a few normals.  VMS Herp in Colorado (ok, not in the southeast, but oh well) has a good selection of kingsnakes, cornsnakes, and ball pythons.  South Mountain Reptiles in Texas (sorta kinda in the southeast) has cornsnakes and probably kingsnakes.  NOTE: this is just a list of the breeders I know of.  There are many other good breeders out there, but I only know of a few.

Answer 6

Definitely a Ball Python. Its an easy snake to get used to before moving on to bigger ones. A lot of the information you learn from this one will help when moving on to other breeds. I have a three year old that i let hold mine as well as neighbors that come and ask to hold her.

Answer 7

I personally find Ball Pythons dull, so if you want a snake with more 'personality' and that's more active I'd go with the Kingsnake - it's what I would choose if I was in your position. But if you want an extremely laid-back snake that doesn't do much, a Ball Python might be more your style.

No matter what, it's all up to you, just do a lot of research on both and make your own decision.