Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I had a corn snake, but got rid of him because everytime I held him he would crap all over me. I did some research and learned that only corns and kings do this.
Well, I love snakes. And I'm looking to get one soon. But I cant figure out what breed I want. I'm leaning towards a king or rosy boa. I'm just afraid that I'm going to have the same problem with a king that I did with my corn.
When I handle my pet, I do not want to worry about it crapping all over me......
What should I do?

Oh, and one more question. I might buy a wild-caught king and keep it as a pet. But I've heard that wild snakes have internal parasites......does this affect humans or other animals (my other pets) in any way? Or does it just eventually kill the snake?

All the info/suggestions you guys can give, I really appreciate.

Thank you.

~JeSsIcA

Well the getting crapped on thing is mostly luck of the draw but you should be aware almost all snakes grow out of this and simply stop doing that when they get used to handeling. This is actually a good time of year to find a snake that is approaching sub adult size, as it is mostly babies that crap and musk a lot. You could probably score a sub adult male for a decent price this time of year, just ask the breeder how calm the snake is and make sure it suits you. It is best to forget wild caughts, matter of fact try not to buy from a pet store either. Check the classifieds for a reputable breeder and do not impulse buy, take your time and make sure you're getting what you want. It is odd the Corn was a pooper, they're usually not like that? Good luck with your search Tom Stevens
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TomsSnakes.com

Why should I forget about wild-caught snakes? I caught a gopher snake once (teenager) and he made a great pet. I used to take him into Petco with me (to get his food), and when he got tired of all the attention, he would slither inside my purse and chill in there.

P.S. Only reason I got rid of him is because, at the time, I was living with my mom and she found out I had him, and to say the least: FrEaKeD.

~JeSsIcA

Well I suppose if you only intend to have one snake a wild caught is not too bad, but the point I was trying to make is they can spread parasites or disease to captive born snakes. Not so much from just being in the same room, though it is possible, but little mistakes like moving uneaten food from cage to cage or water dishes and things like that including not wahsing your hands enough. If you have captive born healthy animals most would recomend a quarantine period for the wild caught snake before introducing it to your collection, and it should at least have a fecal exam if not a vet check up. This can cost as much as a new captive born snake, so most choose captive born. Many even quarantine captive born and keep an eye on them before exposing them to their collection. My collection is fairly large and I would not even consider letting a wild caught snake in my house, just too risky. One mite can bring a kazillion if it goes unnoticed. I also prefer to leave wild snakes in the wild......there's only a billion of them for sale every year from reputable breeders and chances are you will get a snake you won't have to worry so much about. No need to hope it acclimates itself to captive life, as not all wild snakes appreciate being kept in a cage, some will just never adapt and deteriorate and die Tom Stevens
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TomsSnakes.com

I agree with Tom as far as wild caught vs captive bred, and for all the same reasons.

Now as far as what kind of kingsnake, may I suggest a Variable kingsnake. They are also know as thayeri, & nuevo leon kingsnakes. They have excellent temperments, feed readily, rarely musk, and I've never had one bite. They also seem to like human interaction. Here's the best part though, they are beautiful and come in a myriad of colors and morphs.

Here's some pics

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Vichris

Vichris Variables

Wild caughts are fine as long as you dont have other CB specimens in the same room. You could pass on mites, ticks, and a variety of internal parasites. I live in Vegas and have been catching snakes for 15 years. You just have to be careful and make sure you do a fecal exam if you keeping the snake around others.There are so many CB snakes now though theres no need to buy a wild caught and chance it. As far as good snakes to keep though, Ive found that as far as for defacating not much you can do till they grow out of it. Common kings and corns are by far the easiest and most redaily availbe snakes on the market. I would recomend a Cal king or possibly a brooksi since they are both exallent feeders and would probly grow out lf the craping fase faster.

A gravid hypo Florida (AKA Brooksi)