Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I only keep venomous right now and am wanting to get a nice CB colubrid, something that is even-tempered and a good pet snake. I've had kingsnakes and ratsnakes in the past, but kingsnakes bite you and crap all over you and well I'm just bored of ratsnakes. What can you guys tell me about N. Pine Snakes? I know where to buy some CB'06 babies right now but I am wondering how do they do in captivity as adults as far as handling,etc.I guess while I'm at it, what are their habitat requirements as well... Thanks for any information.
Drew.

Drew, northerns are indeed my favorite snake and I hold mine more than any other snake I own. They seem to really like to be handled and I honestly could not think of a better snake for you to own if you do not own any pits.

Here is a care sheet link:
http://www.kingsnake.com/pituophis/care_group1.html

Pits do not seem to need as high of a temp than other snakes. I would keep your northerns anywhere from 78-82 at the very most.

Keep us posted!
Billy

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Genesis 1:1

Thanks for the quick response...I would really like to get one. Glades has some for $95, is that a good price? Are males or females any different as far as temperment? I will let you know, I want a unique colubrid like them. Oh, my snake room usually is around 84 or 85 degrees in day around 76 at night. Would that be too high, even if I fed him often...Thanks, Drew.

I personally think that 84 or 85 would be too high, as I would never have my snake room get that high, but for the species you normally keep, that may be what you need to keep it at. Most of my collection are pits, so 78-82 give or take is the best temps in my opinion. If the pine is hotter than what it may be used to, it actually may be more prone to hissing and putting on a show and also, the chance of it regurging its' food goes up if they are kept really hot.

Your pine will grow quick so I would personally recommend every 5 to 7 days for each feeding.

As far as $95 for a baby pine ( that is assuming that it is a hatchling ) that is pretty high. You can find them from anywhere from $50 to $65 at shows. On the classifieds, I have seen them for more though sometimes. It all is about if you think the pine is worth what you pay for. Then again, I love northerns so much, I would have paid $95 for any of mine.

Take care!
Billy
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Genesis 1:1

All I have right now are Naja ssp., so my room is about 85 in day and 78 at night. I will keep my Pine in my living room since he will be more of a pet snake anyway- where it should be anywhere from 75-80. Talk to you soon.,
Drew.

YO,
To hot for Pits!!! Especially Pines!!!! There is nothing quite like the odor of a puked Rat!!!! Billy knows of what he speaks!!! Keep 'em cooler!!! My snake room never gets above 80! But I don't keep tropical species. Might be better to keep the Pine (when you get it) in a different place or , at the very least, on the floor which is the coolest place in a room. Be careful though. Once you get a Pit you're hooked!!! Good luck!!!

Pat

Yo Bro,
Have a heart!!!!! You know how hard it is for me not to covet!!! And you just keep those Northern pics comin'!!!! Have you no compassion????LOL

Pat

Pat, you crack me up!
Billy
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Genesis 1:1

My experience with northerns are that they are puppy dog tame, and they grow to exceptional size. The pic is of my 8.5 foot breeder male. I have a clutch of '06 hatchlings.