Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello there,
we have been looking for about 8 months into getting a snake for our sons. They are 13 and 10. We haven't wanted to rush into anything as they are live animals and we wanted to be sure that the novelty would not wear off. We have heard so many different opinions on whether to get a corn snake or a ball python. In your opinion which is the better snake for two young beginners. Also do you know of any breeders in the London, St Thomas area as I would prefer to buy from a breeder than a pet store. Also if I order through extreme snakes etc is the shipping stressful on the snake? Thank you so much

Ball pythons and corn snakes are good beginner snakes. However, giving that ball pythons do tend to fast for long periods of time normally, this can often be alarming for first time snake owners. It may be better to get a corn snake. They do have a lesser initial cost, are easy to keep and don't require alot of space (typically a 35-40G long tank is ideal for an adult corn). Also you can get a wide variety of color and pattern without paying too much. Albinos (amelanistic) corns are stricking and pretty cheap and even the normal phases of corn snakes can be quite stricking as well, such as the Miami phase or Okeetee phase.

There is a reptile show coming on in April in Toronto where there is bound to be plenty of corn snake babies available for good prices. Info about the reptile expo can be found here: www.reptileexpo.ca Also, there is a reptile sho in St.Jocob which I think is in the London area. Website can be found here: www.reptileexpo.co.nr/

Shipping is stressful to the snake. Good packaging and care in ensuring the experience is as non stressful as possible, will make it less straining on the snake. Good packaging includes properly bagged/contained snake either in a sealed deli dish (sealed so lid won't come off but still having air holes of course) or pillow case tied off and/or taped to prevent escape with the proper heating/cooling packs to ensure a comfortable temperature within the shipping box itself. Ii should be shipped over night, usually by air freight if far enough away. Certainly would be a good ideal to ask a detailed account on how the snake is packaged and shipped and if they have a live delivery guarentee.

Here is one breeder in your area, in Kitchener to be exact.

www.globalexoticpets.com/

I also agree that a corn snake would be better for your sons. I have a ball python myself and it is very discouraging at times. She has not eaten in about 4 months now and it gets frusterating. They are actually high in maintenance. Corn snakes will grow maybe a little longer but are not as nearly thick or as strong so it would be better for a boy to have a corn snake. Also, a corn snake will generally only need mice so you will save money on having to buy a rat all the time because mice are cheaper. In general, I would recommend a corn snake.
Em

In defense of Ball Pythons, I have raised many individuals (the majority in fact) who have never missed their weekly meal. Both Corns and Balls make ideal pets if you get them as well started captive bred Babies, and dont start them out in a huge enclosure. It mostly comes down to which one you like better