Reptile & Amphibian Forums

The other day I was just looking at pictures, and found this beautiful Alterna on SierraHerps site. I can't stop looking at it!

We just got our first snake, a Florida King, and are still learning about her every day. But I think I have already picked out my next one! How would these snakes differ from my Florida King in temperament, size, behavior, etc.?

Thanks. And thanks to SierraHerps, great site.

Alterna are great. They get about 3 - 3.5 feet long, tame down as good as any kingsnake and are easy to take care of. A hot spot of 80-85 with a cool side of around 70 although they will easily tolerate drops into the low 60's as long as they have a hot spot.
The only thing about alterna is that babies can be difficult to get switched to mice. They frequently prefer lizards as first foods but once they are on mice they are as good of eaters as any kingsnake. If it is your first one be sure to ask if it is feeding on mice.

Gray bands are a great choice for any collection. They stay relativly small, are very easy to handle and once eating almost always take thawed rodents without hesitation.

A few of mine..

Those are beautiful, I love that close-up shot. I think it will be a while before our Florida King sits still long enough to get a detail shot like that.

I notice the photo of the one I really liked and tried to post from SierraHerps isn't showing up, so I just put the link below.

Image

I love those River Rd. alterna's too.

Here's mine. The 1st one is a male and he's has kept and even increased that blueish hue into adulthood. My female is alot like Bob's on Sierra Herps but I need to get an updated pic of her. I love the Sierra Herp's website. Bob H. does have an excellent site doesn't he?

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Vichris
"The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane"- Marcus Aurelius

Vichris Variables

Eddie,

Looking at the alterna you like, you might also want to consider a Thayeri. They vary alot but many can look similar to the alterna in the link. Thayeri are similar in size and disposition, but tend to be a bit easier to get to feed on mice (at least in my experience. Good luck what ever you do.