Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone,

I have a corn snake which is very easy going and wanders around the tank every evening and moves on to my hand when I open the door. I also have a cali king x corn which is not so relaxed, he seldom makes an appearance and avoids being handled - i've done so much to tame him up ( which worked well) but after every shed he reverts back to his skittishness because I haven't handled him during shed period. It's been going on for six months now and I am going to return him to the shop as it won't be pleasant to continue like this for 15 years... he's so different to the corn. To fill the empty tank I was considering a ball python as they are reknowned for being fairly placid and I want an animal that will be a joy to keep like my corn, one that will be visible in the tank sometimes ( i know snakes hide a lot but I love seeing the corn move and bask etc., the king x is never visible))... and not like my king x corn! Do you experts recommend a ball and could you give me an idea of the easier/harder aspects of keeping them.
Thanks so much
Willzy

I say go with a ball. They are not as quick as a corn and will just hand usually, some like to move around more than others, occasionally you may get one with a attitude but with a little work they usually come around. The only thing I see a problem is that you want to see it visually in the tank, balls hide alot, they come out sometimes at night but 90% of the time they want to be in their hides, that is what makes the happy. You can take them out but when you put them back in the tank they will go straight for the hide. They are awesome snake to own I one would make a great pet for you.

Facts about ball pythons:

1. They are noctournal so they're usually only out at night, if they come out at all.
2. They can usually be found hiding. A comfy ball python will generally stay in a hide unless it's hungry or thirsty. I have a couple BP's that I swear I would leave the cage open all week and I'd still find them under the hide - that's how rarely they move if they're happy and full.

I'd say if you want a snake to handle and see, maybe a BP would be lower on your list. I don't see some of mine for days at a time, especially after a feeding. However, if you're willing to concede to the animals needs and behaviors, go ahead and get one. Also, let it be known that there are aggressive BP's that don't make good 'handling' snakes, too. So you could get a good one, or a very docile one. I have an adult male BP that is aggressive and will strike if given an opportunity - what if you end up with one of those? And as a bonus, he does not like to be disturbed or he goes off feed - so I have to cater to his special needs. Consider all the issues before you buy another snake. And remember these are reptiles, they don't "train" like a dog, they can strike at ANY time (my friend had his 10-year old boa strike him in the face several years ago when he was holding it around his neck & shoulders - and this was a gentle non-aggressive animal that had never done anything like that before). I just really have never considered any herp a 'handling' type pet. They seem to do better when they are not disturbed.
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they pretty much hit it on the nose.

about wanting to see it, all of my bp come out at around 10-12 at night on the dot, that is, when they haven't just had a meal. So from my experience, ur only gonna really get about 1-2 hours of activity/viewing time (they do come out later sometimes but who is up at 3 am consistently? hehe)

Thanks a lot guys!...you're replies were very helpful

Not sure now, i like the idea of having a slower snake like a ball because the cross I just took back to the shop was skittish but if there's a chance of a ball being aggressive I don't want to end up in the same boat.

If I can find a fairly docile one I would love to keep one, it would be a nice contrast to the corn.

Are there any other species to recommend to someone like me who wants a docile snake but sonething different to a corn or a king?

Hav a good 1!

Willzy

I've heard good things about spotted pythons (aka Children's Python), but have never owned one firsthand. I guess they could really be vicious and have 4" fangs, and I wouldn't know that was the reality. But I've only heard good things about them. And.. BONUS! They look great and are an easy size to deal with. For some reason I've never picked one up for myself, though.

Ball pythons? Those I know. And I've accepted their best and worse.

Retics & Burms.. I know them, too. They get way to big, way too fast (google "Bob Clark fluffy" and see what you could potentially have to deal with).

Try attenting a reptile show if you can. Maybe what you really want is a nice, hairy tarantula!
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Astronomy Picture of the Day