Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have spent almost a month deciding should I own a corn snake or a kingsnake? Both are really cool but I am only able to keep one snake because the expense would be greater if I kept two. If it helps the species of kingsnake I like is gray banded kingsnake. I am not very good at making decisions so any suggestions would be appreciated lol. =)

if its your first snake go with corn
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Jake Barney and Brandon O'Dell
eight02exotics

current (small) collection
1.1.1 ball pythons
0.2 corns
1.0 cal king
0.0.1 wc garter

I would NOT recommend a hatchling Gray-Banded King for a first time animal, unless you are ABSOLUTELY certain it has eaten unscented pinkies MANY times!, and if you don't know what I'm talking about, well, then that would be my VERY POINT.

Even so, I think a cornsnake(there are MANY types)would be the best choice at this point, and as you gain more experience, you could acquire more afterwards.

Do yourself(and the snake) a HUGE favor, and get a good book or two on the type of snake you're interested in, this will benefit you more than you can imagine, and you can refer to it whenever you want. There are definitely some important "basics" to learn, so you don't have to get on the forum every time a problem arises that should have been prevented in the first place.

Sorry for sounding blunt, but I'm really just trying to help you and your future snake out.

best regards, ~Doug


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"Better to be silent and thought a fool, than to open mouth and remove any doubt!"

Hi, thanks for the replies. I myself have already owned snakes in the past, a normal cornsnake and I actually took care of a cal king for a while too for a friend so I have lets say a couple years of experience. The books deal, I have 9 books on snakes and research online also, 7 of those books being kingsnakes and milk snakes my favorite being applegates. I always read about things I am interested in, that many books is not needed lol. I am the kind of person who provides enough things maybe even more than neccessary for my pets and if a vet is needed I will go to a vet. I am very knowledgable with problem feeders so that will help a lot also. My question was a corn snake or a kingsnake (grayband) regardless of other things that may apply but it sounds like I should go with a corn snake then!

By the way thanks for the pictures, both of those snakes are stunning! May I ask what type of cornsnake that is above the gray band? Looks like a ghost?

True dat! I've been keeping snakes since I was a wee lad, but the grey-band I got in '06 really tested my skills (and taught me some new ones). And that was AFTER I had done all my homework!
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1.1.0 Hondurans Het Amel
1.1.0 Hondurans Anery, Het Hypo
0.1.0 Honduran Hypo
0.2.0 Pueblans
1.0.0 Thayeri MSP
0.0.1 GBK Blair's Phase
1.0.0 California King
0.0.1 Speckled King WC
0.0.1 Jungle Carpet
0.1.0 Ball, Normal
0.0.1 Sulcata
0.1.0 Girlfriend, Caucasius Mexicana, Fiancee Phase

Grey-bands are wonderful snakes, but are often difficult to get started on mice. IF you can work through the possible frustration of dealing with a problem feeder, they make wonderful pets. Spend some time asking questions on the grey-banded king forum before making your decision.
Corns, on the other hand, are pretty nice too and very easy to keep.

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1.1.0 Hondurans Het Amel
1.1.0 Hondurans Anery, Het Hypo
0.1.0 Honduran Hypo
0.2.0 Pueblans
1.0.0 Thayeri MSP
0.0.1 GBK Blair's Phase
1.0.0 California King
0.0.1 Speckled King WC
0.0.1 Jungle Carpet
0.1.0 Ball, Normal
0.0.1 Sulcata
0.1.0 Girlfriend, Caucasius Mexicana, Fiancee Phase

Definitely go w/ a King. I've got 2 Cal Kings and a Speckled King.

reako45