Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi snake people!

I am new to snakes and i am hoping the kind people of this forum can answer some of my questions. I never kept snakes before, and i have a sudden itch to try and keep some. I personally think the grey-bands are one of the best, if not the best looking snakes out there. I am curious about one thing though. Why there seems, or appears to be less gray-banded keepers, bredders and sellers out there? I mean, when compared to all the other snakes, gray-banded kingsnakes seem to be the least popular. Why? Is it because it is relatively new to the snake keeping hobby, or is it that gray-bandeds are rare and expensive? Or perhapes gray-banded is a very aquired tatste, and that only certain people like them. Or perhapes does it have anything to do with their desposition? Is there even a sizable market out there? is it even easy to sell gray-banded kingsnakes, or there isn't a large and attractive market out there which is why there are so limited breeders? I am sorry if it seemed like i clumped too many questions in one post. I am just very curious as to the popularity of the gray banded kingsnakes. Anybody with information and experience, please do enlighten me. Thank you in advance!

I think it is probably because greyband hatchlings are hard to get started on pinky mice. Most breeders do not want the hassle of feeding lizards, lizard scented pinks, etc. Most breeders breed animals they can hatch, feed a couple pinks, and sell. Greybands take some time and patience...

TA

They are WELL worth the extra time and patience some of them require!
Bill

They may not seem popular, but I'd say most of the people who like them LOVE them. It's kind of like a cult film. They don't have a whole lot of fans, but the fans thay do have are very dedicated. I know of multiple breeders in my general area who have alterna as 75% or more of their collections. Nationwide, there are probably quite a few alterna lovers, but not never as much as the "easier" stuff, like cal kings and corns.

The nicest ones are somewhat expensive. There is also the problem mentioned before where sometimes there is a little more work involved in trying to get hatchlings started. Some folks are worried about spending a good chunk of change on a quality snake and having it die because they can't dedicate the appropriate amount of energy toward it. Don't be scared away from them though because there's a bunch of really experienced keepers out there that can help you through the process if necessary (I'm not one of them). I say "if necessary" because a lot of times they are not a problem at all. I've seen whole clutches take pinkies right away and never have a problem.

to alterna and very compared to a druggy and or gambler ! LOL !

Chambo ( the fact and number guy )

Hi.....my name is Bill, and...lol