Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey everyone, a newb to kings here. Never really been into them except recently. Time to step off the boids(ball pythons) for a bit, and get back into colubrids. Instead of going into corns, time for some kings. Corns are king of boring. IMO

What I'm looking for is a big king. Pattern doesn't matter much, ease of care, whatever. I'm a boid man, I like bigger snakes. I'm really looking for something at a good price, under 100.00, and gets a good size. Preferably among the larger of kings. I'v heard some get up to 8 feet, but not sure. Thanks in advance for help.

If you want BIG, go with something else, eastern kings are the largest - around 70 inches respectively --but you'll be waiting forever -
Go to a show and you will be able to get almost any domesticated
Snake for under a 100, (domesticated meaning, a selectively breed
Animal)

Since my latest addition is a hugh lavender Brooksi I will comment on some of the wonderful attributes of this snake. He is 6ft long and has tremendous girth. He is also the sweetest and most docile large snake I have ever seen. Children are able to hold him and he seems to enjoy their attentions. His skin is the smoothest and almost irridescent. When I took him into Petsmart (at their request) he was passed around like a box of candy and the "oooo's and ahhh's" were audible from all of them. Just can't say enough about this large and lovely animal. Get a Brooksi!

That sounds like an awesome king. Do you have any pics with
somebody holding it?

Yep an Eastern would probably be the largest of the kings. However, you can get a speckled or a brooksi that will get good sized as well.

You being used to boa's, kings wont get near as big and fat, but they are an awesome snake regardless. I have a california king that is getting pretty nice sized, and is a big baby. The only problem is that not all california kings will get as big as mine, and Jim M (posts on here frequently) has a cali bigger than mine!!! That is just the luck of the draw.

Whatever you decide on, let us know. Good luck and happy herping
Brian Baker

Ok, I know this is the kingnake forum and the king lovers are
going to attack, but from what you are describing a pine or a
bullsnake may be to your liking. The pits will definately put
on more size a lot quicker and even though they may hiss and
put on a show, they rarely actually bite once they've been handled
a few times. My Cal king is 4 years old, handled all the time and
still bites out of the blue quite regularly. I do think that kings
are more attractive color wise but if you are interested in size
and personality the pits have it hands down.