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BALL OR CORNSNAKE

tanman5192 Mar 13, 2004 11:25 AM

I dont have a snake yet but i was wondering which would be a better starter snake. Ball or Corn snake?

Replies (8)

annjaret Mar 13, 2004 12:30 PM

Corn. I have both and my corn has always been a great eater and is very easy to handle. I have two ball pythons and one is as mean as can be and a really finicky eater...he hasn't eaten in a month. My other python is a gem. Just watch the corns though, they are masters of escape. Good luck.
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annjaret

"When I die, I want to come back as one of my animals."

AlanD Mar 13, 2004 03:48 PM

Corn snake with out a doubt.Corns are a much better first snake. BP's can be troublesome feeders that's for sure.Get a corn you'll be glad you did.
Alan

Tigergenesis Mar 13, 2004 03:59 PM

even though i don't have one and have a ball python. I love my BP, but when they go off feed or give you a hard time transitioning to frozen/thawed or to rats it can be frustrating - especially if you've never owned snakes.

But I love my Ball Python and plan to get a corn soon.
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chicagopsych Mar 13, 2004 04:13 PM

I own one of both and have had others in the past. If captive bred balls usually feed just fine. Corn morphs are very pretty and people that are fearful of snakes are many times won over by colorful corns. They also eat less and require less space to keep. Balls are much thicker than corns without having the great length of other pythons. This means that even while young you never have to be extremely gentle with a ball or fear losing it behind a couch cushion. They are also extremely calm and will often sit still for long periods of time while out of their cage. I have never owned a mean one of either, but have seen bad tempered of both. Overall both are great first snakes if captive bred. I think it comes down to size verse color. I can't give a definitive answer, hence why I own both!

janome Mar 13, 2004 08:49 PM

Corns are with out a doubt the perfect first snake. My first was a amel corn. I've read balls are good beginner but I dont' think so. Some have bad eating habits...they'll go a long time without eating.

cowtownherper Mar 15, 2004 09:39 AM

Why not get one of each. Just kidding. They are both wonderful starter snakes. I have eight of each. They both have their advantages. Non of my snakes have ever shown any aggression. In my opinion the corns are much better to look at, and very forgiving when it comes to husbandry. They can be a little fiesty especially when young. They never stop! They usually mellow as they grow with handling. So for a young person it is a huge responibility keeping up with one. They are very good at escaping. BP's can be a bit more of a challenge sometimes. I do have a few problem feeders. One male in particullar goes off feeding every winter. He hasn't eaten in about three months. When he is ready he will eat everything in sight. The balls are alot easier to handle. Most will just wrap around your neck and chill forever. So they are both great snakes to keep, just require a little TLC. Hope this helps, and sorry it's so long. Good luck, Jim
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karm Mar 17, 2004 07:07 PM

Well, you ARE on the corn snake forum, so expect some biased replies. But, I still say the corn is the better starter snake.

tanman5192 Mar 19, 2004 03:31 PM

thanx 4 all your replies but now im looking at garter snakes. are they good starter snkes (if anyone knows)

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