Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have researched forever and i finally think ive found my match.

I think a kingsnake may be right for me.

First, I went on a class trip to New Orleans and Biloxi Beach, and one of the Marine/Reptile Education buildings, they had a California Kingsnake, and i Absolutely loved it. It was very calm, and not darty as i supposed one would be.

Secondly, I think this is better for me because Ball Pythons, as ive heard are very lazy and not seen during the day, and Corns can be very darty.

I am fairly expierenced with Herps, having worked at a local zoo, keeping temp. 'pets' from the backyard, etc. But this will be my actuall first Reptile and Snake to keep.

Feeding, Caging, Habitats, etc. Are not a problem, but budget can be ( Im only a teen). Local to us there is a Monthly Expo, so i expect to be getting my new herp from there. How much would different species/morphs of Kingsnakes ( and maybe milks) Run. I dont need an exactly long descriptive list, just some average figures from your past expierences.

-Nic Petrosius
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Nic
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Well first off if you get your snake from an expo make sure you take him to a vet after. A lot of reptiles at expo's come with some travelers like mites/parisites. Even if the reptile seems healthy I would still advise a vet trip. Snakes range anywhere from 10 dollars to 10,000 dollars! As for King Snakes and Milk snakes that all depends on the morph/species.

Grey banded King Snakes are anywhere from 50-150 or higher in some cases,depending on the dealer.

Variable Kings can be the same from 50 - 150.

Blotched kings usually net one for 35-70 dollars.

50/50 cali kings can range from 50-100 dollars.

Mountain kings can range from 75 - 200 dollars.

Nelson's Milk Snake 75-200 dollars.

Tangerine milks 50-200 dollars.

I have seen some hypo milks priced at 500-900 dollars a pair.

Prices aren't an exact science. I'm just listing some general price ranges for certain types of snakes. Pricing can vary from breeder to breeder,morphs,and some breeders charge more for female snakes then males.

The main thing is when you pick your snake make sure he is alert,has no folds of skin,and is generally healthy.Get a feed/shed chart.

A cal king's a great pet, but so's a red rat snake. Neither should be darty as adults.

I sold beautiful desert phase (black and white) cal king babies a year or two ago for about $20 each at a reptile show. That seemed to be the going rate. Prices go up with the animals' age and they go up if the supply is limited. But a baby WILL be darty, you'll need maybe a year's patience before it settles down. on the other hand you'll have known it since it was a baby.

good luck!
terry