Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i planning on getting a snake soon but cant decide on which. does anybody have experience with these? what are some pros and cons of both?
thanks

I started with a ball python and my most recent snake is a corn. I love them both (I love all my snakes), but I'll share what I've learned. This is based on both my experience and what I've heard others say:

Ball Pythons are not very active. If you want a snake you'll see cruising the cage, etc then go with a corn. In fact, I sometimes hear new ball owners think something is wrong because their BP doesn't move much. I'd guess they hide about 10% of the time and when they are out it's usually when I'm asleep!

Corn snakes are a bit faster. Right now I don't worry about taking my Ball Pyton out in the yard because he can't get too far away from me. I've not tried taking my corn out yet, but they do move quicker.

If you go with a ball python you will end up having to buy larger mice/rats than if you went with a corn. This doesn't matter to me, but just in case it matters to you. Some people have a problem getting certain size frozen/thawed rodents in their area.

Corns go to the bathroom more often (as do a lot of colubrids) compared to ball pythons. That means more 'presents' to clean up. My Ball python defecates once a week and leaves urates about one additional time a week. My corn defecates 3 times a week - and it smells worse to me (not much worse).

Ball Python's are more difficult to switch to frozen/thawed (which is best for your snake) and they are more prone to go off feed resulting in frustration from owners.

Ball Python's require higher humidity, which if you plan to use a glass tank you will have more difficulty getting the humidity where it needs to be. However, it is possible to do. I keep mine in a glass tank.

Corn snakes come in sooo many neat colors/patterns and are still reasonably priced. Ball Python morphs are more expensive.

Ball Pythons are thicker than corns. I only mention this because I've occassionaly met people who don't like 'thinner' snakes for some reason.

That being said, it really depends on what you're looking for in a snake, how much you're willing to spend on them and how much research you do to prepare for them. If you go with a Ball Python find a reputable breeder, be sure it is captive bred, make sure it is eating regularly (ask to see it eat if possible and if it's already eating frozen/thawed that's a bonus) and be sure to get your cage set up BEFORE buying your snake so that you can make sure temps and humidity are correct. Best thing to do is post a pic of your setup w/ temp and humidity readings and get feedback.

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Check Out My Albums

1.0 Ball Python "Aragorn"
1.0 Kenyan Sand Boa "Gimli"
1.0 Saharan Sand Boa "Frodo"
0.1 Rough-Scale Sand Boa "Arwen"
0.1 California Kingsnake "Gentoo"
1.0 Mexican Black Kingsnake "Indigo"
1.0 Snow Corn snake "Chile"

0.1 Australian Cattle Dog/Pointer
"Kira"

Well said. Though Iv'e never ownwd any corns, I do own an albino black rat, which is very simalar to the corns, with that said, I love both. Alot of people complain that their balls hide all the time, my 9yr. old male as he has gotten older, he seldem even uses his hide anymore. It all depends on what you want, an active snake or a fat lazy snake. I want both.

I, also, have never had any experience with corns. I do, however, have 2 black rat snakes. One is a regular black rat, one is a licorice stick, or white sided, black rat. I chose a ratsnake over a python for a few reasons.

1) they don't grow quite as large, therefore you don't need quite as big of a cage for them to live in when they are fullgrown.
2) easier to take care of, less humidity requirements and such.
3) I like an active snake. I don't want one that could double as a log. lol.
4) I like all the different morphs you can get one in. My licorice stick is unusual, and seems to have no health problems. My male has the genetic keys to produce licorice sticks, and also no apparent health problems.

and a note on f/t mice, i've never had a problem with either Frankie or Lola taking prekilled mice.

However it's your call you may want something different than I do. That's just my 2 cents.
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The reason mainstream thought is thought of as a stream is because it's so shallow. -Unknown

You also might want to consider a children's python. Full grown they are about the size of an adult corn, are more active than a ball python, but not as active as a corn. My three have eaten f/t since hatchlings without a problem. Plus, they are reasonably priced, and have a gorgeous irridescence when in sunlight.

I, personaly like the ball pythons better. Mine has eated great for me from day one, I started with live them switched to f/t. Now I do pre-killed. he is active after I mist him and at night. Corn snakes to me are to hyper, I like fat lazy snakes. He will just chill on my arm or in my lap and I don't have to worry.
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Anna

1.0.0 Ball Python {Shane}
1.0.0 Afican Bullfrog {Bungy}
2.2.3 Crested Geckos {Mel, Harley, Sally, Momma, unnamed}
0.0.1 Giant Black African Millipede {Milly}
2.0.0 Parakeets {Storm, Cloud}
1.2.1 Button Quails {Bob, unnamed}
1.0.0 Short Tail Possum {Eddie}
3.0.0 Pet Rats {Carlos, Ibin, Meany}
1.1.0 Dogs Lab/Pionter mix,German Shepherd {Vegas,Nevada}
2.1.0 Kitties {Kenny, Sebation, Phoebe}
1.0.0 Betta {George}
1.0.0 Boyfriend {Brian}
1 fish tanks with lots of fish
2 Crested Gecko eggs layed 5/18
And the bugs

Thats it for now.....

well thanks for the replies guys, i think i will settle for a ball python because :
-they dont defecate as much
-in my opinion look nicer
-are more calm
-have a nice round python shape

just my opinions
thnx for the help

Just be sure it's captive bred, eating (preferably on f/t) and your setup is perfect before bringing him/her home and you will save yourself a lot of headache. They are awesome snakes.

Best of luck!

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Check Out My Albums

1.0 Ball Python "Aragorn"
1.0 Kenyan Sand Boa "Gimli"
1.0 Saharan Sand Boa "Frodo"
0.1 Rough-Scale Sand Boa "Arwen"
0.1 California Kingsnake "Gentoo"
1.0 Mexican Black Kingsnake "Indigo"
1.0 Snow Corn snake "Chile"

0.1 Australian Cattle Dog/Pointer
"Kira"