Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am planning on buying a snake in the near future. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what kind of snakes would be good and not too temperamental as they grow into adults, even though I would be buying a baby. Would you suggest corn or milk snakes instead?

"I am planning on buying a snake in the near future. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what kind of snakes would be good and not too temperamental as they grow into adults, even though I would be buying a baby. Would you suggest corn or milk snakes instead?"

There's lots good choices. Corns would be right at the top of the list as far as easy going temperment. As far as Kings, if you don't mind a larger size, Eastern Kings and Florida Kings, are an excellent choice, and most have easy going temperments. Mexican Black Kings are nice also.Thayeri Kings are super docile, very laid back, and average around the three foot range, and to top it off, come in many colors. Bairds Ratsnakes and Trans Pecos are pretty easy going as far as the ratsnake family. Good luck,

Steve

Thanks alot steve, sounds like good advice. About the thayeri, do you know where their natural habitat is? I will be living in albuquerque and will hopefully get a snake that will be comfortable in that environment. After dealing with lizards from other habitats I know the (somewhat) difficulty that this situation can cause. Thanks for the help!

mike

i have a speckled king and she came fro the wild. i wouldnt trade her for anything. she also had 10 eggs that should be hatching in days. good luck.

It depends. (The correct answer to most questions.)

You should buy based on traits, not appearance. Just like when you judge people.

Best snake pets, in order, and why. Your priorities may vary. Here are my choices:

Kingsnakes
Good feeders, eat a wide variety of prey, some individuals can be very spirited and are generally more active than other Colubrids. Remain under 5 feet usually. Trade-off: Some subspecies have become VERY inbred. Breeding for color or anomaly produces a lackluster specimen. Some Cal Kings have been known to attack rocks and water dishes! My Labrynth was so sloppy striking that I traded him after a month. (I recommend Sonoran Blacks for two reasons: voracious appetites and only recently captive-bred.)

African House Snakes
Nothing strikes faster! They feed on a wide variety of prey. They only grow to 3-4 feet, come in a wide variety of colors, and feed and breed readily, year-round. Trade-off: They remain very slim, not full-bodied. More easily lost.

Corn Snakes
Handle very well and usually feed well, but have become VERY inbred. Breeding for color or anomaly produces a lackluster specimen that is little more than a gem that seldom moves. (The only one I ever had developed a fondness for defecating while climbing curtains. I have enjoyed all my Kingsnakes more; they seem to have more character.)