Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Im getting another snake soon and havent quite decided on which to get.I guess I want it to have a good temperament and be a good eater as well as large. My 11yo son will be handling this snake as well, although he is no sissy and has been bit in the past more than once by my somewhat grumpy bp and doesnt seem to mind that much..But all that aside, which is easier? My son wants me to get a Cali King but I want a northern pine or a bull....So help me decide...Im so indecisive..I dont think I will find a Bullsnake at the expo as they didnt have any in spring, probably be lucky to get a N. Pine too...Ive heard Cal kings can be picky eaters and I know I dont want that to happen..I have enough picky eaters..Sorry this is so long but any help here would be great..Thanks
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2.0 Ball Pythons (Titus and Hercules)
1.0 Western Hognose (Fuego)
0.1 cornsnake (Strawberry)
0.2 Bearded dragons (itchy and scratchy)
0.1 Rosehair T. (Jigglypuff)
1.0 dog BC..(Kippy)
2.1 cats (Thomas,Sunflower,Diablo(Boo))
0.0.1 American Toad (squidward)

Cali Kings are usually great eaters. If anything, they are prone to be too eager, I have had a couple of mine bite me when they were hungry.

I have a cali king, and hes not a fussy eater at all, hes eating f/th mice.

Cal kings are aggressive eaters - too much at times. They can be skiddish when young and sometimes eager to musk. But great snakes. I don't have any experience with Pits (maybe one day I hope), but a Cal King would be great. Or even a Mexican Black Kingsnake.
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1.0 Ball Python "Aragorn"
1.0 Kenyan Sand Boa "Gimli"
1.0 Saharan Sand Boa "Frodo"
0.1 Rough-Scale Sand Boa "Arwen"
1.0 San Felipe Rosy Boa "Legalos"
0.1 California Kingsnake "Gentoo"
1.0 Mexican Black Kingsnake "Indigo"
1.0 Snow Corn snake "Chile"

0.0.1 Crested Gecko
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0.1 Australian Cattle Dog/Pointer
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It really depends on what you like better. There are no "bad" snakes.

As for kings, I actually think it sounds like an Eastern King or a Florida King might be a better choice than a Cal King. They get significantly larger (only a few calkings exceed 5 feet and some might reach 6; eastern and FL kings easily reach 6 feet and can get to 7 feet) and they tend to be more predictable in temperament - they are very docile snakes, even as babies in my experience. Eastern Kings are spectacular snakes, but a little harder to find as captive born babies. Florida Kings are also beautiful and are very cheap and readily available. Both are ravenous feeders from the cradle to the grave, unlike some Cal Kings.

Many of the Pits make great pets as well. Pine Snakes can be a bit defensive sometimes (they rarely bite, but they hiss and put on a pretty intimidating show!). Bullsnakes are usually better, but some babies have a little spirit as well. All Pits become trustworthy with age, however.

I think a big eastern or florida (or "brooksi" king would be a good compromise. Big, tame, and easy to feed.
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Chris Harrison

Although I have no experience with kings, I do own a black pine snake. Cal. kings are not nearly as impressive as an adult northern pine, or bull snake. King snakes are much more common, and you'd probably have better luck finding more vendors. However, I waited until I was able to purchase my pine, and was extremely happy with my choice. I can handle my pine during feeding time with my hands heavily scented with rats and he has no inclination to bite me. All snakes are different, but usually good CB pines are very tolerant and famed to be eating machines.

I have ten snakes. 3 dumerils boas, 3 colombian boas, 3 corn snakes
and my favorite 1 cal king. If I had to get rid of all my snakes and
could only keep one, it would be my cal king. I enjoy all my snakes
and all my snakes are pets but my cal king has a special place in my heart.

Well, why not get both? Two snakes will be no more trouble then one, but twice the fun!
Personally, I enjoy the Pituophis, especially the pine snakes, though, Drymarchon are my absolute favorites.
I had a clutch of No. pines this year, and they immediately took to F/T mouse fuzzies prior to their initial shed, and without scenting or manipulation!
My son actually keeps them and he's 7 years old, so this may give you an idea of the ease and temperament you may expect with No. pines, though there are exceptions.
Here's a photo of one of the babies from this years clutch, just for reference, it is of Ocean Co. NJ locale.

Best regards,

Jeff

other snakes suggested, like the FL. Kingsnake etc. It sounds as if the cal king is a good eater as a whole so that is still on my list as well. One more question. How much does a bigger snake like a Florida king eat When its full grown? I hate bugging everyone but I am going to the expo here in 2 weeks and need to make up my mind soon what will fit with us best..
And thanks to all who replied..
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.........
2.0 Ball Pythons (Titus and Hercules)
1.0 Western Hognose (Fuego)
0.1 cornsnake (Strawberry)
0.2 Bearded dragons (itchy and scratchy)
0.1 Rosehair T. (Jigglypuff)
1.0 dog BC..(Kippy)
2.1 cats (Thomas,Sunflower,Diablo(Boo))
0.0.1 American Toad (squidward)