Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I am deciding on which type of beauty snake to get. I already have a blue beauty and as you can see from the previous topics I posted, I am really interested in the ridleyi or the taiwans but don't really know much about any other ones. What are some of the issues with each subspecies? As far as budget, I have about 150$ to spend on the snake. I do like to handle the snakes as well. Thank you so much for all your advice.

Well, here goes. From what I know, ridleyi will cost you more than a Taiwan - maybe all of your budget. The ridleyi are still much less common than other species of the Orthriophis genus and as such are still commanding a higher price. Also, they seem to be more of a favorite when measured against Blues and Taiwans. I think they're interesting looking but I find the patterns of the Blues and Taiwans to be much more attractive. The ridleyi will also be a smaller species than either the Blues or Taiwans, so that is a possible consideration for you as well. From what I've read, you may also need to keep ridleyi cooler than either of the other two as they typically inhabit the cooler areas around caves, hence one of their common names, 'Cave Racer.' There are some smaller species of asian rats in the Orthiophis genus as well, such as the Chinese Beauties. A couple other regular posters here have kept them and can give you more info than me as far as those go.
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Matt Campbell
Animal Keeper, Small Mammal/Reptile House
Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago, Illinois

Assistant Curator
Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, Illinois

Hi, a question about the beauty snakes. I was doing some research and heard that Ridleyis tend to be more high strung and can't handle well, is that true? From what I know Taiwans are more docile. If the Ridleyis really can't handle well, is there a way to train them to not strike or are they better left alone as display animals?

I have a taiwan and she's one of my favorite snakes. She was only $50 as a six month old. Taiwans grow very fast and get very long, my cal king which is a year old now, still fits in a 10gl but my beauty, who turned a year in Aug. had to be moved up to a 20 tall in July. She doesn't tolerate handling as well as my other snakes but she is getting better. The best thing is she has never once gone off her feed, she'll eat even when blue but has only twice struck at me. They're great snakes for someone who wants to get away from your average colubrid. Not that I don't love my corns. =^-^=
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People Who Say Money Can't Buy You Happiness Obviously Don't Know Where To Buy A Herp

2.0 Cornsnakes 2.1 Ball Python 0.1 Cal Kingsnake 1.0 Bearded Dragon 0.0.1 Leo Gecko 0.0.1 Marbled Gecko 0.1 Beauty Snake 1.0 Sulcatta Tortoise