Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I like corns and northern pines, and am wondering about how good a northern pine would be for a beginner. Thanks for any help.

When it comes to pituophis you can't make a better choice than a Nortnern Pine or a Bull Snake, they both mellow out and become puppy dog tame as they age. A corn is a really beautiful animal though and really makes a good pet, if you are going to be intimidated by a little hissing you are probally best served by the corn. The thing that makes pits so special is that they are so very much more aware of the surroundings they live in and tend to have more personality to me than most corns. Either animal is hardy and easy to care for.

Good Luck,

John Cherry
Cherryville Farms

Cherryville Farms - Reptiles

A lot of the answer depends on you. How much experience do you have with snakes already? As Northern Pines can vary as to just how mellow they are. They are, as babies, defensive, and that defense is to coil and hiss, and sometimes strike out, but this typically disapears as the animal ages. Some animals always hiss at initial contact than settle down. They are certainly more active during the day than the typically nocturnal corn snake. They seem to watch what is going on in the room more than any other species I own. So if your not intimidated by some hissing, which, is usually only when they are young, but do know, there are exceptions! But that's any species of snake! I certainly think you'd be happy with a Northern Pine.

Northern pines arent too bad of a choice, though probably not as easy as a corn or king. They are notorious for leaving eye caps and tail pieces after shedding. Mine did that on their first shed, Im going to try some techniques to eliminate this on the next shed. They also go off-feed every now and then, so dont worry about it greatly. My male seems to refuse food a lot, but he still looks healthy and I know he will resume eating again, I just have to keep trying. And boy do they hiss loud! You have never heard a snake hiss until you hear a pit. Great snakes to own, I love them. Probably a better learning experience than corns too. Good luck!

If you do not have any snake keeping experience, a corn snake is your best bet. Northern pines are great snakes, but they require more space than a corn snake. In addition, they are not always tame (they can be moody) and sometimes will go on hunger strikes. Pine snakes are great for people who want to take the "next step" after corn or kingsnakes, but I wouldn't say they are the best first pet snake.

Tim

Third Eye

Some opinions may vary...but northerns have been some of the best pet snakes I have ever owned from my experience. Mine are completely dog tame.

Yes there are hissy ones, but if you are able to pick, let's say a baby northern from a breeder's clutch...stick with one that simply doesn't hiss if that bothers you at all. Most of the time..they will grow out of that as well with regular handling. They are also bigger than a king or corn, so the cage space will have to be bigger.

Pits are more aware of their surroundings as well, so you will see perhaps more personality traits from northerns as well.

Northerns may be my favorite pit. All it takes is one hold of a beautiful adult and you are done. Nothing will stop you after that in getting one. LOL!

Take care!
Billy

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Genesis 1:1

Yo Billy,

Have you posted that one before??? I don't remember it and I surely would have a beauty like that!!!! Who's stock is it out of? Your cages get too full, I'll take it off your hands. Man, you got to start breeding these awesome guys you have!!!

Preacher Pat

Hey Pat!!!!!!!!!!!!

That is my red phase Ocean Co. northern that I picked up in Daytona from John Meltzer. He had two clutches of two unrelated bloodlines of Oceans' for sale there. At first...I was only gonna get one northern, which was black and white..but after getting that one...I kept looking at the two reds that popped up in the clutch and had to grab one while I had the chance. I knew that if I didn't....my poor wife would never hear the end of it! LOL!

Here is the sister of the red one pictured in my previous post. They both are doing great! I can't wait to see how they turn out!

Take care bro!

Billy

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Genesis 1:1