Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm getting my first snake in about a month or so but I still haven't decided what kind. It's either going to be a Sinaloan or a Honduran. I've read that Hondurans don't calm down quite as easy and can be flighty their whole lives. Anyone agree with that or have any opinions one way or the other between those two species for a beginner?

i have heard the sinolians (sp?) are more docile when it come to handling. i didn't know that when i got my milk. i have a tangerine dream honduran and he was so flighty when he was smaller. now that he is over a year and arms length he has calmed down alot. also just to let you know.. i don't know about the sinolians but my honduran hides 24/7 so if your looking for a 'display' snake, a milk is not the one to get. my corns come out way more then my milk.

I'm not sure I like to think of it as a "display snake"...lol. But I've emailed Paul back and forth about this a couple of times and I think I mostly got stuff figured out. Just to let you know where I'm coming from, I'm a senior biology major and I'll be teaching high school biology next year. Part of the reason I want a snake is to use it as a visual aid with the genetics lessons. I've been working with wildlife rehab and wildlife education for 3 years now and it's always been my observation that kids seem to get into learning things like that a little better if they can have a personal connection by actually seeing an animal that gives a good example of the lesson they're learning. So I guess a "display snake" would be a better choice for something like that. Originally, I was going to get a corn snake, but I like the look of milks better. I think I'm leaning more towards corns again though because I've heard a lot of people say the same stuff about milks being flighty, etc. I do appreciate the input though.

My sinaloan hides all day. He comes out at about 9-10pm and can be seen roaming around his cage when the room he is in is dark. Definately not a good "display snake."

However, I trust my sinaloan in just about every situation. He gets handled by small children, and does just fine (with supervision of course). He is completely "head tame," he lets people touch his head and even his noise. He only ever flinches away when someone moves their hand too quickly. He's turned people who are nervous and fearful of snakes into snake affectionados. This is just an account of one individual snake, but from my experience, sinaloans would make excellent snakes for teaching, handling and the like.

I got him when he was a little under a year old, so I can't tell you how he was as a hatchling.
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every year i loan some snakes to the local HS biology teacher.i don't even consider any of my hondurans as they are too high strung for the students to handle.i usually send over kings,balls and corns.a possible good choice would be a black milksnake,the change from being a tri color to turning jet black would be of interest and they are one of the calmest sub adult milk snakes.have fun!

i have worked with both and i find the Sinaloans easier to keep as pets. my adults dont hide often and eat just as readily.