Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Even though I'll probably start out with a corn or Sinaoloan milk, I was wondering what your opinions on the best beginner kingsnake. I find them to be beautiful snakes, and they look like they have a lot of character.

Mike

Really any of the subspecies of Getula. I like Easterns and Florida Kings best others might say Cal Kings and Mexican Blacks. Either way they are better pets than either a Sinaloan or Corn in my opinion.

Keith
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Normally, I would say that California kings are the best for beginners, but that was before I bought a pair of Brooksi (South Florida kings). These guys are extremely easy to keep. Even the male that I purchased as a non feeder gave me little difficulty. They are a little nippy like all young snakes, but other then that, no problems!
Cheers!

California kings. Easier than any milksnake, especially when young! I personally LOVE Eaastern Kings the best. But either one is easy to keep, but even as an E. king lover, I have to give a slight edge to Cal kings, based on my 30 years personal experience. But I've never lost a kingsnake due to illness of any kind, even when I was a rookie! Of course, It DOES pay to read up on all of them as I did when I was a lot younger (and still do to this day).
Good luck, and hope you stick with the "KING" of snakes!

Zee

I've had 4 cornsnakes and also have an Eastern King. NONE of the five animals have given me a problem, not once in 6 years. Both are probably the most hardy animals in the reptile trade. Kings have a little more personality than corns, but my corn is still a fascinating pet. My corn is definently more passive than my king. I couldn't get my corn to bite me if I tried. Both tamed down within a week of my purchasing, but my king will still give me some attitude every now and then - that's why she's my favorite.

I can't suggest a corn over a king or vice versa for a beginner. HOWEVER - I would NOT reccomend a Sinaloan over the other two in a million years for a beginner.

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Matt from Minnesota
Cornsnake, Eastern Kingsnake, IL Bullsnake - all girls.
0.1 Crested Gecko "Camey"; 1.0 Crested Gecko "Spots" RIP

NO inbreeding with these guys and they rock when it comes to temperament and feeding response.

j/k