Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have owned a leopard gecko and bearded dragon. Both were in great health and they were wonderful pets. Unforturnately when moving cross country last year I was forced to sell them. I know they went to great homes though. Anyways I am interested in maybe getting a ball python or a corn snake. Now I have read care sheets on both animals. Which do you guys reccomend the most? Also we travel once and a while and I seem to see that snakes are easier to have because they need fed less often. IF I went away for a week would it be ok with timers on its lights and a way of giving it constant water? Let me know guys your tips and info.

Thanks

Matt

Well, as much as I think ball pythons are awesome, I'd say go with a corn for your first snake.
I had a corn snake as my first snake.
They are awesome beginer snakes.
Mild tempered, hardy, and I have never had a corn that skipped a meal.
They are eating machines.
Plus, let's say the power goes out or something while you are gone and their heating pad is off...
they can withstand temp drops more than ball pythons.

Just my opinion.

I know next to nothing about snakes and just got a ball a short time ago. It has been a great starter and has been extremely "forgiving" as I learn. I have heard that corn snakes are good too but can't go any further on that one. The only herp experience I had prior to this was a Beardie. Keep this forum as a resource either way... these people are great! (mostly
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Bryan, Atlanta GA

1-0-0 Ball Python - Apep
1-1-0 Rats... no wait... ROTTEN Little Cats - Ra, Bastet
1-0-0 Horse... whoops... BIG Golden Retriever - Jake
0-1-0 Wife
2-0-0 Kids

For a first snake if you want the easiest get a corn. They can withstand a HUGE temperature range, almost never get sick, come in a very wde array of colors, and they don't go off feed unless you brumate them and you will only do that to breed them. When you get a little more knowledge on keeping snakes and read up on balls you have to get one. Buy CBB to avoid any problems. To me there is nothing that beats holding a really huge thick ball python when compared to a corn. My first snake was a california kingsnake I found, and I was a little kid and it thrived in the shoebox I kept him in my closet, shows how tough they are.