Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok so I have 2 tortoises, a russain and a redfoot. I also have abearded dragon and I was thinkinbg about getting a snake. I'm 85% sure that I want a ball python but the feeding issue is putting me off a bit. My question is would a California Kingsnake make a better first snake? Also what's the least likely snake to bite?THanks

Also are California Kingsnakes fast moving? I don't want a fst moving snake. I like slow moving snakes...if that makes since.

kingsnakes are fast moving. Are you sure you want a ball python? I know snakes are kinda boring but a ball python is REALLY boring. They just stay balled up. But hey its up to you. Yes kingsnakes are fast. Heres my eastern king

What about a rosy boa?

Not too familiar with rosy boas, I think their temperment and speed are between that of a bp and a king. Manageable size and may be a good happy medium. Would probably be a lovely first snake.

Kings are hardy, pretty, generally calm, not all that fast, and good eaters. However there's certainly a bite risk. Mostly from feeding errors and very strong feeding responses. But that varies from snake to snake. The majority are fine or manageable

Balls, are from what I understand, sweet tempered slugs with particularly cute faces. Very slow moving and docile, but be sure to buy a cb one from a reputable breeder. They require more heat and humidity than a king and have been known to drive beginners nuts by fasting but getting a cb one minimizes that problem.
Any of the three would be a very respectable first snake.
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0.1 chickens (Condor)
0.2 dog mutts (half ownership, only mine when they misbehave, Lucy & Amy)
0.1 Halflinger horse (Crissy)
0.1 Normal phase California Kingsnake (Sophia)
1.1 parents
Still searching for 1.0 WC human

I think a Rosy boa would be a good choice, provided you get a strong and established feeder. A few Rosy's may be reluctant feeders when first born, and require a Winter brumation before you get a strong feeding response, and as a beginner, this will make you pretty nervous and second guess yourself. So, I would suggest a year old (2004) captive born Rosy, from the Coastal population or Mexican type. Kings are great snakes, but they are like colorful gems kept in a drawer, they are secretive and often burrow and hide. Many Lampropeltis are "wiggly-squiggly", such as Hondurans and Andeans... An established Hognose (Heterodon) that is a proven rodent feeder is also worth considering. Ball pythons are handsome, but as ambush predators, they are not very active and some would find them boring. Good luck and take your time and find the "shoe that fits". I sometimes try to consider the weather where I live and the area the potential species comes from, and ask myself if I can replicate it in a simple way. I therefore stay away from tropical species (though they are very attractive) because I have a hard time maintaining suitable, stable temps and humidity. I have easier and good success with temperate climate species, and I find it convenient to brumate them during the already too busy holidays...Vic

A western hognose would be a good first snake.Rosy boas can and do bite.Imo their bite is the worst between a ball and a king.Balls are very boring snakes imo.Their demeanor is very shy.Kings are very alert and great feeders.I would definitely go with a king over a ball.