hard descision

b23ball23 · 11-15-03, 10:49 AM

when i get a snake, handling will be to a minimum,
i also would want the snake to readily eat and be active
At my local petco there is an okeetee corn(40$), snow corn(40$),and a florida kingsnake (50$) they are all the smae size. based on my description what snake do you think i should get......also i may visit a snake show...should i get it there???
Finally, aren't snakes at pet shows generally cheaper???

thnks in advance
ben

Removed_2815 · 11-15-03, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Finally, aren't snakes at pet shows generally cheaper???

In general, yes, but it's best not to look at this as the advantage. Reptiles that have been purchased directly from the breeder are generally healthier and an all around better choice than supporting your local "we-feed-our-cornsnakes-crickets-and-so-should-you"-Petco. By buying from Petco you will be encouraging them to order more next time to suffer the generally poor quality treatment of the pet store (animals are profit for these corporations).
Anyway, if handling isn't important to you than the only thing you really need to consider betwen the listed snakes is which you find most attractive. Kingsnakes are usually less tractable than cornsnakes but both usually reach similar sizes (kingsnakes get a little bigger), both require the same captive husbandry set-up and both make excellent pets.
Try to purchase from a breeder, you will have no problem whatsoever finding a cornsnake or a kingsnake from a local breeder.
Cheers,
RMB

b23ball23 · 11-15-03, 11:23 AM

thanks again rmb
but i still dont know wut to get
i'm thinking kingsnake beacause i like more aggresive snakes, but i buy whatever i like at the snake show
-ben

SerpentLust · 11-15-03, 11:29 AM

Yeah if it's a young kingsnake then if you DID handle him, he'd most likely musk and also rattle his tail. This passes with lots of handling, however, you don't want to handle much.

For appearance sake, I'd go with the King too.

Jenn

b23ball23 · 11-15-03, 11:35 AM

rite now...i'm leading towards a king snake...i handled to one at the petco and it was extremely docile....
do u feed the grown kings rats? cause i definantly want a frequent eating kingsnake or a large meal eater

Removed_2815 · 11-15-03, 11:46 AM

Both Kingsnakes and Cornsnakes are ravenous feeders, most North American colubrids will feed frequently (a couple of suitably sized prey items a week).
An adult king will be able to consume rats. However, your interest in frequent eating and large prey size begs the question: you're not planning on feeding live for entertainment value are you? If not, please forgive my ignorance and assumption.
Cheers,
Ryan

b23ball23 · 11-15-03, 11:51 AM

i guess i lead you to assume that..but i would never jeprodize one of my snakes.....but i still want one that gets to be like 4 to 5 feet and eats readily... one that people would be like...whoa thats awesome!!!!! lol

ben-

Tim_Cranwill · 11-15-03, 12:58 PM

I have both and both corns and florida kingsnakes are great snakes to own. I would say that you should go with your gut on this one and get whatever snake YOU want.

A Florida would be my choice.

gonesnakee · 11-15-03, 02:34 PM

You state that you don't plan on handling it much. Based on that I'd go with a Corn. Kings are more nervous & aggressive by nature & this is usually relaxed as they get older with handling. If you take a young King & don't handle it much, just leave it & throw the food to it, chances are it will turn into a little Arse always tail shaking, musking etc. because it never got used to you handling it. My thoughts anyway. Mark I.
P.S. I would also never buy a snake from a place that fed them on crickets LOL with the exception of a species that are meant to eat them.

Tim_Cranwill · 11-16-03, 02:10 AM

True Mark.

I was also going to recommend getting your snake from a show or from a breeder in your area. There are lots of really good breeders all over North America (not sure where you're from) on this forum. I know <b><i>I</i></b> wouldn't buy from a pet store. You never know what you are getting. It could go either way and sometimes the staff will just tell you what you want to hear so you will buy thier stock.

Good luck!

C.m.pyrrhus · 11-16-03, 02:29 AM

By all means, get what you find suits your desires. Both are good choices. After time you will want more no doubt. They are very addictive, so you have time to work on your collection.

Also, if you can, do not buy from Petco and help support the breeders and small business folks that do this out of love and interest for the reptiles. Petco (and other big corperations) has enough big bucks and shows no care for their money making animals. We as herpers should incorperate a better sence of loyalty to those that work hard for there interest in herpteculture. Plus, I feel you'll be getting better animals as well.

burmer · 11-16-03, 02:59 AM

I've had Florida kings before. They're great to keep, I really enjoyed them. Corns are great too. But if at all possible don't buy from Petco.

b23ball23 · 11-18-03, 06:20 PM

no problem guys......i have a solution......at first i am gettting a cornsnake..then after 6 months i'll get a kingsnake.....therefore both of my wants are met.......i am planning to get them from the all maryland reptile show on december 13

thanks for your help

b23ball23 · 11-18-03, 06:56 PM

no problem guys......i have a solution......at first i am gettting a cornsnake..then after 6 months i'll get a kingsnake.....therefore both of my wants are met.......i am planning to get them from the all maryland reptile show on december 13

thanks for your help

b23ball23 · 11-18-03, 06:57 PM

ooops