After searching the forum, I dont think I will ever be able to chose my first snake.

[gambite]

I have it narrowed down to a king, corn or ball python. Kings and corns both get to a decent size, have nice colors, and seem to be pretty hardy. However, I like the overall shape of the ball pythons better, and would prefer a calmer snake to handle. But with this comes more attention to such things as temps and humidity, and the possibility of a finicky eater (not really worried about that though). Getting more than one is not an option ATM, and money is always limited. In this aspect, the corn and kings would be a little easier on my bank account, since they dont need the extra heat and generally cost less anyway.

Is there anyway to get the temperament and size of the ball python along with the hardiness and low price tag of the kings and corns? Probably not, else I would have come upon them while searching...

 

[Mushroom Spore]

But with this comes more attention to such things as temps and humidity

You're going to have to pay attention to temps no matter what reptile you get, that's just part of caring for a cold-blooded animal. Maintaining ball python temps and humidity is not hard; the problems only come around when you don't bother doing so, and the snake gets sick. Set up the tank a week or two in advance, slap a quality UTH under one end, and check floor temps to see if any tweaking needs to be done.

In this aspect, the corn and kings would be a little easier on my bank account, since they dont need the extra heat

Say what? I'm pretty sure corns benefit from, if not *require* a warm area in the 85-88 range. Nearly all snakes need heat to properly thermoregulate their bodies, and have difficulty digesting without it. The only snake I've ever heard of that *everyone agrees* can be kept at room temp is the rubber boa.

Also ball pythons do not cost THAT much more than colubrids. I got my baby for $45 plus shipping, which still cost less than the wild-caught disease-ridden half-dead specimens at the local PetCo. Shop around and don't get funny ideas about ball python morphs and you'll find plenty of cheap normals from good breeders with good reps.

 

[hairmetalspider]

I have to throw this in:

If you're going to get an exotic pet, price shouldn't really matter, as you're going to be sticking a lot of time, money, and effort into it anyway. Might as well get used to it.Can't skimp out for money sake on a living creature.

 

[Mushroom Spore]

Can't skimp out for money sake on a living creature.

This too. gambite, when you say "money is always limited," how limited is limited? Snakes need to go to the vet sometimes too. I've racked up vet bills over $70 apiece for two of my snake's three winters due to living in crappy apartments where heat and humidity were difficult, and the boy had to get injections for the beginnings of URIs. Some vets will charge even more.

 

[gambite]

I understand what you mean about not holding back on the money. But I currently dont make much money (work/study FTL), and have a lot of things I want to buy (mainly a new computer, plus a few other odds and ends). Getting a snake has always been a dream, though, and I finally have the ability to do so. Plus, I guess I am a little spoiled, seeing as I have been getting my T's lately for less than $15/ea., and enclosures for each of them for less than $5/ea. In the end I will just have to bite the bullet, I guess, but that does not solve the question of what to get. I am a horrible decision maker.

And I guess I didnt see much about corn's heat reqs. Though I did remember seeing someone quote a range of 65-85 F, which I can easily get just by manipulating my room temps. Guess I will be getting extra heat no matter what, and in that case I might as well go for the BP.

 

[loxoscelesfear]

go catch a native snake, see how you like taking care of it, if it doesnt work out , turn it loose where you found it

 

[Mushroom Spore]

And I guess I didnt see much about corn's heat reqs. Though I did remember seeing someone quote a range of 65-85 F, which I can easily get just by manipulating my room temps. Guess I will be getting extra heat no matter what, and in that case I might as well go for the BP.

65-85? For tarantulas maybe, but you keep a corn snake at 65 and nothing good will come of it. A good care sheet is here: http://www.cornsnakes.net/care.php3

Note that snakes need a *range* of temps in their enclosure for previously mentioned reasons, so you can't get by with just your room temps no matter what they are. Either your room is 85-88 and you cook the snake, or it's too cold and the snake has nowhere to warm up when necessary for its biological processes.

A BP is a great snake, and really pretty easy so long as their basic care needs are met and you start off with a healthy animal.

go catch a native snake, see how you like taking care of it, if it doesnt work out , turn it loose where you found it

NO. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. Releasing animals that have been held in captivity, especially if you've fed them, is a good way to expose the wild population to things they really ought not be exposed to.

 

[gambite]

Dammit Mushroom Spore, I just saw the amazing looking corns at that site and now I am back on the fence. :wall:

@ :http://www.cornsnakes.net/gallery.php?catid=2&id=190

 

[Truff135]

I know what you mean, but what's harder for me is that I've always loved corn snakes. The Okeetee are my favorite! I just don't think my husband would go for one. He's OK with my tarantulas and roaches and rats, but he's said in the past that he's not so fond of snakes.
I hope you find just what you are looking for - keep us posted and make sure to put up a pic of whatever you get!

 

[Elapid]

i think you're all missing the point. the three snakes are all completely different from a handling/feel point of view.

python skin is *very* soft and they let you hold them rather than them holding onto you so much. ball pythons will want to eat medium rats when grown and have feces to match.

corns and kings are both snakes that will tend to hold onto you more than you having to hold onto them as much, they are more active and some may have a tendancy to bite. between cornsnakes and kingsnakes i'd prefer to be bitten by cornsnakes due to less tendancy to be sneaky about biting you and much less tendancy to chew on ya once they've grabbed hold.

the python will need more space as an adult and all are going to need a thermal gradient and proper hiding spots in order to thrive. for the python, an air temperature of under about 78F is going to eventually cause problems, with the kings and corns that figure can be a little lower. since snakes typically have only one developed lung, respiratory infections are often fatal.

good luck in your choice!
rob