what is the best snake to buy as a pet?
2006-10-05 10:24:48 · 19 answers · asked by Sarah C 1 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Being a reptile hobyist, here are my top 3 snakes to buy:
Corn Snake- They come in a variety of beautiful color morphs, are non-poisonous, and are very docile. They only require at most a 20 gallon glass tank with climbing branches and an undertank heater. They don't eat much, babies need only one pinkie mouse every week, adults and juvies need 1-2 fuzzies (6 week old mice) every week. They don't get that big, and are cute.
Royal Python- Also known as Ball Pythons, these critters come in the highest variety of colors. The are very cool and docile. However, when you first get a python, it probably won;t eat for a few weeks, which is natural. If it persists, dip the mice in chicken broth to enhance the flavor. Besides that, they are very easy to care for. Full grown pythons only need a 35-50 gallon tank. They're pricey, but very much worth it.
Kenyan Desert sand Boa- Very docile, these snakes spend their time resting under sand (or Aspen bedding) they almost never bite, except when you grab it from above. These things eat a pinkie once a week, like most snakes. The only thing I dislike about them is they are rather...boring. Lying under the substrate untill night...not very amusing. Good when living woth someone with a fear of snakes, but not a recomendation for the sctive snake fan.
Hope this helps you!
2006-10-05 10:42:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It all really depends on what your looking for in a snake.
Here would be my top 3
1.) King Snake (California or Florida)_ I prefer these over Corn Snakes AKA Rat Snakes. There a little hardier and are very even tempered snakes.
2) Corn Snakes- Another good starter snake hardy and readily eat well. Very easy to handle.
3) Red Tail Boa- (-If you want a big snake) These are by far the most docile and easiest of the big breeds to take care of. They don't get to big males max out at about 8-9 feet and females can reach about 11 feet. Those numbers are on the big side most don't get that big. The readily eat live, pre killed, or frozen thawed rats/mice and are very easy to handle. Another bonuses is there have never been any known attacks on humans from a Boa Constrictor. Although there is a lot of responsibility with an animal like this because you have to have a verry large enclosure and it will live under the right conditions for about 25 years...
STAY AWAY!!!
1.) Anacondas
2.) Phythons (even ball or royal phythons..very high stress finicky eaters Seen them starve themselves to death before.)
These guys get way to big and can kill you...
Good Luck
3.)
2006-10-06 09:40:13 · answer #2 · answered by Bucs_Fan 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would not recommend a ball (royal) python as a beginning snake. Maybe one after you have a little bit of experience as they are notorious for being picky/finicky eaters and will often fast for many months at a time, for no apparent reason.
For your first snake, I would recommend a corn snake. They are, what I would consider, the hardiest snakes, able to survive with very little care. I have never heard of them having any trouble with feeding and they are pleasant to handle. They are also tiny and slender.
In my opinion, they are the perfect match for a first-time snake owner!!!
And to Nightrider: Although I agree with you wholeheartedly, Steve Irwin was a man leading a dangerous life. I don't think the person asking this question is going to die by bite of corn snake and I don't see how keeping an exotic bird (parrots, macaws, cockatoos, etc.) is any different from keeping a reptile. As long as the reptile isn't endangered/protected or poisonous, I think they are wonderful pets to have.
2006-10-05 10:38:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think a cornsnake is probably a good snake-but just because they are fairly inexpensive doesn't mean that won't require care, a habitat and some attention.
I have a cornsnake and a kingnsnake and I love them both. Snakes have their own personalities and are a lot more fun as pets than people seem to think.
2006-10-05 18:51:02 · answer #4 · answered by hoodoowoman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely a cornsnake,I have answered this question from other people loads of times before,Royal pythons are not a good first snake for a few reasons like they can be a pain in the **** to feed and need a bit more knowledge,enter "snake care sheets" in your search and you will get loads.
2006-10-05 11:11:46 · answer #5 · answered by mark 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hands down, a corn snake. Beautiful snakes and they are great pets. They have a very mild disposition and are easy to maintain. I have kept two for 16 years.
2014-12-06 17:59:23 · answer #6 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say a corn snake or a royal python, read up on how to look after them and what you require before getting one though.
2006-10-05 10:28:20 · answer #7 · answered by gizmo-570 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I personally think cornsnakes are great for starters! Decent price, variety of colors, and they don't get terriblly large. Stay away from large wild caught animals,(ask at the pets store if they are) I would also be cautious about hatchlings. Make sure if you start with a hatchling that it has been eating. Good luck!
2006-10-06 04:18:19 · answer #8 · answered by tonka 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dated a snake once,,had to get rid of her,,she kept taking the Hiss
2006-10-05 11:47:15 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If it is your first snake, or you don't have much experience, a ball python is great. They are not poisonous, take little care, and yet, can be a great pet.
2006-10-05 10:29:08 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋