Which is a better first snake?

Question

I've done a little bit of research and despite being intrigued by many breeds and types, I've narrowed down my decision; either a Ball Python, or a Corn Snake. Which is a better pet for a beginner snake owner?? (and why?)

I like alot of what I hear about Corn Snakes (easy keeping, price, "friendliness").. But I have to admit I really LOVE the look (the size/girth and face) of the Ball Python. Is that a horrible reason to lean in the direction of buying a Ball Python?

Answer 1

I'd start with a nice Black Mamba or Coral snake. They're so pretty......

Answer 2

I've had both and bred both so if you are going to start with a baby the ball python is the better choice as it can eat larger size mice to begin with (due to that lovely head shape you've already noted) this may not seem like a big difference but think about it.As it starts with larger food it will grow to a beautiful size just that much quicker. a corn snake on the other hand starts with pinkies and is a much slower growth because there just isn't that much in a pinkie. the other thing to note is that pinkies are harder to come by than what a baby ball can handle. so check on available food sources (and prices) before making a decision it may be the point that makes the difference.
Note: if you can get one a little older i'd choose a corn snake due to the colors that they can now be found in and they are i little more active when handled.

Answer 3

Actually, Ball Pythons are not the best starter snakes. They ARE fussy eaters as a general rule. This was advised to me by a long time reptile owner, they even had their own shop. It all depends on if the snake was a wild or captive bred snake. They can be fussy eaters, but there is one way I know to get a Ball Python to eat. You can soak a dethawed frozen mouse in chicken broth and the chicken smell should make them less fussy. Corn snakes and King snakes make great starter snakes, but it can be personal preference.

Corn snakes can be more active, especially the young ones, while a python can be more laid back.

Good Luck.


[Edit]:

I had a King Snake. (Albino Prairie King) Very sweet and calm snake.

I currently have a Ball Python, pretty calm and not fussy, but he is about 1 1/2 years old.
and a Starburst / sunburst corn, very pretty, but young and adventurous that I got as a hatchling, now about 5 months old.

Answer 4

I never recommend a ball python as a first time snake. Generally people tend to get their first snake from a petstore and balls from petstores are wild caught or farmed babies. Most of the time they have feeding problems and tend to not thrive. IF you can get the enclosure set up well in advance and ensure everything is set up perfectly and temps are maintained, along with humidity, and you can get one directly from a breeder that can guarantee the snake is feeding and be there if you have any questions or concearns, I would consider a ball. Just be prepared that generally sexually mature snakes stop feeding for several months through winter. I have even had babies do it. A lot of new owners panic and think something is wrong with the snake. Balls also stress easily and that can cause them to stop feeding as well.

Corns are generally great feeders, and do not stress as easily. They also are more forgiving with mistakes in husbandry. They can tolerate lower temps and humidity. The only thing you have to be aware of with corns is that a baby can squeeze through some tiny spaces and they are hard to find once they are out. They also come in many, many colors and rarely will you find a wild caught snake for sale.

Answer 5

My son is 7 and absolutely loves snakes. We were talked into getting a California King Snake. Bad mistake that snake was nip happy but only toward my son. We talked to a local pet dealer and he suggested a different kind of snake so we got him a corn snake. EXCELLENT CHOICE I was deathly afraid of all snakes. We got this corn snake at 3 months old and now he is 7 months old and I think that I hold him more. My son even takes him outside to get warm in the sun and he just lays wrapped around his arm. You can get some awesome colors to this snake to.

Answer 6

Corn snakes are slightly easier, and are much more personable than ball pythons.

Answer 7

Both are good but I love ball pythons. They are so pretty and thats what I started with.

Answer 8

My choice would be a Ball. Years ago when I started keeping snakes that was my first snake. They are great for beginners..

Answer 9

the corn snake.
i got one and it is great. it loves to be handled, only needs to be fed 1 time a week, and cage cleaned once a month. they are usually very cheap, and can go days w/out food. just need water. if handled will not bite, besides bites feel almost next to nothing. good luck!

Answer 10

a corn snake because you will wont to see it move around a lot and hold it

Answer 11

Ball pythons are notoriously bad pets because they grow to extremely large sizes. Most are only kept by professionals who know what care for them. Go for the cornsnke deffinantly.