New--snake for my son?

[gagirl]

Despite my personal feelings towards reptiles :eek: I find myself on this forum because my 8 yr old son is begging, pleading and trying to persuade me to let him get a California King Snake. He has always loved animals, especially reptiles, and he even managed to keep a backyard-caught tree frog alive for almost a year (what a learning lesson that was).

I guess my thing is that I recognize his passion and I would like to foster that even though snakes make me squeamish. I am considering making this either a Christmas gift or birthday gift in January. However, I know nothing and I really need to know what is involved, needed, required. My son has researched and shared tons and tons of information while trying to persuade me, but I would really like to have more information from experience. I appreciate any help--I don't even know where to start, what to look for, where to buy, what to buy, etc. Also, if your experience tells you that this is a terrible idea, please share that too. TIA!

[purplegeyser]

Yay! ^---^
Keep in mind, that snakes can live 15-20 years.
So, when your son goes to college, you may have to watch over the little guy.

King snakes are actually great beginner snakes and if handled regularly, very docile. The more you're around them, the more you understand their movements, the less scared you'll be because snakes are very demonized and misunderstood creatures. They are definitely lovable creatures with personality.

There are several caresheets you can get as far as their care and what is needed. I'm sure someone will link you some. I'll take a look myself.

Care for them is easy. After the initial setup(correct heat and humidity), they don't need to be fed as often as other animals. The only issue I've had in the past is finding a vet that can care for them. I would research one in your area, but if the enclosure is at the right temperatures and it's kept very clean, there really shouldn't be an issue.

[purplegeyser]

Here is a link I found that has some basic info for you as far as setup goes. King Snakes and Milk Snakes - Care and Feeding (http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/snakes/a/kingmilksnakes_2.htm)

The important thing is to make sure they cannot escape, that their temperatures are correct, and that the cage is kept very clean. (:

[drumcrush]

Why not a mexican black kingsnake ??? :D kings are always a great choice, I love my mexican black::))

[sharthun]

Why not a mexican black kingsnake ??? :D kings are always a great choice, I love my mexican black::))

+1 my king snake of choice is a Mexican Black Kingsnake.

[Charis]

Hello and welcome! Snakes can really be great beginner pets.

[KORBIN5895]

I would personally skip the king and get either a garter snake or a corn snake. Both are relatively bullet proof animals.

The setup for these two breeds coyld cost under $30 easily. You can also find them for a really inexpensive price.

[chris_clemens]

Cal king care is pretty easy:
90-85 degree hot spot, 75-70 degree cool side.
not much in the way of humidity, a water bowl large enought that the snake can soak will provide drinking water and humidity.
feed juveniles one appropriatly sized prey item once a week. adults can go a few days longer between meals, 10-14 days.
I keep my animals on newspaper but if you want something a little more pleasing to the eye you can use aspen shavings or bark.
provide at least one hide in the enclosure. any more decorations are up to you (climbing branches are normally appreciated)

As for where to get one, I have a few ideas you can try. Cal kings are small, easily cared for, and fairly popular pet snakes so if there is a pet store around you that has a reptile section they just might carry them. You can try looking at different breeders online and have the animal shipped to you. You could also try checking to see if there are any reptile expos happening around you. Maybe not in december or january, but even if you get your animal somewhere else, expos are always a great experience. There is always a lot of really cool animals and even more breeders that have an abundance of knowledge who are generally willing to share information with you. I have learned a lot just by talking with other breeders at shows. Be cautious if you look for a snake on sites like craigslist. You might get lucky and find a good snake but most are unwanted and therefore are not properly cared for, so they come to you with issues.

I agree that you should find a vet that treats reptiles before purchasing a snake. Nothing would be worse than to get a snake, discover a problem and not have anywhere to take the animal.

I want to congradulate you on being so open minded! When I was your son's age, it took me forever to get my step dad to agree to let me have a snake because he was so scared of them. Now he doesn't seem to mind them, even surprises me by reaching out to pet even my largest boa. They reallly are misunderstood, but once you get to know them they are just as loveable as the family dog :)

[KORBIN5895]

I would avoid purchasing a snake from a pet store if at all possible. There are too many sick snakes at pet stores. I can help you find a decent breeder online if you choose to go that route.

[Chris72]

I would avoid purchasing a snake from a pet store if at all possible. There are too many sick snakes at pet stores. I can help you find a decent breeder online if you choose to go that route.

+1 on this ^

Sick snake is a risk, plus you might bring it home with reptile mites which left untreated will eventually end its life.

A good breeder will be your best chance for a strong, healthy, well started animal

Here is yet another king care sheet.
(This site has care sheets for other species you might consider)
Free Reptile Care Sheets - Your source for FREE REPTILE CARE SHEETS! (http://www.freereptilecaresheets.com/site/default.asp?page=Caresheets&ID=193&Type=Snakes)

.

[Hannibalcanibal]

I'd recommend a corn or a garter for a first snake, but if you want a king, as long as you buy one that's already feeding well, then go for it. I'm going to leave the caresheets to those above me, but always talk to the breeder (or us, of course :D ) if you have any questions the sheets can't answer.

[drumcrush]

I love my garters:) Here is a caresheet for garters Garter Snake Forum - Garter Caresheet (http://www.thamnophis.com/index.php?page=caresheet) kings are also great, my first snake is a king which I got almost 2 years ago is just awesome, great eaters(except for winter time lol) corns are great as well, I have to take care of my brothers corn snake a lot, and they're pretty easy to take care of. Those are my recommendations

[shaunyboy]

I would personally skip the king and get either a garter snake or a corn snake. Both are relatively bullet proof animals.

The setup for these two breeds coyld cost under $30 easily. You can also find them for a really inexpensive price.

^^^^^
this

my youngest son started with a Kingsnake at the age of 8,after it bit and held onto his nostril,it totally put him off snakes...

i wish i had said no to the Kingsnake and got him a garter or a corn, as a starter snake

re feeding
unless you buy your prey weekly from a shop,then you will have to be prepaired to keep some dead rodents in your freezer


imo it's great your son has such a passion for reptiles at such an early age,also that you are encouraging him,even though your not keen on snakes yourself :cool:

cheers shaun

[wrecker45]

I have snakes for over 50 years. It is a good thing you are doing allowing your son to have a snake. Not only for him but for yourself. My girlfriend was teriffied of snakes. I bought an adult corn snake. She started touching him then handling. Now she has a baby albino snow corn.

[LiL Zap]

I would consider a corn snake instead because king snakes can be feisty at times. There's plenty of care sheets available about corn snakes.

I won't sit here and say ALL king snakes are feisty but the majority of them I have personally seen can be snippy at times.

[drumcrush]

I would consider a corn snake instead because king snakes can be feisty at times. There's plenty of care sheets available about corn snakes.

I won't sit here and say ALL king snakes are feisty but the majority of them I have personally seen can be snippy at times.

I'd say it can also depend on the type of king snake. But yeah, I had volunteered to do some work at a pet store by my dads, I had to feed the nastiest king they had, he had such a great feeding response, that he snagged himself lol. If you get one as a baby, and handle it An appropriate amount, they should be fine. My mexican black king is a doll, I've had her from a few days old and never bit me once. But I've heard Cali kings can be pretty aggressive, so idk bout that.

[Jim Smith]

I think that you've gotten some good information here, however there may be a couple of other considerations you should keep in mind. I see that your name is gagirl. If that stands for Georgia Girl and if you still live in Georgia, it is illegal to own a Corn Snake in Georgia. That is because Corn snakes are native to Georgia and they are fairly strict about keeping natives species as pets. I agree with the people that recommended that you don't start with a King snake, mainly because they tend to strike and bite a bit more than other species. Some people really like snakes with a bit of attitude, but they can be scary to a new owner even though the bits won't really hurt you. That said, if your son's new king snake latches on to his nose and won't let go, it may be a bit of a turn-off on snakes. I am a big fan of Milk snakes. There are a variety to choose from such as Pueblan, Honduran, Nelson's etc. They're readily available, easy to care for, nice temperament and they come in a wide variety of colors. https://www.google.com/search?q=milk+snake+morphs&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=4OKQUuGdHdPpkQffkYD4Cw&sqi=2&ved=0CC8QsAQ&biw=1067&bih=504

Just some food for thought.

[drumcrush]

I think that you've gotten some good information here, however there may be a couple of other considerations you should keep in mind. I see that your name is gagirl. If that stands for Georgia Girl and if you still live in Georgia, it is illegal to own a Corn Snake in Georgia. That is because Corn snakes are native to Georgia and they are fairly strict about keeping natives species as pets. I agree with the people that recommended that you don't start with a King snake, mainly because they tend to strike and bite a bit more than other species. Some people really like snakes with a bit of attitude, but they can be scary to a new owner even though the bits won't really hurt you. That said, if your son's new king snake latches on to his nose and won't let go, it may be a bit of a turn-off on snakes. I am a big fan of Milk snakes. There are a variety to choose from such as Pueblan, Honduran, Nelson's etc. They're readily available, easy to care for, nice temperament and they come in a wide variety of colors. https://www.google.com/search?q=milk+snake+morphs&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=4OKQUuGdHdPpkQffkYD4Cw&sqi=2&ved=0CC8QsAQ&biw=1067&bih=504

Just some food for thought.

Yes, I agree with you on milk snakes!!! They vary in size, color, pattern, etc.

[EL Ziggy]

My son is 4 and his first snake was a Cal King. He loves Caesar and handles him with no issues, under my supervision of course. I think they're great starter snakes. Granted, some of them can be a bit nippy or flighty especially when they're young, but neither of mine have ever bit me. Just a little tail rattling and a couple of musking episodes. With regular handling they usually tame down and become pretty docile. They're easy to care for, they grow to a nice size but not too big, and they come in beautiful morphs. They're also voracious eaters most of the time. I highly recommend kingsnakes. Best wishes.

[EL Ziggy]

I think that you've gotten some good information here, however there may be a couple of other considerations you should keep in mind. I see that your name is gagirl. If that stands for Georgia Girl and if you still live in Georgia, it is illegal to own a Corn Snake in Georgia. That is because Corn snakes are native to Georgia and they are fairly strict about keeping natives species as pets. I agree with the people that recommended that you don't start with a King snake, mainly because they tend to strike and bite a bit more than other species. Some people really like snakes with a bit of attitude, but they can be scary to a new owner even though the bits won't really hurt you. That said, if your son's new king snake latches on to his nose and won't let go, it may be a bit of a turn-off on snakes. I am a big fan of Milk snakes. There are a variety to choose from such as Pueblan, Honduran, Nelson's etc. They're readily available, easy to care for, nice temperament and they come in a wide variety of colors. https://www.google.com/search?q=milk+snake+morphs&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=4OKQUuGdHdPpkQffkYD4Cw&sqi=2&ved=0CC8QsAQ&biw=1067&bih=504

Just some food for thought.

Thanks for the info Jim, I didn't know we couldn't have corns here in GA. I don't have any experience with milks yet, but I will soon. Those hondos are awesome.

[Charis]

I'd also recommend looking into milks and other kings, any of the mexicana complex of kings are generally very docile, stay smaller and make good pets, although some of them can be a bit harder to get eating, so I'd definitely go with a breeder that can assure you it is well established on eating.
Garters, in my experience, can be super awesome, very interactive and "smart" little snakes ... They can also be bitey, musky, whipping little devils. Some of my absolute favorite snakes have been garters and some of my least favorites. So I'm not sure they would have my full recommendation for someone new to snakes. If a garter is decided upon though, I'd recommend getting a female, as they are typically more docile and easier to tame and I'd suggest an older one, yearling or adult as the babies are quite little and may be more uncomfortable to handle, because of their small size and quickness.

Cali kings can make great pets and there are some out there that are super docile and have never attempted to bite anyone. There are also a few individuals who are just plain mean, like in any other species, because they do all have their own temparements. But the main issue with a lot of Cali's is that they are so food motivated. It makes them very nice, because there is almost never any issue with getting one to eat. But they like to test bite things, shirts, towels, bedding, any bit of human skin that catches their attention they will just open up, bite down and chew for a bit to see if it might be edible. It's generally not in any way "mean" or aggressive biting but it can be very startling and a bit painful with a bigger snake. They are so food motivated, and a bit dim, that they have been known to start to swallow themselves, since kings do eat other snakes, they must think they've got hold of another snake. They usually figure it out and spit themselves back out before any harm is done.

[purplegeyser]

I think that you've gotten some good information here, however there may be a couple of other considerations you should keep in mind. I see that your name is gagirl. If that stands for Georgia Girl and if you still live in Georgia, it is illegal to own a Corn Snake in Georgia. That is because Corn snakes are native to Georgia and they are fairly strict about keeping natives species as pets. I agree with the people that recommended that you don't start with a King snake, mainly because they tend to strike and bite a bit more than other species. Some people really like snakes with a bit of attitude, but they can be scary to a new owner even though the bits won't really hurt you. That said, if your son's new king snake latches on to his nose and won't let go, it may be a bit of a turn-off on snakes. I am a big fan of Milk snakes. There are a variety to choose from such as Pueblan, Honduran, Nelson's etc. They're readily available, easy to care for, nice temperament and they come in a wide variety of colors. https://www.google.com/search?q=milk+snake+morphs&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=4OKQUuGdHdPpkQffkYD4Cw&sqi=2&ved=0CC8QsAQ&biw=1067&bih=504

Just some food for thought.

^^ Great point.

Milksnakes are easier to handle than a king snake for sure.
They are also very beautiful and come in similar colors to king snakes.

[shaunyboy]

another thing i would have against Kingsnakes with such a young keeper is their feeding response.....

ive seen plenty of pictures of Kings eating their way up their own tails,due to their crazy feeding mode

someone so young, who's parent ain't too keen on snakes, would imo have problems should that situation arise

ive seen more crazy bitey Kings, than i have calm placid ones

cheers shaun

[gagirl]

Wow, you guys are amazing! Thank you for your thoughtful responses. I will get busy looking into all of your suggestions and links. As for storing frozen food in my freezer, I find that much more tolerable than live rodents. And by tolerable, I mean the lesser of two evils ;)

I am a big fan of Milk snakes. There are a variety to choose from such as Pueblan, Honduran, Nelson's etc. They're readily available, easy to care for, nice temperament and they come in a wide variety of colors.

Jim, I'm right down the road from you in Covington. Did you get your milk snakes locally?

[sharthun]

Don't overlook the Black Milk Snake.Very docile and easy to feed and house at room temps with no added heat source.;)

[swolek]

Don't overlook the Black Milk Snake.Very docile and easy to feed and house at room temps with no added heat source.;)

I second this! I absolutely love mine, he's one my more docile reptiles and very, very easy to care for.

However, they do get on the larger side, growing up to 5-6 feet easily.

[Jim Smith]

gagirl,

Wow, you really are just down the road. To answer our question, yes I did buy one of my Ghost Honduran Milk Snake locally from a man in Decatur. I wanted a specific morp (color pattern) and he had one available. My other Honduran I bought from a breeder in Dallas Texas. That involves shipping which can be rather expensive. Typically, the different colored morphs cost quite a bit more than a "normal" colored snake. There are a couple on Craig's list now that may meet your needs.

[DragonsEye]

my youngest son started with a Kingsnake at the age of 8,after it bit and held onto his nostril,it totally put him off snakes...

i wish i had said no to the Kingsnake and got him a garter or a corn, as a starter snake


I don't know, Shaun. I think such an incident could have occurred with just about any snake. Has your son been able to get past that incident?

Only down side to milks is their tendency to musk.

Btw, just out of idle curiosity, are rat snakes (as close relatives of corns) also illegal pets in Georgia?

As far as getting bitten goes, GAgirl, with the snakes mentioned -- king, corn, or garter -- it really is not a huge deal. ( Mention this as one of the big fears many non-snake enthusiasts have is the "danger" of getting 'tagged'.) IMHO, the worst part of getting tagged by one of these is not the actual bite, but the shock/surprise of having been bitten. Their teeth are teeny tiny backward pointing hooks ... somewhat like the front claws of a cat. So if one of these does bite you, the best (and hardest) thing to do is NOT jerk your hand/arm away. Jerking away can break off little teeth into your skin (kind of like getting splinters) and/or make the scratches from the teeth worse (not unlike jerking away from a kitten that has latched its claws on you). Instead, stay calm and the snake will, realizing its mistake, "unhook" its mouth from you. The following is a link to a picture posted by a member who got tagged by their python (a far more robust snake than the types suggested here). You can see how laughably minor the "damage" was. I've received worse wounds weeding too close to a rosebush.

(And don't worry about the link title -- "Bloody Mary" is just the name of the snake because it is a "blood python") link: http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/python-curtus/88815-bloody-mary-struck-again.html




http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/obeah/Smileys/Thanksgiving%20Smileys/47510510_zpsf371f4c4.gif (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/obeah/media/Smileys/Thanksgiving%20Smileys/47510510_zpsf371f4c4.gif.html)

[Charis]

^Agreed^ I've gotten worse damage being bitten or scratched by a kitten or hamster than any snake bite I've ever gotten.

[Mikoh4792]

Getting bit is no biggie. It'll surprise you the first few times because the fast strikes look menacing but the most you will get out of snakes like corns and kings are scratches and pin holes.

I'm in the process of taming down a few snakes in my collection so getting bit is a daily routine.

For a first snake I would recommend a kingsnake if corns or rats are illegal in your area. They might not be the best to have as a lap snake but I think snakes do better when you don't molest them. They aren't a "cuddly" pet anyways. If that's what you are looking for a dog would be a better choice.

[mistersprinkles]

I will also suggest a black milk snake! (As two other people already have). They are less bitey than kings and the fact that you can keep them at a reasonable room temperature makes them much easier to care for (new owners can have a very hard time getting temperature zones correct for a snake). Seriously consider a black milk snake.

They hatch like this
http://dickdeuel.webs.com/Black%20Milk%20Snake_Female,%206%20months%20old.jp g

And end up like this
http://blogs.answersingenesis.org/blogs/creation-museum/files/2011/05/Black-Milk-Snake-1.jpg

[purplegeyser]

I will also suggest a black milk snake! (As two other people already have). They are less bitey than kings and the fact that you can keep them at a reasonable room temperature makes them much easier to care for (new owners can have a very hard time getting temperature zones correct for a snake). Seriously consider a black milk snake.

They hatch like this
[img]

And end up like this
[img]

ooo i want one of those <3

[EL Ziggy]

I will also suggest a black milk snake! (As two other people already have). They are less bitey than kings and the fact that you can keep them at a reasonable room temperature makes them much easier to care for (new owners can have a very hard time getting temperature zones correct for a snake). Seriously consider a black milk snake.

They hatch like this
http://dickdeuel.webs.com/Black%20Milk%20Snake_Female,%206%20months%20old.jp g

And end up like this
http://blogs.answersingenesis.org/blogs/creation-museum/files/2011/05/Black-Milk-Snake-1.jpg
If I didn't already have an MBK, I'd be all over that black milk. Now I'm thinking about a snow Hondo.

[sharthun]

If I didn't already have an MBK, I'd be all over that black milk. Now I'm thinking about a snow Hondo.

Do it! Ziggy!:) I dig those too!!!

[EL Ziggy]

Do it! Ziggy!:) I dig those too!!!
I'm pretty sure that snow Hondo is going to be my next purchase, unless you have a better idea. I just want a large colubrid.

[sharthun]

I'm pretty sure that snow Hondo is going to be my next purchase, unless you have a better idea. I just want a large colubrid.

I like the het tangerine or albino as well. ;)

[Jim Smith]

Sharthun,

Since you're in Texas, I would urge you to contact Don Shores in Dallas before you purchase a Honduran Milk snake. Don has come of the most beautiful Hondos out there, especially his extreme hypos. Photos simply do not do these snakes justice.

[sharthun]

Sharthun,

Since you're in Texas, I would urge you to contact Don Shores in Dallas before you purchase a Honduran Milk snake. Don has come of the most beautiful Hondos out there, especially his extreme hypos. Photos simply do not do these snakes justice.

Jim, thanks for the contact,but El Ziggy, is looking to maybe add a Hondo to his collection in the near future.I would have to get approval from the wife again.lol Not good timing at this point.:p

Steve

[LiL Zap]

I'd say it can also depend on the type of king snake. But yeah, I had volunteered to do some work at a pet store by my dads, I had to feed the nastiest king they had, he had such a great feeding response, that he snagged himself lol. If you get one as a baby, and handle it An appropriate amount, they should be fine. My mexican black king is a doll, I've had her from a few days old and never bit me once. But I've heard Cali kings can be pretty aggressive, so idk bout that.

You know what? Actually...all the Cali king snakes I've met were snippy haha. I've seen other species that were pretty docile. I should have been more specific.

[EL Ziggy]

Sharthun,

Since you're in Texas, I would urge you to contact Don Shores in Dallas before you purchase a Honduran Milk snake. Don has come of the most beautiful Hondos out there, especially his extreme hypos. Photos simply do not do these snakes justice.

Wow Jim, I just looked at Don Shores' site. You're right he has some beautiful snakes. I was most impressed with the ghost honduran and the extreme hypo honduran which I see you already have both of those. You obviously have good taste. :)