Help me decide which to get first!

[D Grade]

Ive been nonstop looking and researching snakes constantly for a week now and what I thought was a definite decision has now turned into a dilemma. I had my mind set on a black and white banded Cali King, but thanks to my eyes and brain thinking too much, I am now torn between the choices listed.

Which would you get?

[wrecker45]

All of the above. :yes:

[Minkness]

You. Know what I voted for! ^_^

[kwhitlock]

I personally love Hondos, they might not be the most active snake in the world, but the colors they have are just incredible!

[sharthun]

Yep, one of each!:p

[D Grade]

You. Know what I voted for! ^_^

I definitely do! :) Hopefully the wife will fall in love with our first and allow more, and I think she might. However I do need to treat this like itll be our only one so I need to figure out which to get first.

Kwitlock, I really like em too. Im really in love with Cali Kings though since thats what I held a few weeks ago. That was my first snake handling since my teenage years.

Decisions, decisions...

[D Grade]

All of the above. :yes:

Yep, one of each!:p

Hopefully! *fingers crossed*

[sharthun]

Hopefully! *fingers crossed*

The Cal king and mbk would be the most active of your choices if that helps. Milks tend to be very secretive.

[valid]

Personally, aesthetically it is really hard to beat a milk snake. Hondurans are my favorite ...
But they can be skittish. Don't expect a ball python tame milk snake, especially if you buy young / from a second party pet store that don't know much about the snake. My Hondo was beautiful, but a pain in the butt the first month I had him. Tamed down pretty quickly though. I still hate that I had to get rid of him. When I get my own space/permanent living conditions a Honduran will likely be the first snake I get.

[Minkness]

I know exactly what you mean! That was my agreement with my mom but I still have plans to get a western hoggie or garter in march from repticon lol. However, when I was getting all of my supplies together, I held a reverse okeetee corn at the reptile store I went to and ALMOST bought it. It was everything in me to say no because I had all ready set my heart on a MBK. But, that corn was the first snake I'd held in a few years, and it was beautiful! I wanted it right then and there sooooo bad. Even my mom knew what might have happened because when I got home, she asked if I had bought a snake as well even though she knew exactly what I wanted and when lol.

[D Grade]

The Cal king and mbk would be the most active of your choices if that helps. Milks tend to be very secretive.

Yeah thats one thing I like about Kings better.

Personally, aesthetically it is really hard to beat a milk snake. Hondurans are my favorite ...
But they can be skittish. Don't expect a ball python tame milk snake, especially if you buy young / from a second party pet store that don't know much about the snake. My Hondo was beautiful, but a pain in the butt the first month I had him. Tamed down pretty quickly though. I still hate that I had to get rid of him. When I get my own space/permanent living conditions a Honduran will likely be the first snake I get.

Yeah, I know Ill have one someday. Just dont know if itll be my first.

I know exactly what you mean! That was my agreement with my mom but I still have plans to get a western hoggie or garter in march from repticon lol. However, when I was getting all of my supplies together, I held a reverse okeetee corn at the reptile store I went to and ALMOST bought it. It was everything in me to say no because I had all ready set my heart on a MBK. But, that corn was the first snake I'd held in a few years, and it was beautiful! I wanted it right then and there sooooo bad. Even my mom knew what might have happened because when I got home, she asked if I had bought a snake as well even though she knew exactly what I wanted and when lol.

The struggle is real! I think Im gonna go with a Cali King since its the one I originally set my sites on. Still not 100% on it yet though.

[reptiledude987]

Personally for a first ever snake I'd go with some type of king (my first snake was a grey banded king). As opposed to a milk due to the fact theyre less skittish (nervous) and are easier to handle. Aside form that its pretty much a prefrence of coloration.

[D Grade]

Personally for a first ever snake I'd go with some type of king (my first snake was a grey banded king). As opposed to a milk due to the fact theyre less skittish (nervous) and are easier to handle. Aside form that its pretty much a prefrence of coloration.

Yeah I agree with that 100%, I think Ill stick with a Cali King since I cant find any MBK's locally.

[Minkness]

Yeah, I couldn't find any MBKs locally either, but I got mine from BHB and even with shipping it was a better deal than the different kings offered locally. Then again, my stores were wanting 85-100 for what looked like a hatchling it was so small.

So, for basically the same price I got something a bit less common, a little bigger, and exactly what I wanted for a 1st snake. =)

[Derek1]

Will someone please vote for the Pueblan Milk. It's getting no love.

[D Grade]

Yeah, I couldn't find any MBKs locally either, but I got mine from BHB and even with shipping it was a better deal than the different kings offered locally. Then again, my stores were wanting 85-100 for what looked like a hatchling it was so small.

So, for basically the same price I got something a bit less common, a little bigger, and exactly what I wanted for a 1st snake. =)

Whats BHB's website?

Will someone please vote for the Pueblan Milk. It's getting no love.

Lol!

[reptiledude987]

Will someone please vote for the Pueblan Milk. It's getting no love.

Beautiful snake but not one I'd personally get as a first. Have a hypo tangerine hondo but she wasnt my first either. my GBK was a perfect first because how great she was to handle.

[EL Ziggy]

BHB Reptiles has some good prices on Kings right now. Best wishes with your search.

King Snakes – BHB Reptiles (http://bhb-reptiles.myshopify.com/collections/king-snakes)

[Minkness]

Yup! And my shipping was about 30 bucks too, so for my MBK it was a total cost of about 80 and while fedex had a delay, when BHB was notified they made sure she wasn't left on a truck and made sure she was in a climate controlled facility. Luckily it was only a 1 night delay, and most likely due to Christmas, so I wouldn't even worry about that. They were awesome to deal with and during the ordering, shipping, and everything, we got on a 1st name basis. They also answered questions I had about my individual snake such as last feed/shed and offered assistance at any time in the future.

Can't say enough awesome things about BHB in quality, knowledge, prices, and customer service.

Been eyeing their normal hoggies and the mex mex king for a bit too lol. But no.....must...avstain...until....repticon...lol

[Derek1]

BHB Reptiles has some good prices on Kings right now. Best wishes with your search.

King Snakes – BHB Reptiles (http://bhb-reptiles.myshopify.com/collections/king-snakes)

Those are pretty good prices!

[knox]

Another vote for BHB. I have been happy with the few snakes I have purchased from them. Cal Kings are great! If you can spend about $100 more, a Black Milk is the PERFECT colubrid!

[D Grade]

Thank you guys, awesome advise here as always!

[toddnbecka]

For your first snake I'd recommend the MBK simply because they're less likely to be nippy as juveniles than most other kings. Regardless of how much or little you plan to handle the critter, it's simply less stress all around if the bugger doesn't strike or bite when you do pick him or her up. Maybe others don't jump back when a small snake strikes at them, but I do as a reflex action, even though I know it's harmless and barely has teeth big enough to break the skin. Milk snakes are less likely to strike or bite, but they are more likely to poop on you when picked up. I just saw a Pueblan cross at the local pet shop earlier tonight, beautiful snake, but just not my preference. I will likely add a MBK to the collection sometime this year.

[Minkness]

Yeah, I visited a petco about three towns over and they had a brooks king that went WILD trying to strike me through the glass. Was the fiestiest thing I'd ever seen. Kept at me for 10 minutes straight! O.o

I kinda liked his attitude, but I'm so happy with my MBK lol.

As I type this she's curled up on my shoulder under my shirt, peeking out and watching my thumbs drum over the keys on my cell lol

[Kuamata]

Bryan and the gang at BHB are some great folks, great to do business with, too. I've been watching their stuff for years now, and they always have real good quality reptiles. Bred some killers, too. I one time saw them sale a ball for $25,000. I can't remember the morph... Soul eater?... Something wicked like that. Real A+ quality people, reptiles, and business.

[D Grade]

Ive found another King I really like, an Aberrant King. I love how their head markings almost look like a skull.

[D Grade]

I think Im in love :) ....

[Minkness]

Nifty!

Nice marks too. =)

[Derek1]

I think Im in love :) ....

A guy on craigslist had one just like this about 2 weeks ago for $100 with a nice large aquarium and lots of accessories. But was sold when I called. :( They are awesome looking.

My cal king was a bit feisty when I first got her. She was 8-10" long maybe. She would strike and rattle her tail. Now she is putty in my hands and doesn't tail rattle. I actually miss the tail rattling.

[EL Ziggy]

That Aberrant Cal King is gorgeous.

[D Grade]

Nifty!

Nice marks too. =)

Thats what I said when I saw it!

A guy on craigslist had one just like this about 2 weeks ago for $100 with a nice large aquarium and lots of accessories. But was sold when I called. :( They are awesome looking.

My cal king was a bit feisty when I first got her. She was 8-10" long maybe. She would strike and rattle her tail. Now she is putty in my hands and doesn't tail rattle. I actually miss the tail rattling.

I know another snake you could get that really rattles its tail. Lol :)

That Aberrant Cal King is gorgeous.

I know right? I love how the head markings resemble a skull. Its absolutely badass!

[Minkness]

Looks like the MBK is in the lead. Have you changed your mind on it or still not sure yet? =)

[Obsidian_Dragon]

The MBK fan club is serious business.

[sharthun]

The MBK fan club is serious business.

I agree and everyone needs at least one MBK!:D

[D Grade]

Looks like the MBK is in the lead. Have you changed your mind on it or still not sure yet? =)

Still undecided but still leaning towards a Cali or Aberrant Cali King. We'll see!

[Minkness]

Well, if it's between cali or abara I'd pick the abara!

[D Grade]

Ok, so I took the fam to a couple pet stores locally today. We went to the one we originally went to and we went to another one we havent been to (went there first). So the one we went to that we havent been to was a nice big one, had a decent selection of snakes. They happened to have an MBK and I decided to handle it. It was probably about two years old, little skiddish at first but from the appearance it was entering shed soon. Adapted to me rather quickly though, liked him alot but would prefer a bit younger of a snake.

So we spent an hour at the shop we originally went to and I held a Pueblan Milk that was about a year old. Really really liked this snake attitude wise and feeling wise, of course marking wise as well. Bit more skiddish than a king but still very manageable. Also held an adult Cali King and was reminded of why I liked em so much in the first place. Such docile snakes they are but like I said, I really wanted a younger snake. I asked if they had any young Kings and sure enough, they have about a 6mo old black and white Cali King. I handled it for about 30 minutes and it was the best behaved snake Ive held yet.

So without a doubt, we put a deposit down on the lil guy/gal and well be picking it up (along with its new home and supplies) next Friday. Were gonna head back on Sunday for a snake exhibit and were gonna revisit the lil guy and get ready for next friday. So stoked about it, I cant believe how well behaved he was.

Im really amazed on how snakes interact with me and sense energy from people. I really enjoy handling them and I think they really realize that. Even the skiddish guys calmed down quicky and I still havent been nipped or musked on (knock on wood).

Thank you guys for the advise and taking part. Im really excited to post pics of our lil one next friday. :)

[Jrich]

Very exciting. Hope you can build a nice collection and a Cali king might pave the way ;)

[Minkness]

Can't wait for pics!

[EL Ziggy]

Great choice D. I started my collection with a Cal King too. He's still my favorite snake :). Can't wait to see pics. Congrats!

[toddnbecka]

The first step on the slippery slope... lol.

[D Grade]

Thank you guys, Ive been thinking about that lil guy all night.

[Minkness]

Why did you have to put down a deposit? Just curious.

[D Grade]

Finances. Were just now starting to get out of an almost two year span of being as broke as broke can get. We have enough to buy the snake, just not supplies and whatnot. Trust me, I did NOT want to wait. :)

[Minkness]

Lol fair enough . I'm glad to hear you are doing better now! I wish my petstores here would hold animals. But alas, they do not. =(

Can't wait for pics!

[D Grade]

Thank you, I appreciate that! And yeah, cant wait to post some. Ill take some pics Sunday when we head back up there.

[sharthun]

Congrats !! Kings are awesome!

[D Grade]

Thanks Sharthun. Ive seen your collection and its impressive. Maybe Ill get there someday. :)

[sharthun]

Thanks Sharthun. Ive seen your collection and its impressive. Maybe Ill get there someday. :)

NP, you can call me Steve lol Can't wait to see pics of your new snake!

[D Grade]

Will do Steve. :). Ill post some pics tomorrow of us holding our new lil guy tomorrow since well be there tomorrow for an exhibition.

[D Grade]

Well, we went back today for the exhibition and got to see our lil guy. Heres my wife holding him. This was her FIRST TIME holding a snake and Im so proud of her...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v147/Dieselboy/Mobile%20Uploads/20150111_155431.jpg

I held him for about 30 minutes and my daughter also held him but we didn't get pics of that. Were trying to think of a name for him and I think itll be between Perseus, Leviathan, Naga, or Amanikable (Amani for short).

We did get pics of me holding a grown king:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v147/Dieselboy/Mobile%20Uploads/20141226_170131.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v147/Dieselboy/Mobile%20Uploads/20141226_170406.jpg

And a pic of our daughter holding a turtle :) :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v147/Dieselboy/Mobile%20Uploads/20150111_150832.jpg

[Minkness]

Nice! Beautiful family you have, and a beautiful king =)

I vote for Amani!

[EL Ziggy]

Awesome pictures D. It's nice when you can make your hobbies and passions into a family affair :).

[D Grade]

Nice! Beautiful family you have, and a beautiful king =)

I vote for Amani!

Thank you! Yeah Im liking Amanikable as well. If I remember right, its a Philippine god of serpents so itd be a bit different than the Greek god name culture.

Awesome pictures D. It's nice when you can make your hobbies and passions into a family affair :).

Thank you, and yes indeed! Ive been bugging the boss for a snake and for her to hold one but I backed off today. I figured if shes ready then she'll hold one. There was a Ball Python that was passed around that we missed holding and she actually said she wanted to hold it. I was pretty shocked. We did end up holding a 9-10ft Boa between the two of us and I think that really opened her up to handling alot. In any regard, Im damn proud of her for overcoming her fears as a kid. :)

[Minkness]

That is so awesome to hear! I wish my mom would open up half that much. I'm happy she at least tolerates me holding my baby in the living room lol.

Also, Nagandra means 'snake lord' and I think is Indian. There's also the Myan quetxequotal (spelled so wrong, sorry!) Which was the god like serpent beast. =)

Names are one of my favorite things when getting a new pet lol.

[Kuamata]

Quetzalcoatl :) Always been obsessed with Quetzalcoatl. Also, lovely snake~ :)

[Minkness]

Thanks for the correct spelling! Even the spelling looks awesome lol

[D Grade]

That is so awesome to hear! I wish my mom would open up half that much. I'm happy she at least tolerates me holding my baby in the living room lol.

Also, Nagandra means 'snake lord' and I think is Indian. There's also the Myan quetxequotal (spelled so wrong, sorry!) Which was the god like serpent beast. =)

Names are one of my favorite things when getting a new pet lol.

Quetzalcoatl :) Always been obsessed with Quetzalcoatl. Also, lovely snake~ :)

Those are both interesting names as well. We'll definitely have to consider those as well.

[D Grade]

Well, he's finally home and getting adapted to his upgraded surroundings!

[Derek1]

Awesome! Great pics! I think you made the right choice. Beautiful family you have.

[Minkness]

Congrats! Can't wait to see pics!

[EL Ziggy]

Congrats again D! We're really happy for you.

[sharthun]

Awesome! We expect updates.:cool:

[D Grade]

Well here he is in his first hour at home today. Meet Amani, our pride and joy and first snake! Was so excited to go get this lil guy today that I barely slept last night. :). Anyone wanna take a guess at how old he is because I dont know.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v147/Dieselboy/Amani/20150116_144217.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v147/Dieselboy/Amani/20150116_144238.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v147/Dieselboy/Amani/20150116_144253.jpg

After setting him in his new home, he decided to have a look around...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v147/Dieselboy/Amani/20150116_144411.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v147/Dieselboy/Amani/20150116_144432.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v147/Dieselboy/Amani/20150116_144555.jpg

We love this little guy, cant wait till he settles down and comes out of his hide. :)

[D Grade]

One more full body shot:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v147/Dieselboy/Amani/20150116_144840.jpg

[Minkness]

If they grow like MBKs I'd say about 4-5 months. I may be wrong though as it depends on their care prior to you getting them.

[EL Ziggy]

He's really nice D. I love that crisp b/w contrast.

[drumcrush]

Such a beautiful King! Nice pics:)

[D Grade]

If they grow like MBKs I'd say about 4-5 months. I may be wrong though as it depends on their care prior to you getting them.

Thats a good guess. I was thinking 6-8 months.

He's really nice D. I love that crisp b/w contrast.

Thanks bud. I really like his crisp pattern and his temperament. Hes such a well behaved snake and thats what made us bite the bullet on him. Hopefully he comes out tomorrow, hes been hiding in his big hide all night.

Such a beautiful King! Nice pics:)

Thank you! :)

[sharthun]

Beautiful king! Congrats!

[EL Ziggy]

D- You may want to consider covering 3 sides of your tank and adding a few fake plants or branches inside your tank. My kings became a lot more active when I cluttered and covered their tanks. What are you going to feed him? He looks like he's about ready for fuzzys.

[D Grade]

I considered it but I figured a ground dweller like a King wouldn't bother with it, maybe Ill give it a try.

As for food I was going to go with two pinkies a week until he fattens up a bit more.

[Minkness]

Kings will climb if you give them stuff. I added a branch tjing with suction cups on the back of her tank and she was ALL OVER it. Nit to mention that one time she magically found herself hanging from the lip of the top of the tank lol.

My girl also likes new things. About once a week I switch her hides out and she seems to love exploring them =)

[D Grade]

Good idea, well pick up a branch and see if that brings him out a bit more.