Need help picking a snake

[trailblazer295]

Hey all

Need some help. I currently have 2 PVC cages, I've decided firm my BP is staying in his 48x24x16 cage even if it seems he isn't using the space a lot, I'm sure once he is bigger it will make more sense. Right now he is about 550g. This leaves me with his old 24x24x12 that has a pro products RHP and UTH both on Ranco stats. Unfortunately my options are limited by what's available locally. Even living in the most populated area of the country seems reptiles aren't big business up here. Seems only the common species and sub species are sold here. Out of the 6 small king species that were recommended to me none were found locally. Maybe I've over looked something in my research about what snakes can live in that cage for life as I don't have the budget for a new setup.

I was hoping to find a more active snake to observe. I know 'active' is a relative term with snakes but more active then a BP. Something I can watch explore the cage.

These are the snakes I've researched/wanted/been suggested

1 MBK - love the look and behaviour just cautious about cage being to small. I've read mixed information about cage size. If I had a bigger cage for him it would be my pick for sure.

2 Western Hognose - Active little guys but I want to be able to handle them on a weekly basis and research seems to imply not a great snake for that with the rear fangs.

3 Rosy boa - unsure about activity levels and most of the morphs don't really grab me (pure white being the exception)

4 kenyan sand boa - small enough and cool looking but in hiding most of the time.

5 milks - some species small enough but don't like the musking, I'd prefer to be tagged then sprayed. I cut my hands almost on a daily basis at work and my cat plays rough with claws like fish hooks.

6 corns - I think they are active in the cage. Most morphs don't grab me. I'm not sure if this is common of all corns or the one I held but it was at least a sub adult if not adult size and was in constant escape mode my hands were moving on after the other like a human treadmill. Maybe some can clarify if that's normal. Or was it stress of being in a store held by strangers and would calm in time?

Any snakes I've overlooked or facts I've missed on the above.

Thanks for all the help thus far.

[Aaron_S]

Where are you located? I may be able to point you in the direction you need to go.

I found most active snakes to be colubrids during the day so I'd go with one of those.

If you can find them garter snakes or ribbon snakes make excellent display snakes and would fit your caging.

[trailblazer295]

Where are you located? I may be able to point you in the direction you need to go.

I found most active snakes to be colubrids during the day so I'd go with one of those.

If you can find them garter snakes or ribbon snakes make excellent display snakes and would fit your caging.

I live in the east end of TO right now but moving to Bowmanville next month.

[Aaron_S]

I live in the east end of TO right now but moving to Bowmanville next month.

PM me what exactly you're looking for and I can direct you to a few people or websites.

[reptiledude987]

In our local area I think the best variety you will find would be tails and scales or port credit pets. Aside from those theres always the expo this weekend! I know I'll be there myself. Hoggies are what I'll be looking for and port credit will probably be the first table I check out. Hit me up a PM would be cool to meet if you plan to go this weekend.

[trailblazer295]

In our local area I think the best variety you will find would be tails and scales or port credit pets. Aside from those theres always the expo this weekend! I know I'll be there myself. Hoggies are what I'll be looking for and port credit will probably be the first table I check out. Hit me up a PM would be cool to meet if you plan to go this weekend.

I'm going this weekend but just to browse and see what's available. I move end of May so ready for June 8 expo to buy.

[Aaron_S]

In our local area I think the best variety you will find would be tails and scales or port credit pets. Aside from those theres always the expo this weekend! I know I'll be there myself. Hoggies are what I'll be looking for and port credit will probably be the first table I check out. Hit me up a PM would be cool to meet if you plan to go this weekend.

PCPC closed their store front. In the West end of town it's Tails and Scales. In the East there's All Reptiles. I know they recently had an adult MBK in there but not sure if it sold or not.

[reptiledude987]

Didnt know the store colsed. do you think they will still have a table at the expo? the usually have the widest variety of most of the vendors there. I'd be dissapointed to see them gone entirely.

[trailblazer295]

All reptiles is where I bought my BP and where he is currently being babysat until I move (long story). I was in a few weeks ago just seeing what they had that would fit and saw the adult MBK and held him for awhile. He was very relaxed. Adrian told me he wouldn't grow a lot more but I've heard so much mixed messages about what's the right size for one I'm not sure what to do.

[Aaron_S]

All reptiles is where I bought my BP and where he is currently being babysat until I move (long story). I was in a few weeks ago just seeing what they had that would fit and saw the adult MBK and held him for awhile. He was very relaxed. Adrian told me he wouldn't grow a lot more but I've heard so much mixed messages about what's the right size for one I'm not sure what to do.

Talk to Adrian and take his recommendation. Most MBK stay about 3ish feet.

[Aaron_S]

Didnt know the store colsed. do you think they will still have a table at the expo? the usually have the widest variety of most of the vendors there. I'd be dissapointed to see them gone entirely.

I know Grant still has his warehouse but unsure if they will have a full table or not.

[reptiledude987]

general rule of thumb is 1 square foot of floor space for foot of snake. 24''x24'' floor space may be a bit small for an adult mbk. It could work but a bit bigger would be more ideal.

[reptiledude987]

Talk to Adrian and take his recommendation. Most MBK stay about 3ish feet.
Really??? mines closer to 4 and i thought he still had some growing to do.

[trailblazer295]

Talk to Adrian and take his recommendation. Most MBK stay about 3ish feet.

Thanks, he helped me a lot when I was in there asking questions several times before buying stuff. Didn't take him long to remember me :wacky: I bought most of my equipment from there and he quickly changed the package they piece together when he realized I didn't want the cheapest most basic setup possible. Good guy for sure. Looks like I better swing by there soon.

[Aaron_S]

Really??? mines closer to 4 and i thought he still had some growing to do.

I don't really know of many that grow beyond that size. I could be wrong though but to my knowledge they are on the smaller side.

[trailblazer295]

general rule of thumb is 1 square foot of floor space for foot of snake. 24''x24'' floor space may be a bit small for an adult mbk. It could work but a bit bigger would be more ideal.

Ya I've read that average rule. He would be taken out for exercise and I'd probably build something he can move around on as well.

[reptiledude987]

Did a quick wiki search and it seems I was mistaken. I was under the impression they were one of the largest species of kings. I stand corrected. That said the 2'x2' should do the trick.

[reptiledude987]

Ya Mine likes to climb when hes cruising and puts his branches to good use.

[trailblazer295]

Oh he would have branches for sure for climbing. I bought more wood then my BP uses so a few pieces will be moved over and I'll buy to maximize the space. Have elevated areas both under the RHP and cold side. Maybe a cork bark platform or something. You guys rock MBK it is!!!!!


What humidity should they be at? I already have a digital thermometer hygrometer.

[reptiledude987]

40-60%.......

[trailblazer295]

Is below 40% a problem? In winter my BPs cage would drop to 35%ish with aspen even misting twice a day so switched to cocohusk. Now I know summer will be different and next winter I'll have my own home and being an HVAC mechanic I'll be doing a better job of maintaining my in home environment then my landlord does.

With aspen in our climate how is your summer humidity levels?

[reptiledude987]

Summer is easy (unless its too high). winter for some that like the higher humidity levels can be a bit tougher but i just keep the water on the warm side for the mbk and he sheds fine.

[reptiledude987]

This fall I'm going to het a good humidifier to bump the level in my whole snake room. Theres only so many times I can split and extend my monsoon before needing a second one lol.

Ive seen bad reviews on the monsoons because they can over saturate sometimes. So I use the plastic clips they use on IV lines at hospitals to pinch it without stopping the flow all together and they work really well.

[trailblazer295]

Do they need a humid hide as well? I don't have any problem getting one of those as well if they need one.

It's always confused me why a dry climate dwelling reptile needs humid areas to shed properly because they don't make humid hides in nature. Never saw the humid spot in the desert watching discovery channel.

[reptiledude987]

I dont have one for mine but its an easy addition if you have shedding issues.

Ive wondered the same just one of those things I guess.

[trailblazer295]

This fall I'm going to het a good humidifier to bump the level in my whole snake room. Theres only so many times I can split and extend my monsoon before needing a second one lol.

Ive seen bad reviews on the monsoons because they can over saturate sometimes. So I use the plastic clips they use on IV lines at hospitals to pinch it without stopping the flow all together and they work really well.

I was thinking more along a proper working humidifier for the whole house. If I'm maintaining proper humidity in the house then it won't dry out the cages as much.

[reptiledude987]

Ya I rent so dont have that option unfortunately.

[reptiledude987]

Ill snap some pics of his terrarium when I get home from work. I just put in some new LED lighting and I think It looks pretty good.

[trailblazer295]

Thanks, I have an LED strip but it's hard to get ideas for tank setups. Try to replicate natural environment. Bought the book 'the art of keeping snakes' just arrived today.

[reptiledude987]

Ok I'll see if I can get behind stuff and show how I wired the LEDs as well

[trailblazer295]

Mine is already wired, I bought it from herphouses in Oakville. I bought my larger cage from him and bought an extra 24" strip for the small one. Already wired with 120v 3 prong plug and for $30 can't beat that. Already drilled the holes and installed it in the cage.

[reptiledude987]

So this is Lando's house its 4x2x2. The LED light strip goes 360 degrees around the top. Then him peeking out of his hide.