Anybody heard of TC Exotics?

[TxScarlet15]

I'm trying to decide on my third snake and came across this small business not far from me. Has anyone dealt with them before or heard anything about them? They are supposed to be going to the repticon in Savannah so I'm curious to know more about them and what kind of snakes they sell. Right now I'm trying to decide between a BRB, some type of honduran milksnake morph, or maybe a thayeri king. Those are my top picks right now if anyone wants to chime in on that. Thanks!

[Minkness]

-whispers- western hognoses....

Though a BRB would be very neat and very different from your corns since you would be stepping away from the colubrid family and into the boas. =)

[TxScarlet15]

Lol, from all your hog posts lately Mink I have been tempted on that, but I have a select few I'm wanting to choose from right now. I really love the look of BRBs and I kinda want to try something other than a colubrid, however I think I would actually prefer something that is more active during the day, and BRBs are more nocturnal, correct? That and I'm still a bit leery on the size being that I'm on the shorter side and not sure I can handle heavier snakes. I'm used to 4-5 foot max, so I'm not sure if I'm fully committed to getting something that could potentially get to 7 foot. I have found though that I really like the Albino tangerine hondos with wider bands like this one Albino Tangerine Honduran Milk Snakes for sale at Reptiles by Mack (http://www.reptilesbymack.com/albino-tangerine-honduran-milk-snake.aspx), but I don't know anything about that company and I've never dealt with shipping an animal or buying sight unseen. Argh I'm so torn and confused right now!!!

[Sylphie]

That and I'm still a bit leery on the size being that I'm on the shorter side and not sure I can handle heavier snakes. I'm used to 4-5 foot max, so I'm not sure if I'm fully committed to getting something that could potentially get to 7 foot.

Uh, I'm the same, maybe I'm not that small, but on the other hand I can't lift up anything heavier than 11lbs (spine problems), so boas and pythons are rather too strong for me :( And it would end really bad for me if too big snake will try to push harder out of my grip, or jerked violently.

I would go with hoggies, or thayeri, but it's all up to your taste :D

[Minkness]

Well, from what I have heard about milks, they are pretty shy, so if you want something active and out during the day might not be the best choice. I'm not terribly familiar with boas and pythons by any means, so no idea what to suggest kn that front. However, vine snakes are active durring tue day and aborial, and so far all but 1 of my hogs are always out and about during the day, and the females seem to be the most active. Not trying to push them, just pointing out that they exibit a behavior you are looking for. Also, a full grown female should get 4 foot or less but still be thicker bodied than a corn, king, or milk. =)

Also, if colors aren't a big deal to you, you can get a color phase normal for under 60$ at repticon. I got my first male for 40$ and he's a red phase normal (a color phase normal is just tue tint in which their normal colors show. There is green, red, and yellow as the more common types) and if you want something a bit pretttier, you can get an albino for under 200$

[TxScarlet15]

What do you know about a MBK? I've seen a couple on the forum and they are impressive snakes but I don't know much about how they are activity and personality wise.

[Minkness]

You will alot of awesome things about MBKs! I have one myself and she's pretty cool. I find her to be more active at night and she's pretty shy and still a bit flighty after almost a year. Of having her. Killer feed response, no issues with shedding, no agression or defensive posturing. She did musk alot when she was little, and still tail rattles to this day. Pretty solid for a beginner and you can't beat that amaaaazing jet black color. She has an almost blue shine one most of her body, but her belly is more grey than black and throws rsinbowy shine. She burrows and climbs a bit so if given a tall terrestrial enclosure (longer than it is tall) she would probably use every bit of it. Currently she is just in a tub though as the less see through plastic seems to make her feel more secure. I have yet to see her just out and chilling. If she's out, it's because she's moving from one hide to another. Though she is learning to peek out for food when I oift the lid. =)

[SnoopySnake]

Just wanted to point out, 6 ft would be big for a BRB, 7 ft would be HUGE. Don't expect them to reach those sizes, and if you're too worried, get a male. Keep in mind that at 6 ft these snakes aren't even as big around as a pop can, probably would take small-medium rats at the largest, and are very manageable due to their slender build. My columbians are actually fairly active during the day, but brazilians may be more secretive. Both are great snakes.

[TxScarlet15]

I knew I should have stopped looking at snakes hours ago, but I didn't. I just came across this craigslist ad 2 Corn Snakes for sale / 1 is albino (http://greenville.craigslist.org/for/5065056486.html) and I think I actually really like that first corn, the one they call an albino. I'm am sighing right now that it's another corn but I really like the coloring and I'm seriously considering shooting an email over. Problem is that it's about 3 hours away from me and I'm not sure I want risk that drive and end up not liking the snake. Help please!!!!

[TxScarlet15]

Just wanted to point out, 6 ft would be big for a BRB, 7 ft would be HUGE. Don't expect them to reach those sizes, and if you're too worried, get a male. Keep in mind that at 6 ft these snakes aren't even as big around as a pop can, probably would take small-medium rats at the largest, and are very manageable due to their slender build. My columbians are actually fairly active during the day, but brazilians may be more secretive. Both are great snakes.
How are they strength wise? That's the biggest thing for me right now. I know my 3 1/2 ft. king has surprised me sometimes with how tight she can grip me. I've never held a BRB or any boa for that matter so I'm unsure of what to expect.

[eminart]

I knew I should have stopped looking at snakes hours ago, but I didn't. I just came across this craigslist ad 2 Corn Snakes for sale / 1 is albino (http://greenville.craigslist.org/for/5065056486.html) and I think I actually really like that first corn, the one they call an albino. I'm am sighing right now that it's another corn but I really like the coloring and I'm seriously considering shooting an email over. Problem is that it's about 3 hours away from me and I'm not sure I want risk that drive and end up not liking the snake. Help please!!!!


If you get them, you'll end up with these, plus something else soon. You had already decided you'd like something different. It won't be long before you're thinking that again.

[SnoopySnake]

They're fairly strong. My CRB is only 3 1/2 ft and has given me a good surprise with his strength too, but its very rare he actually squeezes unless he gets spooked. I know they aren't as pretty but a CRB may be a good choice for you since they stay smaller, less sensitive to temps/humidity, still have the iridescence and same great personality.

[Minkness]

If you get them, you'll end up with these, plus something else soon. You had already decided you'd like something different. It won't be long before you're thinking that again.



This is soooooo true. Get them if you like, but be prepared to end up with that different thing you were first looking for.

[TxScarlet15]

Thank you Eminart. Ok, this time I'm seriously going to take a step back and reevaluate what it is I want in my next snake. Thank you guys for putting up with my nonsense.

[prairiepanda]

Here's my tangerine albino hondo, currently at 3.5ft and still growing:
http://i.imgur.com/IBytFT1.jpg

Cool thing I discovered about this morph is that they turn pink when in shed:
http://i.imgur.com/pfhcIw1.jpg

It is true however that they are not active in their enclosures and tend to hide most of the time. Among milk snakes, though, Hondurans are probably the best for handling. Very relaxed and difficult to startle. Other species of milk snakes tend to be more flighty.

If you want to see more activity inside the enclosure, though, all your other options listed tend to be pretty good for that. Sounds like you might want to stay away from the bigger BRB for now until you've gained some more confidence(if there are any reptile expos near you, you might get a chance to handle some larger snakes there to try it out) BRBs aren't very big, but they are quite a bit stronger than what you're used to.

As for buying online "sight unseen"...well, I got all my snakes online but I requested multiple photos of them, and asked loads of questions about their origins, how they've been cared for, and about the seller's experiences with shipping. I also looked online for reviews of each seller.

Think hard about what you really want in your next snake. If you're not sure, you're just going to jump on the first great deal and might regret it. Figure out exactly what you want and look specifically for that, rather than looking for whatever is available and trying to shape your wants to match ;)

[Albert Clark]

I knew I should have stopped looking at snakes hours ago, but I didn't. I just came across this craigslist ad 2 Corn Snakes for sale / 1 is albino (http://greenville.craigslist.org/for/5065056486.html) and I think I actually really like that first corn, the one they call an albino. I'm am sighing right now that it's another corn but I really like the coloring and I'm seriously considering shooting an email over. Problem is that it's about 3 hours away from me and I'm not sure I want risk that drive and end up not liking the snake. Help please!!!!

Well at least these Craigslist corns appear healthier and more firm than the other one you were looking at. Take your time and really consider what you want and what you have the accommodations for. The final decision is yours but all we are doing here is to inform you of your options and your rights as a buyer. Good luck once again.:freakedout:

[toddnbecka]

I've never heard of TC Exotics, but since they have a facebook page you shouldn't have too much trouble finding feedback on them.
Reptiles by Mack seems to be a pretty decent company from the feedback I've seen, they advertise on fauna and kingsnake classifieds quite a bit.
Shipping isn't a big deal as long as the weather is decent, worst part is it's usually $45 or more because snakes have to go overnight through FedEx.

[Aaron_S]

Hondurans are probably the best pet milksnake out there. Followed by sinoloans (never see these guys anymore).

As for vine snakes, they are a neat species however they tend to not last long in captivity and usually are stuck on geckos as a diet.

If you want something bright green and diurnal you can try rough/smooth green snakes. Cute little guys and they also are insectivores.

[TxScarlet15]

Now that I've had some time to think things through I've decided that although I'm not completely opposed to a nocturnal species I would rather a diurnal one. I also would rather stay in my comfort zone of 4-5 ft. I have sent an email inquiring about the one corn in the ad and am waiting for a response. However, if I do get a response I will be sure to ask plenty of questions and be cautious about it. The last thing I want right now is to get in over my head with a sick snake. I'm still exploring my different options though and figuring out what fits best to what I want.

[TxScarlet15]

Well I haven't heard from the seller yet about the one corn, but I've been browsing around and I've come across two different options that I like. The first is a MBK, here's the ad 2 mexican black king snakes - pretty (http://gainesville.craigslist.org/pet/5124967029.html). I'm leaning more towards the male with this one, though I'm not sure which one is the male in the pics. Seller said that he eats well, is healthy and is super tame. I've requested additional pics and was told he would get some tonight or tomorrow.
The next option is a 2 year old blizzard corn, BLIZZARD CORN SNAKE!!!!! (http://asheville.craigslist.org/pet/5145795701.html). Again, eats well, healthy, real calm. I got some more pics for this one, I'll try to upload them later. Although I like the corn I think I'm leaning more towards the MBK right now, unless something changes.

[Sylphie]

I would definitely want more pics of that blizzard, as people are often trying to sell "better" snows as blizzards. And by the look on this one pic it's really to tell if this one is blizzard or just really white snow :D

But if you want something different then MBK will be a better option for sure, haha!

[Minkness]

I vote MBK since you already have corns, and MBKs are neat. =)

[TxScarlet15]

Not sure if the pic worked, got it in my email and couldn't quite figure out how to get it onto my pc. This is the blizzard corn, I have a second pic I'll try to post.
https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=256fd62fb5&view=fimg&th=14edb9d071c0edd4&attid=0.1&disp=emb&realattid=ii_14edb9aba97fe03b&attbid=ANGjdJ_90aaO_wDD7FrzV3fGe47I13agrIaiJ40tS6D yDRzO3AD4WMhCWFSoY-ef8ONibABP7fpea9wJfpjAbRBHPeWoPcEvxjMRiaTyDaEVHdXc CZsGauhjrH-4g1c&sz=w844-h1124&ats=1438225624513&rm=14edb9d071c0edd4&zw&atsh=1

EDIT: Argh didn't work, I'll try to fix it.

[TxScarlet15]

I guess it did work after all, lol! Here's the second pic.
https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=256fd62fb5&view=fimg&th=14edb9d071c0edd4&attid=0.2&disp=emb&realattid=ii_ico97ur51_14edb9a244da6f6a&attbid=ANGjdJ8hC3mN5h-OupSmgEKRD3Tyuz7rrFMgcZIw8-ituknM-Y52LkKyfGtpzV5RIZd1F-A42hR8wHWbSQQGFRFrtC_fiXX7rpD2j9WM5u41QJyYHYvMVEOH vqKJbTE&sz=w844-h1124&ats=1438226395171&rm=14edb9d071c0edd4&zw&atsh=1

[TxScarlet15]

Here's the pics I got from the MBK seller. I also got a bit more info on this one. He's about 4 years old and was bought from a breeder at a Daytona herp show. I have to be honest, out of the two I'm really loving those sleek black scales.
https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=256fd62fb5&view=fimg&th=14edc88535a9cc8c&attid=0.1&disp=emb&realattid=ii_14edc862a4744856&attbid=ANGjdJ_hsP6J3sRInxXXvlupp7pLyOi9YqRmnfkJgiR YGhz-gamNSuRZNHJTyGVzQz7kmdzK_IXxTuNrB7RsuSJi_CjwgM1f9J tVcc8rU9UfixEEopzK69iBxJJGXls&sz=w840-h1124&ats=1438226395138&rm=14edc88535a9cc8c&zw&atsh=1

https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=256fd62fb5&view=fimg&th=14edc88535a9cc8c&attid=0.2&disp=emb&realattid=ii_14edc8629b96378c&attbid=ANGjdJ9cW2u29tKJ8oqsA6zjlw_EOMMDoSJzy8baZTP YHiDzKohwzhKF1JPABkn26wAPOHZw9HLYSS1q9fQ_ClZsTitrM hoT7TIZK1bTew1iJQPyOmtQZsEzFCl-fac&sz=w1124-h840&ats=1438226395138&rm=14edc88535a9cc8c&zw&atsh=1

[prairiepanda]

I vote MBK. You got details of his history easily, and just comparing the ads it seems that the seller of the MBK is more mature. Very nice MBK, too! Or you can be like me and get both a black and a white snake just to have that awesome contrast :P

But really I think the MBK is the better choice, and you seem to like him better anyway.

[TxScarlet15]

I do really like the MBK, I wish the pics would work they were fine last night when I started posting but now they aren't showing up. At any rate they are both gorgeous and the blizzard looks like it might actually be a blizzard but it's hard to tell from fuzzy yellow pics. That would be pretty awesome to have a black and white duo, maybe one day but not right now. I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with the MBK, trying to work out some details right now and then I just have to figure out when I can make the 4 1/2 hr drive :eek:.

[SerpentSteve]

Hey I know this post is a little old but I know Travis personally. He's a good dude and knows what he's doing. I actually seen him today at Charleston and was talking to him about trading a few copperheads for a hognose of mine. He still has a golden child retic I traded him a while back. Good quality animals and an all around good guy

[TxScarlet15]

Hey I know this post is a little old but I know Travis personally. He's a good dude and knows what he's doing. I actually seen him today at Charleston and was talking to him about trading a few copperheads for a hognose of mine. He still has a golden child retic I traded him a while back. Good quality animals and an all around good guy
I did end up seeing TC Exotics at the Savannah Reptiday. Didn't talk to him much or stay too long at his booth, it was heavily crowded the entire time (maybe that alone speaks to his reputation?) but what I did see I liked.