What snake should I get next?

[Pareeeee]

Decisions, decisions, decisions!

So my husband just told me the reason he's been pulling in a few extra hours at work is so I can get another snake + supplies for Christmas. That's just about the nicest thing ever. Who could turn down an offer like that?

I've had my heart set on a Mexican Black King for a while because I love the look of them, but I haven't decided if I want another "hyper" snake or not.

I'm just about the worst person for making decisions, so I'm looking for suggestions for calm / laid back snakes I may have overlooked (other than Ball Pythons). They need to work in approximately a 40qt tub or 20gal tank, however, since that's all I've currently got room for.

[trailblazer295]

I say MBK so I can live vicariously through you lol

[Minkness]

Hmmmm..... I of course want to say hognose, but they are hit ir miss if they are hyper or laid back. And since you said no BPs...I don't know what else to offer.... maybe a spotted or childrens python?

[EL Ziggy]

New snakes are always a great gift. I don't think MBKs are "hyper" at all. My girl is probably the sweeest and shyest of my crew but she hits food off the tongs harder than all the others, even my much larger bull snakes. That said, I think MBKs or king snakes in general make a beautiful addition to any collection. Mine are both a tad over 4ft and they fit perfectly in a divided AP T8 (2x2x1 on each side). I'm not into really small snakes but hoggies and sand boas have been making quite an impression on me lately. :)

[SnoopySnake]

Is a 20 gal a permanent enclosure? A young rainbow boa could do fine in a 20 gallon for a bit. Mine are very laid back but still like to explore. A sand boa would work, or a young spotted python.

[Bandit]

I haven't found that most MBKs are hyper either. Sure, when they're young they can be a bit jumpy every now and then, but I've worked with babies that were laid back from the start.

Gray-banded kings are laid back as well, and stay smaller. I like Sand Boas as well.

One snake that I'm not too knowledgeable on are African house snakes, but I do know that they don't get very large (especially males). I don't have much experience with them. I've handled a few juveniles over the years and they were always pretty laid back. Maybe someone can chime in on this to give a bit more info on them.

[Pareeeee]

Interesting that people are saying MBKs aren't overly hyper. I always heard that kings are extremely active snakes, but then again, I've never owned any type of king. Perhaps I'm mistaken! If so, that's music to my ears... :D

African House Snake is an interesting suggestion as well, I had forgotten to consider them. Always thought they were very interesting looking little guys.

[Pareeeee]

Is a 20 gal a permanent enclosure? A young rainbow boa could do fine in a 20 gallon for a bit. Mine are very laid back but still like to explore. A sand boa would work, or a young spotted python.

Yeah, permanent enclosure. Don't have room for a bigger viv. If I did, I'd be buying a Taiwanese Beauty in a heartbeat. Also a nice big pituophis. :)

Never beeb extremely interested in owning a rainbow, not really sure why.

[Minkness]

A standard 20 or a 20 long?

Also, what kind of activity do you concider 'hyper'?

My MBK when I had her was neat, but I never saw her and she would spaz a bit if handled. I apparently had one that was not a norm since others report theirs being calm and easy going. This is just my experience. My hoggies are active in their enclosures for the most part, and while active when being held, aren't spazzy about it.

My carpet is a pwrfect mix though. Unless shedding or digesting, she's on display, and being held, she's very mellow. I don't know if a 20 regular or long is good for a full grown adult, but my baby is in a standard 15 right now and seems to be doing fine. I saw an adult irian jaya in the store, and I think she was maybe 4-5 feet and still slender. Had the same laid back attitude as my baby as well.

[Bandit]

Ah I think I was associating "hyper" with jumpy, skittish, etc. If you meant active, then yes, MBKs are hyper I guess. I guess the best way I can describe them is just like most other kings...they're active and curious when being held, but they're still very easy to handle.

[Minkness]

To me 'hyper' is anything that takes more than 5 mins to chill lol. Which for me, was my MBK. That's part of why I no longer have her. She always made me so nervous while handling.... I much prefer my hoggies and pythons. Perhaps it's that they have thicker bodies, perhaps it's that they move slower. I'm not sure really.

[Aaron_S]

A colourful ball python from me.

[Wingbeats]

My vote is MBK....or a black milk snake? ;) Then I could also live vicariously through you.

[Pareeeee]

I've decided to stay with my original idea and get an MBK. Only problem is that I can't find an MBK around here until spring. Sooo, we are postponing it as my birthday present instead, since my birthday is in March.

Got a lot of supplies and critters for my other hobby instead - fishkeeping. Still an awesome Christmas present if you ask me ;)

[trailblazer295]

Take pics of your tanks, I always like looking at other aquariums.

[Bandit]

I second that. Would love to see your aquarium.

[AZretic]

Why wait until March. Can't you have one shipped to you?

[Pareeeee]

Why wait until March. Can't you have one shipped to you?

I don't like the idea of shipping live animals in subzero temperatures. Too many variables ...and I'm paranoid.

[Pareeeee]

Take pics of your tanks, I always like looking at other aquariums.

I second that. Would love to see your aquarium.

Will do. I will have to wait until I do a cleaning (I want to take pics when they're all spic and span) then I'll make a post over in the aquatic forum. The one tank is a little dirty right now since I just recently replaced the gravel with aquarium soil for my live plants.

[trailblazer295]

Will do. I will have to wait until I do a cleaning (I want to take pics when they're all spic and span) then I'll make a post over in the aquatic forum. The one tank is a little dirty right now since I just recently replaced the gravel with aquarium soil for my live plants.

Nice, yeah the water takes awhile to clear back up. I use fluval stratum in mine but it's only a 10g. Would cost a fortune to put it in larger tanks.

[Aaron_S]

I've decided to stay with my original idea and get an MBK. Only problem is that I can't find an MBK around here until spring. Sooo, we are postponing it as my birthday present instead, since my birthday is in March.

Got a lot of supplies and critters for my other hobby instead - fishkeeping. Still an awesome Christmas present if you ask me ;)

I have no clue on why MBK's are so hard to find these days. But awesome choice. Great species to work with.

I don't like the idea of shipping live animals in subzero temperatures. Too many variables ...and I'm paranoid.

Where do you live in Ontario again? There might be a better option.

[trailblazer295]

I have no clue on why MBK's are so hard to find these days. But awesome choice. Great species to work with.



Where do you live in Ontario again? There might be a better option.

It is hard finding babies for some reason. I waited months for Karen to get one and still was waiting. Only saw 1 at an expo.