choosing a variety--suggestions?

[Tara Garratt]

I have pretty much decided to buy a King snake. This was a big step for me, and there are certain family members who are positive that I have taken leave of my senses. I contacted various people, and have seen far too many beautiful snakes.

Instead of making it easier to choose, the pictures have made it much harder. I must say that Mark and Annette, in particular, each have amazing snakes! I want to buy far more than I can afford from both of them. Well, wish me luck as I continue to look at the pictures they have sent me. If I find that I like the temperment of the snake I get, I am very worried that we may end up with a few different kinds of King snake. Trying to choose between the varieties seems like choosing between chocolates--they are all good. The forerunners are San Louis Patosi (regular phase) and Grey banded, although I really like the Goins too.

Does anybody have suggestions that might help me decide between these snakes? I will give you some information that might be pertinent in choosing between these snakes. I am used to corns. I plan to handle the snakes. My two daughters, who are very young also touch/hold the corns. Our house is very busy. I don't like coping with picky eaters (it stresses me), and I plan to feed frozen/thawed. I know these snakes reach dfferent sizes, that is not an issue. Please feel free to offer suggestions.

Thanks,
Tara Garratt

[reverendsterlin]

I do suggest if you do pick greyband to go ahead and spend the few extra dollars and buy locale specific animals. Loma Alta and Hwy. 277 animals tend to have some awesome pattern/color

[vanderkm]

Hi Tara,

I can only comment on the San Luis Potosis because we have not owned grey bands, but I don't think there is a better pet snake than the San Luis or any variety of the variable kingsnakes. They are moderate sized, never bite or even threaten to, are reliable feeders and are just such sweet little snakes. We have a male San Luis from Annette as well as a female Thayeri from her and they are just like cornsnakes - if anything they are calmer in personality. They were both quite small as hatchlings compared with corns, but fed like pigs and have grown well. If anything they may be a bit prone to obesity - we have an old Durango mountain king that is quite chubby and both the others seem to gain weight quickly now that they are near full size. Though grey-bands are very pretty - I really think the San Luis, variables and similar kings are under-appreciated. Either way I am sure you will enjoy the choice.

mary v.

[gonesnakee]

THX for your compliments Tara. Decisions, decisions LOL Good Luck with whatever you choose. Mark

[Vanan]

I do suggest if you do pick greyband to go ahead and spend the few extra dollars and buy locale specific animals. Loma Alta and Hwy. 277 animals tend to have some awesome pattern/color

If only we could fine some up here in barren Canada! Care to ship some up Rev? ;)

Tara, both mex mex (San Lius Potosi king) and the greybands have similar temperaments and are equally great kings to own. The only difference I could say is their size. The greybands being a tad bit smaller. Which brings me to the "goini". Great kings. Ours are gentle and tame. But, their 5ft average size is what sometimes puts people off. But if you want a great king, who would be great for handling, chilling out with, and a pig when it comes to feeding, get the "goini". As babies they can be a lil testy, but they soon lose that.

And then again, the other two have great colours, especially the greybands. And just to show you a hint of what to expect from Mark Isbell, here's a pic from a snake I got from him a few yrs ago. This snake is now currently being owned by Jwsporty.

<img src="http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/196Cleo1.jpg">

And then again the mexmex are...argh! There's so many awesome kings! Doesn't matter which one you pick Tara, you'll find something you'll like about each! This coming from a Lampro-phile!

[munchy]

somebody on here or the other site produces some s. GA local eastern kings and rather than having white/yellow banding, they are bright orange/red. very nice. might even get one myself.

[Katt]

My favourite king has to be the mex black, and my goini, especially my patternless goini.

So you're in South Sask? Where from???

[Tara Garratt]

Hi all,
Thanks for the suggestions. I guess I will have to reframe it, and decide what I am going to get first...then maybe I won't feel like it is such a huge decision. Part of the difficulty is that I have been so impressed by both Mark and Annette that I want to buy from both of them. Patience is not my primary virtue, so I want to buy from both NOW. Unfortunately, I must decide what I most want first.

Mary, thanks for the note. It was your fellow that started me thinking about a king. Your guy with that bone shape on his head is just too distinguished looking, and his temperment was impressive when we saw him. I have thought a lot about him since we met him in June.

Katt, Southey Saskatchewan is actually a town about 30 minutes north of Regina. For all intents and purposes we live in the Regina area. Are you also in Sask.? If so, where?

Take care,
Tara Garratt

[gonesnakee]

I like the pic Vanan! That is one of the first ones from me. Back in the days when I had 1 clutch from the one female. I now have the 3 females & they all doubleclutched, so there are lots more to chose from LOL. Again Tara Good Luck with your snake once picked LOL Mark

[SerpentLust]

I personally favour Mexican Black Kings :) I can't speak for any of the other kings

Jenn

[Vanan]

Yea Mark! That's back in the day when I thought you were just some cool dood with crazy long hair and lots of water dishes to spare during the fall 2001 TARAS show! lol!