Newbie on a budget...

[phillips321]

Hey guys this is my very first post in this forum.

I’m new to the world of reptiles and I’m amazed at the sheer beauty of them, thus, i have decided to enter the world by starting with a snake. I have narrowed down my choice to these two snakes now I just need to decide between them both.

Corn Snake(£60) or Royal Python(£60/£90)?

Could you please post some advice on the two above snakes stating their advantages and disadvantages.

Also I’m on a budget regarding the vivarium, I have a fish tank which is 20*12*12inches (length*width*depth) that has a plastic lid. How would u recommend using the tank? On its side with some sort of hinged door? Upright with the plastic lid weighted down to prevent run-aways?

I would also like to have some sort of housing in there such as a coconut shell, I have searched the forum but cannot find any information on making these, any advice much appreciated.

What would be the most suitable flooring for these snakes? Bark?

I have been offered two typed of Royal Python, assisted feeding (£90) and non-assisted(£60). Which would you advise? Are they easy to train to feed or do they require a lot of knowledge. I have purchased a small book on keeping snakes but it does not have much information regarding training the snake to eat.

Sorry about all of the questions but I want to know how to provide the best care for the snake before I get it.

[scalawag]

Congradulations on your decision to get into reptiles and also kudos for doing research BEFORE buying anything.
Just out of curiousity, where are you from???
I've never had a corn snake, but I do have 2 Royal Pythons. Royals are relatively easy to maintain BUT can be very finicky eaters. I'm tempted to say most, but I'll say many fast during winter, DEC- JAN. That doesn't hurt the snake but can be extremely frustrating for the owner, especially someone new to snakes.
From what I've heard, corns are much more forgiving husbandry wise than RP's. I'm not sure what you mean by assisted and non-assisted feeding??? No matter what snake you get, I would want to see it eat before you take it home. I would buy from a reputable breeder if possible. Make sure your enclosure is of apporpriate size, temps(cool and hot sides), humidity, substrate, hides are all in place, Use digital thermometer/hydrometer to measure. Don't be afraid to feed appropriate sized food. Get them on Frozen/ Thawed (F/T) as soon as posible. and move a Royal to rats as soon as possible.
Use the search function on this site and you will get ALL the info you need regarding husbandry. Good luck, do lots of research. Any specific questions, feel free to email me. Mike

[jparker1167]

there is a very good thread on the general discussion started by BoidKeeper its called, Which do you think is the better first snake and why corns or balls? research and pick the one you like most. either one is a good choise

[phillips321]

just one extra thing. im from Newport,WALES. Do you think that the £60 asking price is a little steep?there are no other reptile shops in my area that i know of so i have nothing to compare it to.

thanks

[Icefire]

you should convert it to us$ :P

[Auskan]

No, he shouldn't convert it to US dollars as he needs a comparison to what they are going for in the UK. Since I am in the US, I have not idea but I know there are several people on this forum from the UK so perhaps one of them can give you an idea? Also, you could do an internet search for breeders of both in the UK and get some idea of what they go for.

[sapphire_moon]

NEVER get a bp that is assisted feeding, that means you have to open the snakes mouth and put the rodent in there, not good.


You should get ANY snake from a reputable breeder. Not a pet store, no matter what they say!

ball pythons

Hot spot-90-95 degrees
cool spot 80-85 degrees

humidity
NOT in shed 50%-60%
IN shed 70%-80%

2 hides, you can use a ceral box, buy one from a pet shop, use a dark colored SMALL rubbermaid, or use plant pots.

substrate for atleast 1 month news paper or paper towel, so you can tell if the snake has mites or not (little black dots moving around)

Tanks SUCK for ball pythons, it's hard to keep the humidity up. A rubbermaid/sterilte (plastic) container is best, or a custom enclosure.


Corn snakes

Hot side-85-88 (some say 80-85)
cool side 70-75

Humidity- House humidity, you can spray the cage a couple of times a day when in shed, but it is usually not necessary.

again 2 hides, but people are successful with no hides (you should use hides for a while until they get used to their surroundings)

substrate-same as ball python, news paper or paper towel for about 1 month to watch for mites.

the tank you described sounds good for a baby corn snake for atleast 6 months. And tanks usually work for corns.

there are corn snake and ball python forums here, if you have any questions about them I am sure people will answer them.

i would suggest the tank be upright with weight on either end and one in the middle. If you THINK a snake can escape, then they probably can.

NEVER use cedar or pine chips for snakes.

Welcome to ssnakess!


The UK, United Kingdom right?

If so, then 60(UK) sounds about right for a nice normal thats an established eater and from a BREEDER.

But they can be anywhere from 30-60 UK currency (sorry don't know the term for your money!) or about 55-110 dollars USD.....if I'm right, if not, someone correct me please!