Milk vs. Corn vs. King

woahamie · 07-21-12, 08:08 AM

Sooooo... I'm looking in to getting a snake. I'm new to snakes (kinda, I work with them at my job, but I'm not really "hands-on" with them as much), but I'm not new to reptiles. I have a beardie, and a few leopard geckos.

I think I've narrowed my search down to certain types of snakes, but I still want some input from people who know snakes better; you guys!

-I want a snake that doesn't grow too big. Maybe not more than 5ft.
-Something with lots of nice colors.

Would a king, corn, and milksnake fit into that category?
I've researched into rosy boas and ball pythons, but I haven't really fallen in love with them; not like those other guys I've mentioned.

alessia55 · 07-21-12, 08:45 AM

Yes, miks, corns, and kings all fit into the category your'e talking about.
Corns would be the one I would recommend for a beginner like yourself, just because they tend to be more tolerant of handling and less likely to bite or musk.

DragonsEye · 07-21-12, 11:12 AM

I agree, go with a corn. IME, milks are frequently muskers.

crazycorns · 07-21-12, 12:12 PM

yes go with the corns, i have two right now and i luv them so much they eat really good and seem to like handleing they always come out and hang with me and there r so many different morphs to choose from i will be breeding corns in a few years. i think u will be pleased with a corn i know i am

franks · 07-21-12, 12:29 PM

All three snakes you listed fit the bill, is there anything else specifically that you are looking for in a snake?

Oh... And rosy boas are awesome!

woahamie · 07-21-12, 01:12 PM

Eh, nothing really in particular. Just something that looks RADICAL. The more I read about corn snakes, the more I like 'em.

Haha!

UwabamiReptiles · 07-21-12, 03:27 PM

I'd have to say corn too. They come in tons of morphs and are easy to care for. Great first snake.

exwizard · 07-21-12, 03:32 PM

All the above. I have a pair of Corns plus recently hatched babies. They are very easy to care for, make great eaters, are unmatched in the variety of morphs available even by Balls, very docile and are very active and fun.

buffcoat · 07-21-12, 08:07 PM

I've had all 3 at one time or another. The corn was/is by far the easiest to handle. Milks look cool but they do like to musk and are quite the fast little buggers. Kings get a little bit bigger and can do some, how should I say this, odd things. Mine liked to bite himself. Corns are pretty hardy and are a bit more forgiving. All 3 are good eaters.

When someone tells me that they would like to get a snake they always ask what I would suggest. My reply is "Get a corn, if ya like it and want something else, get a king. Then a royal. But remember, these guys aren't anoles, if taken care of properly, they will be around for years."

woahamie · 07-21-12, 08:12 PM

Then a corn snake it is! The more I read about them, and the more I look at videos of them, I love them even more.

Does anyone know a reputable breeder online that I can go to? I'm not too concerned about costs.

alessia55 · 07-21-12, 09:55 PM

My first snake was a corn from Kathy & Bill Love: Corn Snakes 4
They wrote a great book on corns too, which I recommend:

Very little selection, but someone who really cares about her snakes, and will stay in touch for any questions you may have even years after your purchase.

BHB Enterprises also have a good selection of corn snakes for you to look at.

I'm not a corn person, so I'm sure others will chime in with more breeders soon

Don't forget to check the BOI for reputations and reviews of past customers. There are always snakes that need a new home at rescues and classifieds websites.

Kettennatter · 07-22-12, 04:46 AM

Okay, I will break with the consensus: My recommendation would be to go to a breeder or expo and observe each type. Kings can be odd, and I personally own one with many quirks. Some of the quirks annoy me, others make me laugh. However, this varies by individual snake, and many Kings are just the greatest snakes, and so terribly easy to feed. Both corns and snakes are very easy to take care of.

Rogue628 · 07-22-12, 05:04 AM

All three are good choices. Kings can be quirky but are overall a good animal. I've known people with corns and milks that can be just as odd in their own way. All are easy to take care of and eat well.

I have to agree with Kettennatter. Sometimes the best recommendation comes from the animal itself.

woahamie · 07-22-12, 08:43 AM

I plan on going to the Repticon show when it comes to Ft. Lauderdale in September. I like to have everything ready before jumping into a new pet. So hopefully there ill find my snake

But thanks for all the info/advice, guys!

Jlassiter · 07-24-12, 10:55 AM

Please explain these "quirks" kingsnakes have.....
I've had thousands over the past 20 or so years and still don't understand what you all mean by kings being quirky?

If it is feeding hatchlings after they hatch then I'd have to say my worst clutch of feeders was a cornsnake clutch........

Kings make great pets....as do corns.....