Need help picking a snake

trailblazer295 · 04-30-15, 03:52 PM

Hey all

Need some help. I currently have 2 PVC cages, I've decided firm my BP is staying in his 48x24x16 cage even if it seems he isn't using the space a lot, I'm sure once he is bigger it will make more sense. Right now he is about 550g. This leaves me with his old 24x24x12 that has a pro products RHP and UTH both on Ranco stats. Unfortunately my options are limited by what's available locally. Even living in the most populated area of the country seems reptiles aren't big business up here. Seems only the common species and sub species are sold here. Out of the 6 small king species that were recommended to me none were found locally. Maybe I've over looked something in my research about what snakes can live in that cage for life as I don't have the budget for a new setup.

I was hoping to find a more active snake to observe. I know 'active' is a relative term with snakes but more active then a BP. Something I can watch explore the cage.

These are the snakes I've researched/wanted/been suggested

1 MBK - love the look and behaviour just cautious about cage being to small. I've read mixed information about cage size. If I had a bigger cage for him it would be my pick for sure.

2 Western Hognose - Active little guys but I want to be able to handle them on a weekly basis and research seems to imply not a great snake for that with the rear fangs.

3 Rosy boa - unsure about activity levels and most of the morphs don't really grab me (pure white being the exception)

4 kenyan sand boa - small enough and cool looking but in hiding most of the time.

5 milks - some species small enough but don't like the musking, I'd prefer to be tagged then sprayed. I cut my hands almost on a daily basis at work and my cat plays rough with claws like fish hooks.

6 corns - I think they are active in the cage. Most morphs don't grab me. I'm not sure if this is common of all corns or the one I held but it was at least a sub adult if not adult size and was in constant escape mode my hands were moving on after the other like a human treadmill. Maybe some can clarify if that's normal. Or was it stress of being in a store held by strangers and would calm in time?

Any snakes I've overlooked or facts I've missed on the above.

Thanks for all the help thus far.

**Aaron_S** · 04-30-15, 04:05 PM

Where are you located? I may be able to point you in the direction you need to go.

I found most active snakes to be colubrids during the day so I'd go with one of those.

If you can find them garter snakes or ribbon snakes make excellent display snakes and would fit your caging.

trailblazer295 · 04-30-15, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

Where are you located? I may be able to point you in the direction you need to go.

I found most active snakes to be colubrids during the day so I'd go with one of those.

If you can find them garter snakes or ribbon snakes make excellent display snakes and would fit your caging.

I live in the east end of TO right now but moving to Bowmanville next month.

**Aaron_S** · 04-30-15, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trailblazer295

I live in the east end of TO right now but moving to Bowmanville next month.

PM me what exactly you're looking for and I can direct you to a few people or websites.

reptiledude987 · 04-30-15, 04:34 PM

In our local area I think the best variety you will find would be tails and scales or port credit pets. Aside from those theres always the expo this weekend! I know I'll be there myself. Hoggies are what I'll be looking for and port credit will probably be the first table I check out. Hit me up a PM would be cool to meet if you plan to go this weekend.

trailblazer295 · 04-30-15, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reptiledude987

In our local area I think the best variety you will find would be tails and scales or port credit pets. Aside from those theres always the expo this weekend! I know I'll be there myself. Hoggies are what I'll be looking for and port credit will probably be the first table I check out. Hit me up a PM would be cool to meet if you plan to go this weekend.

I'm going this weekend but just to browse and see what's available. I move end of May so ready for June 8 expo to buy.

**Aaron_S** · 04-30-15, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reptiledude987

In our local area I think the best variety you will find would be tails and scales or port credit pets. Aside from those theres always the expo this weekend! I know I'll be there myself. Hoggies are what I'll be looking for and port credit will probably be the first table I check out. Hit me up a PM would be cool to meet if you plan to go this weekend.

PCPC closed their store front. In the West end of town it's Tails and Scales. In the East there's All Reptiles. I know they recently had an adult MBK in there but not sure if it sold or not.

reptiledude987 · 04-30-15, 05:14 PM

Didnt know the store colsed. do you think they will still have a table at the expo? the usually have the widest variety of most of the vendors there. I'd be dissapointed to see them gone entirely.

trailblazer295 · 04-30-15, 05:16 PM

All reptiles is where I bought my BP and where he is currently being babysat until I move (long story). I was in a few weeks ago just seeing what they had that would fit and saw the adult MBK and held him for awhile. He was very relaxed. Adrian told me he wouldn't grow a lot more but I've heard so much mixed messages about what's the right size for one I'm not sure what to do.

**Aaron_S** · 04-30-15, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trailblazer295

All reptiles is where I bought my BP and where he is currently being babysat until I move (long story). I was in a few weeks ago just seeing what they had that would fit and saw the adult MBK and held him for awhile. He was very relaxed. Adrian told me he wouldn't grow a lot more but I've heard so much mixed messages about what's the right size for one I'm not sure what to do.

Talk to Adrian and take his recommendation. Most MBK stay about 3ish feet.

**Aaron_S** · 04-30-15, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reptiledude987

Didnt know the store colsed. do you think they will still have a table at the expo? the usually have the widest variety of most of the vendors there. I'd be dissapointed to see them gone entirely.

I know Grant still has his warehouse but unsure if they will have a full table or not.

reptiledude987 · 04-30-15, 05:22 PM

general rule of thumb is 1 square foot of floor space for foot of snake. 24''x24'' floor space may be a bit small for an adult mbk. It could work but a bit bigger would be more ideal.

reptiledude987 · 04-30-15, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

Talk to Adrian and take his recommendation. Most MBK stay about 3ish feet.

Really??? mines closer to 4 and i thought he still had some growing to do.

trailblazer295 · 04-30-15, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

Talk to Adrian and take his recommendation. Most MBK stay about 3ish feet.

Thanks, he helped me a lot when I was in there asking questions several times before buying stuff. Didn't take him long to remember me

I bought most of my equipment from there and he quickly changed the package they piece together when he realized I didn't want the cheapest most basic setup possible. Good guy for sure. Looks like I better swing by there soon.

**Aaron_S** · 04-30-15, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reptiledude987

Really??? mines closer to 4 and i thought he still had some growing to do.

I don't really know of many that grow beyond that size. I could be wrong though but to my knowledge they are on the smaller side.