ball python or a california king snake? - Page 2

SSSSnakes · 12-12-13, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by athms

King because their is to many ball pythons and kings have awesome feeding responses

I agree 100% Also there are so many different kind of King Snakes to get.

drumcrush · 12-12-13, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSSSnakes

I agree 100% Also there are so many different kind of King Snakes to get.

Yesss^^^^^ definitely!!

They vary in size, colors, and patterns

you might also want to check out milk snakes!!

Terranaut · 12-12-13, 12:41 PM

Given the choice between a ball and a king I would get a carpet python

Hurrok · 12-12-13, 02:38 PM

All depends on what you want....

Ball pythons aren't always on the move and will stay with you but can also be adventurous and will explore if you let them. I find they aren't as immobile as most people think

I've got 12 ball pythons and the majority of them like to venture off unless they are sleepy or just lazy. If you get one as a baby and handle them a fair amount they will get comfortable with you and will most likely stay closer to you as they age and not venture off. However each ball is different too, just find one and handle it and see if you like it or not, same goes with Kings. Balls tend to go on a hunger strike once they get to a certain age and can go off food for months (not always) so they are considered picky/unreliable feeders. In my opinion it saves money on your end

I've never had experience with Kings but they are quite gorgeous (especially MBK), and I'm pretty sure they are similar to a corn when it comes to how active they are, and feeding. Not sure if they like sticking around in the same place or not but I'd imagine with handling it would be no problem.

Terranaut · 12-12-13, 03:31 PM

I have both snakes in question and agree that it is a preference. Balls tend to be more active in the enclosure after dark but hide most of the day. Kings are more active in the viv during the day but also are a bit more open minded about food so you can get tasted out of stupidity but seldom do they strike. Both are typically docile. Both come in an plethora of colours and patterns. So it boils down to your expectations as an owner.

Concept9 · 12-12-13, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terranaut

I have both snakes in question and agree that it is a preference. Balls tend to be more active in the enclosure after dark but hide most of the day. Kings are more active in the viv during the day but also are a bit more open minded about food so you can get tasted out of stupidity but seldom do they strike. Both are typically docile. Both come in an plethora of colours and patterns. So it boils down to your expectations as an owner.

"bit more open minded about food"

I love this statement.

That MAY be a bit of a understatement Terranaut.

wrecker45 · 12-12-13, 03:38 PM

Well after all this reading. The only thing the op can to is get a ball and carpet and a king and milk snake.

**EL Ziggy** · 12-12-13, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrecker45

Well after all this reading. The only thing the op can do is get a ball and carpet and a king and milk snake.

Problem solved!!

drumcrush · 12-13-13, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrecker45

Well after all this reading. The only thing the op can to is get a ball and carpet and a king and milk snake.

Buy all the snakes!

parabolgravity · 12-14-13, 02:52 AM

ive never had a ball python, but ive had several lampropeltis, and a cal king was the first snake i ever purchased all those years ago.

imo, i think a king makes a better selection for reasons other posters itt have already mentioned, but i can think of another reason to select one over a ball python. they don´t really require an extra heat source; i refer to them as "room temperature" snakes along with most other colubrids.

since ts mentioned already having a corn, the husbandry requirements for lgc are pretty much identical...so there´s that.

exwizard · 12-14-13, 09:45 AM

I'd say it's nearly unanimous. A King would be the way to go. I like the variable patterns and colors of Kings. I also like them for their better feeding responses as well as their more active, interesting nature.

TheZoo · 12-15-13, 09:07 AM

I have both and have had 2 of each currently i have 2 normals(one with a het) anad an albino cal king. I would go with a ball for a pet or if you want a show snack a king. for ease of feeding yes kings are great, but balls arnt always bad mine have only missed a feed or 2 but almost everything ive owned has but next week/feeding back to normal. so its up you both come in a great arey of colors attitudes

CK SandBoas · 12-15-13, 11:37 AM

I would go for king as well. If you can, get a Grey Banded King