Which species?

[MnGuy]

[EDIT: I accidentally published a poll with 2 choices when I wanted 3 choices, but I can't seem to find a way to edit my poll. CAN ANYONE HELP? Thanks!]

I have two garter snakes and am considering adding a third snake. I'm considering three common species -- corn (Miami phase is my top preference), king snake (MBK, gray-banded, thayeri or California, in that order of preference) or a hognose.

I know every snake is an individual and you'll get personality differences in all species, but I'd like a species that is:

- Relatively active in its enclosure and isn't hidden all day. That's one reason why I picked and like garters -- they're out and about and curious about their surroundings.

- Generally docile. I don't handle my snakes a ton, but I prefer a snake that can be handled peacefully and won't spook itself when I'm accessing its enclosure.

- Looks-wise, I like all three species a lot.

I probably wouldn't ever add more than one more snake, so this would be my last due to time commitment, space, etc. Let me know what your personal opinions and experiences are -- that's what I'm looking for. Thank you!

[eminart]

Of those, for myself, I'd probably go with the gray-banded king. But, that's just because I like the more rare stuff. As far as a pet, I don't think the corn snake can be beaten. A lot of people will vote for the hognose, but my own personal experience with them is that they're just not for me.

[MnGuy]

Originally Posted by eminart

Of those, for myself, I'd probably go with the gray-banded king. But, that's just because I like the more rare stuff. As far as a pet, I don't think the corn snake can be beaten. A lot of people will vote for the hognose, but my own personal experience with them is that they're just not for me.

Thank you for the input. Much appreciated! Gray-banded kings are just beautiful.

[ClockwerkBonnet]

I haven't had any experience with corn snakes, but I used to have a gray band myself. It may take a little time for them to get used to being handled, but they mellow out after a while.

[craigafrechette]

I've kept all three species that you're considering. But I no longer keep corns, quite honestly, they bore me.

Kings are my favorite of the three, but hognose are a close second.

Kings are super easy. Husbandry is quite foolproof, they are eating machines, they are an easily manageable size but not puny, they're somewhat active in their enclosure once they get a little size on them and gain confidence, plenty of localities and morphs to choose from, will never need anything bigger than adult mice, etc...

Hognose are a ton of fun packed into little snakes. They have incredible little personalities. They can be a bit trickier to get started on food when young, especially males. And they will take food breaks from time to time.
But, if you're prepared it shouldn't worry you.
Females are much larger than males.
But they are a lot of fun. They're diurnal so active day and night. This would be the most active species of the three as far as in the enclosure. They're easy to handle but will sometimes put on quite a show when you reach into the enclosure. But they are all bluff. It's actually quite funny.
It's also very important to remind you that hognose are rear fanged and extremely mildly venomous. Though they almost never actually strike. Their delivery system is also terrible so in order for the bite to be a problem the snake would have to hold on and chew. Even then, it's usually nothing more than a little localized swelling. However, if you're allergic to bees, or have sensitivity to things like that a bite can make your hand swell to the size of a balloon.


Lastly, depending where you are located some species may be illegal to keep. Check local laws.

Good luck. If you have any more questions I would be happy to help.

[MnGuy]

Originally Posted by craigafrechette

I've kept all three species that you're considering. But I no longer keep corns, quite honestly, they bore me.

Kings are my favorite of the three, but hognose are a close second.

Kings are super easy. Husbandry is quite foolproof, they are eating machines, they are an easily manageable size but not puny, they're somewhat active in their enclosure once they get a little size on them and gain confidence, plenty of localities and morphs to choose from, will never need anything bigger than adult mice, etc...

Hognose are a ton of fun packed into little snakes. They have incredible little personalities. They can be a bit trickier to get started on food when young, especially males. And they will take food breaks from time to time.
But, if you're prepared it shouldn't worry you.
Females are much larger than males.
But they are a lot of fun. They're diurnal so active day and night. This would be the most active species of the three as far as in the enclosure. They're easy to handle but will sometimes put on quite a show when you reach into the enclosure. But they are all bluff. It's actually quite funny.
It's also very important to remind you that hognose are rear fanged and extremely mildly venomous. Though they almost never actually strike. Their delivery system is also terrible so in order for the bite to be a problem the snake would have to hold on and chew. Even then, it's usually nothing more than a little localized swelling. However, if you're allergic to bees, or have sensitivity to things like that a bite can make your hand swell to the size of a balloon.


Lastly, depending where you are located some species may be illegal to keep. Check local laws.

Good luck. If you have any more questions I would be happy to help.

Thank you for the great feedback and firsthand accounts. Really appreciate it. All three species are legal here in Minnesota.

[craigafrechette]

Originally Posted by MnGuy

Thank you for the great feedback and firsthand accounts. Really appreciate it. All three species are legal here in Minnesota.

My pleasure. Happy to help, feel free to ask any more specifics if you've got more questions.