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HELP first snake: I was told not to get a milk because they musk

G

Glock23

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I was told not to get a milk because they musk and to get a king snake or corn as my first snake. If i recall though kings musk too .. I guess I need some real info... Feel free to PM me

I just bought this cage :

http://www.freedombreeder.com/cage.php?cageID=4

with all items ect.

some people say get a bald python. I don't want a bald python. lol...


What do you guys think? I need some REAL advice here please.


I'm also looking for a good REP dealer or breeder to get a snake from.. I want a REALLY colorful snake.. IF a milk isn't good i understand but I do like how they look.

This snake looks awesome! :


attachment.php
 
Your first concern should be learning all about the care requirements and personalities, quirks, etc. of each kind of snake you are considering, and then decide what you personally can deal with. If you don't want a Ball Python, don't get one...you need to get one that you are truly interested in, but be sure you are getting one for the right reasons and that you are knowledgeable about that snake BEFORE getting it, not just because you want one that looks cool.

There are some wonderful breeders right here on Fauna, of kings, corns, and milks. Just be sure to do your research on the BOI before buying. ;)
 
yeah i am doing all the research. i'm just wanting some advice from people that have handled them ect. I don't think they have any really pretty kings from what I can see..

I'm wanting something that when it's older will still look as cool as it did when it was younger.. My cash limit is $200 for just the snake. I bought the setup and am waiting on it and while I wait on it looking for the right snake. I like kings because of the tail thing ie rattle snake dance they do but I keep getting mixed replys about aditude and which snake to buy ect ect ect. I've bought a few books and now im just looking for a colorful snake... either milk king or corn.. Having trouble deciding because people keep saying Kings bite alot and are mean.. Milks musk too much.. BUT no one has said anything about corns cept they are good.. but I'm still wanting a king or a milk over a corn..

please advise more thank you.

-Glock
 
scratch the first post I didnt read the full post lol . If your looking for a good reptile store in illinois 3 rivers reptile in joliet best reptile shop around .
 
I honestly don't have much in-depth personal experience with kings or milks, so I can't give you much guidance with them. I THINK the milks usually grow out of the musking as they get older, if they are handled often and properly....but best to ask someone that has more experience with them for certain.

I can tell you that corns do the "tail rattle" thing too though, lol.
 
John, as far as the musking goes, ALL snakes can and will musk when frightened. Some types are just quicker to release the musk than others.

If you want a nice calm milksnake that keeps its colors well into adulthood, I'd suggest getting a normal Sinaloan milksnake. They are much calmer than the other Latin American milks, and don't get darker as they grow. They average about 4 feet in length.

If you're wanting to get a color morph like the hypomelanistic Honduran milksnake pic you posted, I'd suggest getting an albino Nelson's milksnake. They are very similar to Sinaloans and are bright yellows, pinks, whites, and reds. The Honduran milks are calm as adults, but babies are very nervous and in addition to cutting loose with musk, they also like to chew if they can get hold of you. Since you have no experience with the milks, it'd probably be best to start with one that is calm as a baby.

The $200 that you have to spend on one can probably actually get you a pair of either the normal Sinaloans or the albino Nelson's as babies.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

Scott
 
Saying you shouldn't get a milksnake because they musk is like saying you shouldn't get a python because they get 18 feet long. In both cases, some do, but you simply can't make a blanket statement because it's wrong.
My personal experience with milksnakes is limited to albino nelsoni and black milks. In both cases I have never had either species musk, and I've kept a good number of the nelsoni. I'm sure some specimens do, but it's just not something they are prone to.
They are also not prone to biting.

California kings however will musk readily, especially when they are younger, and are also generally more quick to bite, mainly due to a strong food response.
Other kings however are less likely to bite. Species like knoblochi, gray bands, and mexican black milks are generally more easy going than Cal kings.
Regardless, musking is little more than a minor annoyance in any species.

I agree with the previous post however and I would suggest you strongly consider an albino nelsoni. They seem to fit all your requirements well, and are beautiful snakes.
 
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