Question
I want to buy a snake and am interested in whether or not I should buy an adult snake or a baby snake. I have heard from my friend that an older, adult snake can be more frisky but when I went to the store and they said it doesn't matter. My thoughts are either a boa constrictor or a California king snake. At the moment it is fall.
Is there any difference?
Answer
Size:
There's a big difference between boa constrictors
and california king snakes
, literally.
- boa constrictors can range from about 6 - 15 feet long at full maturation (depending on the type), but can grow to 18 foot or longer. A boa can grow to 5 foot long in it's first year of life.
- california king snake 4 foot, but can grow up to 6 foot long.
Temperament:
- boa constrictors are docile snakes, making them popular pets, but grow large and heavy, and more importantly are extremely strong (they have been known to kill people, even as pets). I have seen no definitive evidence discussing behavior changes between baby snakes and sexually mature snakes, but there is evidence that prolonged care with a sensible and experienced snake owner will produce a calmer snake, whereas boa constrictor's handed to rescue shelters are frequently aggressive and difficult to manage, most likely due to inexperienced or poor handling.
- california king snake as an adult is generally calm, as a baby can be highly strung and nervous.
Age:
- boa constrictors have a lifespan of 25-30 years, reach sexual maturity 3-4 years.
- california king snake can live as pers in excess of 20 years (in the wild 10 - 15 years), reach sexual maturity 3 - 4 years.
References and Resources:
A Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of California Californiaherps.com
California Dept of Fish and Wildlife california king snakes
LLLReptile
reptilerescue.com
Answered By - user6796