Kenyan sand boas vs corns?

[Calift]

Hi,

So I'm looking into getting my first snake this spring. I wanted to get a corn from a local pet shop (the snakes are from private breeders/shows and small scale), but unfortunately they won't have any corns in the next couple months. The owner did suggest a Kenyan Sand Boa, what do you guys think of them for a beginner snake? I like their size and personality (from what I've read), but are they harder to feed? I'd like to get a snake nearby to avoid shipping (I'm in Mass), but I haven't been able to locate any herp shows this spring/summer....

 

[K'Bear]

Personally i would get a corn for your first snake. I love boas but when i read up on them they take allot more care. Your safer with a corn to start off with.

 

[Tula_Montage]

Personally i would get a corn for your first snake. I love boas but when i read up on them they take allot more care. Your safer with a corn to start off with.

I don't agree at all. I would recommend a baby KSB over a baby corn for someones first snake. They are practically bulletproof. I've owned sandies and corns and I have to say I adored sandies. I am deffinatley going to get more some day.

Sand boas are no harder to feed than corn snakes. If you get one thats well started and feeding on defrost you will have absolutly no probelms. And despite what a lot of care sheets say you DO NOT need to keep a sand boa on sand. In fact I think it's a ridiculous idea. I always kept mine on kitchen towel or in aspen. They like to burrow so I would recommend aspen. Sandies like it hot.. 90-95F. I achieved this by using a heat mat controlled by a thermostat (this is extremely important for achieveing any snakes temperature gradient).

I think you should go with that YOU like. I'm more of a boa fan therefore my opinion is completely bias. If you want to see your snake out and about in it's tank go with a corn. Owning sandies is like keeping a pet box, they rarley surface. But in my experience they are extremely funny wee boas to watch and interact with when you dig them up

 

[Dave123]

You really can't go wrong with either snake. A corn is usually labeled as the best beginner snake, mainly because they are hardy, eat well, and are easy to care for. I have never owned a sand boa but I have done some research on them. As Elle mentioned, they do like it hot. If you are able to get the cage in the 90s and keep it there, you should be fine. Elle also mentioned that corns are more active than sand boas. Sand boas like to dig and will probably be out of sight most of the time.

Do your research on both and make a choice on what you think would be the best snake for you. Make sure you get a healthy snake from a reputable shop if you are not going to purchase from a breeder. Good luck!

 

[Cam5]

I have read that the KSBs are more evasive and less easily handled...ie need to use tongs to get them out of the viv etc.

What do you guys think of that? Or is it just some bad experiences?

There are some great KSB breeders out there...e-mail them and ask questions...
the one I e-mailed with was all about information so the buyer could decide if they were a good fit or not...no pressure.
I personally love the "rough scales SBs" myself

be sure to post pictures.

 

[Pasodama]

I don't agree at all.

Same here.
My Sand Boas are no harder, to keep, than any of my Corn Snakes.

I keep the KSBs on (or in ) aspen and a KSB breeder friend, of mine, keeps his on Desert Snow (which I really like and may switch mine to).
KSBs are not as active, as Cornsnakes, and they do like to remain burrowed most of the time. However, my KSBs can be seen, from time to time, venturing about.
When handling, they are not "zippy snakes"... they like to mosey.
Feeding problems ... I've not had a single problem from my well established pair. A third (belonging to my daughter but residing with me) did have problems, at first, but that is because she was not well established (No problems, with her, these days).
Another note: Unlike Cornsnakes, Sand Boas have extreme sexual dimorphism (female Sand Boas get considerably larger than males).


Both Cornsnakes, and Sand Boas, are great snakes and good beginner snakes. Which, to get, just depends on your preference (as far as looks & their innate qualities).

 

[Pasodama]

I have read that the KSBs are more evasive and less easily handled...ie need to use tongs to get them out of the viv etc.
What do you guys think of that?

I do not need, and have never needed, to use tongs/hooks to remove my KSBs from their vivs/tubs (nor does my KSB breeder friend).
I just locate them and scoop them up in my hand.

My KSBs (and that of my daughter) are the sweeetest snakes, have never bitten, etc. Any attempt, at moving away, (to avoid being removed from their vivs/tubs)) is very limited.
We are not alone, in this, as I know of quite a few other very "nice" KSBs.

This is not to say that there aren't individual KSBs, that may be biters, etc., (because there are some of those) but you'll find "individualism" anywhere... or some "problems" could just boil down to human error.

 

[whippet]

Don't get a baby. Get an older snake. A yearling or better. They are easier to handle, harder to lose, and you already know they will be good eaters. And yeah...corn.
Oh and check out craigslist for they often have cornsnakes with setups, cheap and perfect for a first snake.

 

[Cam5]

I do not need, and have never needed, to use tongs/hooks to remove my KSBs from their vivs/tubs (nor does my KSB breeder friend).
I just locate them and scoop them up in my hand.

My KSBs (and that of my daughter) are the sweeetest snakes, have never bitten, etc. Any attempt, at moving away, (to avoid being removed from their vivs/tubs)) is very limited.
We are not alone, in this, as I know of quite a few other very "nice" KSBs.

This is not to say that there aren't individual KSBs, that may be biters, etc., (because there are some of those) but you'll find "individualism" anywhere... or some "problems" could just boil down to human error.

I like that the males are much smaller thatn the females...
*Do you provide any hides or just a nice extra thick layer of substrate?
*Are there any books out there you would consider esp good regarding their care?
*Would you be willing to PM me your breeder?

Thanks.

 

[Cam5]

http://www.kingsnake.com/sandboa/econmfj.jpg
good pic for general size reference between rough scales SBs males, females and babies...soooo cool looking.

http://www.kingsnake.com/sandboa/
Nice outline of the different sands...

Interestingly I keep running across people stating that the rough scales are more docile than the KSBs...is this a bit like the Oketee vs the "Normal" corn lines?

 

[babsfish]

Wow this is all some great info on KSB. I have seen them at my local pet shop but was intimidated by them because I read some thread saying there were nippy. But thanks for all this new info. Always good to learn about a new type of snakey friend

 

[Cam5]

Hi,

So I'm looking into getting my first snake this spring. I wanted to get a corn from a local pet shop (the snakes are from private breeders/shows and small scale), but unfortunately they won't have any corns in the next couple months. The owner did suggest a Kenyan Sand Boa, what do you guys think of them for a beginner snake? I like their size and personality (from what I've read), but are they harder to feed? I'd like to get a snake nearby to avoid shipping (I'm in Mass), but I haven't been able to locate any herp shows this spring/summer....

Do you have a local herp society near you? They would be a great resource for local breeders etc...

 

[v_various]

I do like sand boas, I know a few people who have them. They seem to be rather slug like compared to corns.

On guys says it's the most boring snake he owns, "it's like having a pet box-of-sand"

IMO, corns are prettier with more colours to choose from too. But in the end it's up to you - let us know what you decide!

 

[tricksterpup]

http://www.kingsnake.com/sandboa/econmfj.jpg
good pic for general size reference between rough scales SBs males, females and babies...soooo cool looking.

http://www.kingsnake.com/sandboa/
Nice outline of the different sands...

Interestingly I keep running across people stating that the rough scales are more docile than the KSBs...is this a bit like the Oketee vs the "Normal" corn lines?

Cam5,
I would talk to Chris Smith at our herp club. He is are resident Sand boa expert.
Don't quote me on this but I believe he has 6 of the 10 species out there.

I personally have a pair of KSB from him and they are little nippy at times but great snakes. i prefer my Rosy boas over them though. But I have been looking at getting some Rough Scales myself.

 

[Cam5]

Cam5,
I would talk to Chris Smith at our herp club. He is are resident Sand boa expert.
Don't quote me on this but I believe he has 6 of the 10 species out there.

I personally have a pair of KSB from him and they are little nippy at times but great snakes. i prefer my Rosy boas over them though. But I have been looking at getting some Rough Scales myself.

Thanks for the connection! (you do know everyone don't you)

What do you like about the Rosy Boas over the KSBs?

 

[Pasodama]

*Would you be willing to PM me your breeder?

... PM sent ...

 

[Tom Tuttle]

It's all in what you like & really want.:shrugs: Both are great beginner snakes! I breed quite a few of each. If I had to get rid of my KSB or my corns it would be a very difficult decision.