Best beginner snake

[Orcanta]

I originally, while knowing very little, set my mind on getting a ball python. It's kind of like drooling over a Volvo when you've got a '91 Chevy. I've been reading books and looking at information to decide on the best first snake to get some day. Basically I'm looking about breeds that would make good beginning animals I.E. not too expensive, not too high maintenance and being easier to handle.

Help me be more snake savvy

[Slithers]

cornsnake.

dont shy away from corns. They are great snakes. They are a bit skittish, but they are great at teaching how to handle for that very reason. They dont get too big, they handle variations in their husbandry very well, and they have many MANY different color and pattern variations available. Oh and they can be very inexpensive.

Ball Pythons are known to go off feed sometimes...and not as forgiving of husbandry mistakes as a cornsnake.

My 2¢

...and for the record...I LOVE my 1990 Chevy.

[SoberGuy]

I have to agree to shy away from a BP. While they're OK, as far as temperment, they can be pretty picky feeders and need pretty stable conditions, as fas as heat, humidity, etc.

Corns are pretty cool. When I got mine, I was shocked at how fast he is. My BP and RTB are cool to handle; the corn is like a 2 year old on crack. He's just very fast, a little spastic, and I'm in trouble if I let him out of my hands.

King snakes are also pretty nice, I think. I'd definitely go with either a Cal King or a corn.

	Ball Python The Ball Python (Python regius), also known as the Royal Python, is a ground dwelling snake native to the savannahs and rain forests in western Africa, predominatly the countries of Ghana, Togo, and Benin.

[dhonaker]

anaconda j/k id go with the corn lots of varaties with them im sure you can find one to your likeing

[gwen524]

I'd say
1.)Corn snake
2.)Rosy Boa
3.)King snake
4.)milk snake
5.)ball python

my first snake was a Rosy Boa, he was alittle bit picky about eating in the first month, but he quickly got over it. He taught me alot about snakes and handling. Even though hes kinda small, i did kinda get the runt. Lol.
I would HIGHLY suggest a rosy boa. I think they come pretty lcose after corn snake.

	Corn Snake The Corn Snake or Red Rat Snake (Elaphe guttata) is a species of Rat Snake.

[J32A2]

Drooling over a VOLVO????

[Kytti]

if given proper temps and housing, bps dont go off feed! IMO they are the easiest. they dont need large housing, they dont get large, they are easy to handle, and they dont have a rep for being nippy. i dont know why all you guys are blowing them off! lol
it also doesnt hurt that they are so cute!!! XD

and they are rather hardy animals, a few mistakes here or there wont hurt!!!

cool side=79-80 hot side 90-95 humidity 55-60

i dont see how thats very complicated or hard to maintain!
dont underestimate them!!!! lol

	In My Opinon IMO = In My Opinion and IMHO = In My Honest Opinion

[Slithers]

sounds like you are an expert. Welcome to the site.

How many Ball Pythons do you have? How long have you been keeping them? Thanks

I, personally, disagree with you.

[Kytti]

well, alright! its ok, we all have diffrent opinions. some things work for some people, and others dont. I havent had my bp for very long, but i researched ALOT before i got my bp, and i think thats really important no matter what species you buy. sorry if i sounded like i knew everything...lol