for the first snake,think fairly small,and docile.that way,they make it easier to build confidence in your own handlig skills,like taking them out to clean cages,or just to plain handle.by fairly small,i mean something that probably won't get any larger than 5' or so.

i think that the best beginner snakes would be either a kingsnake or a corn snake.very calm,very easy to keep,and very hardy.the only drawbacks for kings are that you usually have to keep them seperate,due to possible cannabilism,and that the kings that i've had usually shared the same sneaky way of bitibg.they would be laying their heads on the side of my arm,all nonchalant,and just turn their heads and take a nip,no striking or anything other warning.

thanks to many,many private breeders,corns are now available in hundreds of pattern/color combinations(my personal fave being the ghost stripe).

if you do decide on a python or boa,keep in mind that a lot of them fairly large.the smallest ones would be the rosy,rubber,and sand boas,and the ball,children's,and spotted pythons.most are very calm and even-tempered,but there are exceptions from time to time.

which ever way you go,do yourself 2 favors;1,always buy captive bred(cb)reptiles,and 2,buy yourself a yearling at the youngest.they are already established,eating and growing,and the seller can usually tell you how what and how often it eats.

a fun way to find your first snake is to attend a reptile show,where a bunch of snake vendors get together.you'll have a large selection to choose from,you can find something in virtually any price range,and you can actually touch and hold/examine the snake before you buy it,as opposed to buying online,where you have to trust the seller,(not usually a problem,either),as to it's temperment and general well-being.

well i think that that's enough ranting on my part,the choice is up to you!good luck!
-----
1.1 cb spotted turtles (parker(f),stinky(m))

0.0.1 cb baby red cheek mud (pickles)

0.0.1 cb baby chiapas musk (chomper)

0.0.1 cb ally snapper (gamera)

1.0 cb homo sapien(kaelan,5)



"my name is inigo montoya...you killed my father.prepare to die."

[ Show Entire Thread ]