top 3:

Corn snake

Ball python

red tail boa



You got everything covered.

Cost (cornsnake), manageability (ball python) and size (red tail.



I think probably the corn snake is the best bet. Like mentioned in the other post they are fairly cheap to acquire with normals around $10 at the area reptile shows. They rarely bite, if they do you barely know. My only negative comment is i don't like squirmy snakes and they are normally on a mission out of your hands at all times.

next best bet is the ball. These guys are your middle of the road snake. They are more robust than your corn snakes, thus need bigger caging. So cost is a bit more of a factor here. Not to mention larger prey items. These are very tame. They would rather curl up then strike, unless hungry (in my experience). These run for normal color about $25 at reptile shows.

Lastly, only if you are committed to taking care of a big snake and can provide everything required i would say a red tail boa. These can be a bit more nippy when young, but once held regularly they will be fine as adults. These will take bigger cages as most will be 6 ft or more. These also require you to feed them large rats,bunnies, or guinea pigs. I like these because they do get big and they are great display animals and the stereotypical snake to the non-reptilia inclined. These are the highest price going for about $60 at reptile shows. These prices are of course a lot higher in the pet store. YOu would be wise to purchase from a reputable breeder. They a lot of times have valuable information and keep the animals under better conditions. Hope that helps a little.
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