First let me say that I don't have a corn snake although will probably be getting one soon! Our family got into the snake "thing' about 2 years ago. We started off with a Ball Python that was given to us by a school teacher so we could see what it was like to have a snake. This snake is nocturnal and really doesn't do much except roll up into a ball and hide! He was gentle and easy to handle but ultimately we felt he wasn't the right type of snake for our family, 2 animal crazy parents, 3 kids (8, 6, and 4) 2 cats (oops now 3 cats) and one rabbit!

We then got into garter snakes and we love them. We have 4 red sided garters and 2 baby eastern black necks! They are incredibly hardy and easy to take care of. We feel perfectly comfortable having the kids handle them (not the babies since we are afraid they will get away!). They are active during daylight hours and we have converted all of them to frozen thawed rodents with ease.

I can't tell you which is a better first snake but I can say that garters are too often overlooked. They are beautiful great first snakes and kid friendly. There are several excellent garter snake sites including Alan Francis in England and Scott Felzer ( a reputable) breeder.

Joanna

[ Show Entire Thread ]