Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have recently come to the conclusion that I love snakes!
I have never owned a snake and am a little overwhelmed at the many species available. I know what I am looking for in a snake but don't know what species best suits me. Any advice would be appreciated.

1. A good sized snake (4-6 ft at adulthood).
2. Manageable. I don't want to get bitten everytime I need to move the snake. I know their not puppies, but work with me.
3. Beautiful. I like the look of boas, pythons, etc. But can't get over the 15 foot length.
4. Easy. I need a snake that is good for a begginer. Not easily killed. -Don't take this the wrong way, I fully intend to take care of it, but don't want a super sensative species.
5. Price. Needs to be 1K or under.

hmmm...I think that is it.
Thanks in advance.

Here is a list of some available species that I put together a few years back. I ranked the species based on a variety of characters related to ease of care for beginners. Try finding out more about some of these.

Realize that the first 20 or so would be good starter snakes, the last ones are common snakes that don't make good pets, but I put them one for comparison.

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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

I would add Savu pythons to that list.

There are LOTS of snakes that fit the 4 to 6 foot range that are generally very calm and easy to take care of.

A few right off the bat are almost any north american ratsnake, russian ratsnakes, brooks kingsnakes, black milksnakes, grey banded kingsnakes...

It's important to understand that individual snakes vary in temperment. There are vicious corns and docile green tree pythons. It might not be a bad idea to pick up an adult snake that is already known to be very calm.

I know that it's a very personal decision (no right or wrong answers on this one), but half the joy for me is getting a baby snake and watching it grow. And, if one starts with one of the better starter snakes (corns, rats etc), the chances are VERY good that one will wind up with a very tame snake. None of my 15 snakes ever bite me, and the only one that ever gave me any trouble was my little leuce texas rat. He's big and tame now, and I appreciate his calmness all the more for having had to work with him a bit to get him that way. To each his/her own. Duffy

If you like the look of boas/pythons, I'd suggest something along the lines of a ball python or rosy boa. Many ball pythons can be especially gorgeous, in addition to being puppy dogs. They are a fairly heavy-bodied snake but you get the python look without the massive length. Overall the ball is a great beginner's snake and my personal recomendation.
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-Ross
no exertion of the legs can bring a mind nearer the universe

Very helpful...I'm leaning towards the ball python, but have to think about it more. That chart is excellent!

...check into Pituophis - Pine, Bull, and Gopher snakes. Go to their forum here and just look at some of the pictures. Easy going snakes with awesome personalities.

Don't get me wrong, I love my Ball Pythons, but my Gopher Snakes definitely make for much more interesting and visible captives.

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Diego

Diego & Tiffany's Zoo:
SNAKES
4.3.0 Corn Snakes (Different morphs)
1.1.0 Everglades Rat Snakes
1.0.0 Baird's Rat Snake
0.1.0 Trans-Pecos Rat Snake
0.1.0 Amel Pacific Gopher Snake
1.0.0 Het Amel San Diego Gopher Snake
2.0.0 Sonoran Gopher Snake
0.1.0 Amel Sonoran Gopher Snake
1.0.0 Mexican Black Kingsnake
2.1.0 Gray Banded Kingsnakes (River Road)
0.1.1 California Kingsnakes
0.1.0 Thayeri Kingsnake
1.0.0 Boa Constrictor
0.1.0 Dumeril's Boa
1.1.0 Rosy Boas (Mexican & Mid Baja)
1.1.0 Kenyan Sand Boas
0.1.0 Indonesian Dwarf Pacific Boa
0.1.0 Tangerine Honduran Milksnake
1.0.0 Honduran Milksnake
1.2.0 Ball Pythons
1.0.0 Woma Python
1.1.0 Cape York Spotted Pythons
1.1.0 Macklot's Pythons
0.0.1 Ribbon Snake
1.0.0 Western Hognose
1.0.0 Yellowtail Cribo
0.1.0 Blacktail Cribo
0.0.2 Northern Ringnecks

LIZARDS
1.0.0 Frilled Dragon
3.1.0 Bearded Dragons (2 Normal, 1 RedXGold, 1 Citrus)
1.1.0 Eastern Collared Lizard
0.1.0 Merauke Blue Tongue Skink
2.3.0 Leopard Geckos
1.0.1 Yellow Niger Uromastyx
0.1.0 Chuckwalla
0.1.0 Banded Gecko
FROGS
2.2.0 Southern Bell Frogs
1.0.1 Green Tree Frogs
1.0.0 Striped Walking Frogs
1.1.1 White's Tree Frogs

I agree completely about the interesting captive part! Gophers definitely are one of my favorite snakes.

reako45

Belive it or ot gaboon vipers are a top choice and have a undeserved reputation as being aggressive and dangerous.They are large, beautiful and calm snakes who make a impressive display and also are great with kids.