Reptile & Amphibian Forums

the best , tamest , snake for a new owner???

Well, yes this is asked quite often.

In my opinion, it's tough to go wrong with one of the many types of cornsnake that are available nowadays. Most of them are VERY affordable, they are simple to maintain(with just a few basic things to remember), many patterns and colors to choose from, and don't get too large(average approx. 4 feet), and don't usually bite or chew on you like some other individuals of some of the other species can be noted for at times.

Of course there are many other types of snakes that make great captives as well, there is no doubt about that, but in my opinion a corn is simply a great "beginner" snake. Then as more experience is gained with time, other snakes can easily be added to the collection as more things are learned and experienced.

best regards, ~Doug

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"Better to be silent and thought a fool, than to open mouth and remove any doubt!"

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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1.0 '09 kahl albino (Silas)
0.1 '09 100% het albino (Medusa)
0.0.1 '09 Normal BCC (Noreaga)
1.0 Leopard gecko (Morrison)
0.0.1 Water dragon (Jaquin Pheonix)
0.0.1 RES (Rochi)
0.0.1 Three legged painted turtle (Goku)
0.0.1 Florida Softshell (Durante)
1.0 Green iguana (Lance)
0.1 Green iguana (Bubba)
1.0 ALbino Nelsons milksnake (moby)
0.1 Feeder mouse gone permenant resident (Patches)
1.0 Guinea pig (larry)
0.0.1 Normal ball python (Monty)

Cal king corn bushmaster wait not bushmaster corn or king
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Archie Bottoms

Yes, I absolutely agree,....I find Bushmaster's(Lachesis muta) and especially Fer-de-lance to be very tolerant to all my handling, especially when going for long walks with them around my neck and such,........they really seem to love the body warmth..LOL!!

~Doug
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"Better to be silent and thought a fool, than to open mouth and remove any doubt!"

My sweet little Bushmaster (Harley) was feeding fine up until about 3 weeks ago. I feed him one mouse per week. What should I do???!!! Harley likes to watch TV with me.

(Doug, why don't we see any posts like that about Bushmasters?)
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Mark

>> "Doug, why don't we see any posts like that about Bushmasters?"

*** It's probably because all the folks that watch TV with them, and walk around with them around their necks like you and I do are all dead..LOL!

~Doug

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"a snake in the grass is a GOOD thing"

Agreed my bushmasters are just little puppy dogs. Especially good snake with kids.

Yes, but they can get a little jumpy sometimes when the kids play "rough-house" with them, grabbing them by their heads, etc...LOL!!

~Doug
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"a snake in the grass is a GOOD thing"