Reptile & Amphibian Forums

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Undoubtably it's the cornsnake.
Although I will say that Mexican black kings are a close 2nd.
Cal kings are popular, but babies are flightier and more likely to bite than corn snakes.

Tim

Third Eye

DEFINITELY corn and bp. Corns are known to be quite docile and not too flighty as babies, and bp's usually just roll up in a ball if they are scared. Both are decent for beginners, as long as it's a cb bp

I've been bitten by corns and ball pythons, so I can't say they are the most docile.

For the most docile of the commonly kept species, I would probably have to go with Rubber Boas or African Burrowing Pythons (calabaria). They simply do not bite. I don't think you could make one bite you, even as a feeding error. Neither of these species is a good species for the beginner, but they are the most docile.

Rosy Boas are almost always dog tame (although a rare baby can be spirited, and I have been bitten by an adult during a feeding mistake). Unlike the previous two, they are easy to take care of and totally trustworthy (as long as you don't have mouse scented hands!).
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Chris Harrison

I gotta go with florida kings. Out of all the snakes I've had, I've been most impressed with the florida kings'calm air. I can place them down anywhere, and they go about their business with an extremely casual and nonchalant manner, never seeming to try and escape and never raising a protest when I decide to pick them up. Younger ones can be flighty, but this definitely goes away during their first year (unless you get a rare nasty one). They're very friendly and inquisitive.
Good luck,
fliptop

I would have to say that the snakes everyone have listed are some very good options. You have to remember that ALL snakes can bite. But the tendency to bite really counts on the snakes personality. I have seen corns that were pretty mean, and bull snakes that were like a big puppy! It all depends on their personality and how much handling they receive to tame them down. Some snakes never tame down, and certain species tend to stay jumpy throughout their life time.

If you are new to snakes, I would say not to rush it and take your time deciding on what you want. There are so many possibilities, that you will probably be like the rest of us. Ending up with more than one!! LOL
Hope this helps and happy herping
Brian

I've had a bp, cal king, thayeri king, corn, and gopher snake. My bp was dog tame, my cal king loved impersonating a rattlesnake although never struck, my corn was flighty (but wild caught which may be why), my thayeri musks me every once in a while, and my new gopher is very shy and flighty but no hissing, rattling or striking. I think every snake is an individual. I hear hognose snakes are very docile and if they strike it is almost always with a closed mouth. I've read that feeding bites are pretty common with rosy boas. All in all, (and my experience is obviously very limited) I'd say a hognose or rubber boa would be the most docile.

Generally speaking I would have to say the Thayeri AKA Variable king these are beautifully marked species very docile. As youngsters they are shy, tend to bury in bedding, but as an adult reaching approx 36 inches they are a very pretty sight. Also look at the San potosi. In any case continue your research to find the species that best suits you and your family