Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I know this has been asked 10000000 times, but what is the best snake for the first time snake owner. I would like to stick to species that do not feed on rodents as a main part of their diet. However, I am open to hearing about all suggested species. Thanks! This Sunday there is a Retile Show in Indianapolis that I will be going to.
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I can only personally comment on rodent eating snakes (keep in mind you don't have to feed live, you can feed frozen/thawed). If you go with a rodent eating snake, I highly recommend a cornsnake or Mexican Black Kingsnake as a great beginner snake. Both have great feeding responses and getting them to eat f/t should be no problem. Easy care requirements. Corns come in great colors. Mex Black Kings are a bit faster. I'd also recommend a Kenyan Sand Boa - they're great too, but do stay buried under the substrate a lot. Those are the only snakes I have personal experience with.

Others have often recommended Children's pythons, Spotted Pythons, Brown snakes.

I stop by the Indy show every month. I don't think I've ever really seen any non-rodent eating species. They're not to popular at the show. If you do decide to go with a rodent eating snake, (depending on the species) I can recommend some good breeders that visit the show. I only buy from certain breeders - not just anyone. However, it is important that you do have a cage/tank setup before bringing a new snake home.

I'd recommend maybe just looking to see what's out there, come home do some research, get your setup together and then plan to buy at next months show. It's the breeder expo so should be a good one.

You might check out the small terrestrial snake forum, but again not sure you'll really find any at the Indy show.
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I think the reason you don't see insectivores at the Indy show is that it's a captive bred only show, unless I'm mistaken. But a good snake to look into at that show would be a CB garter snake. CB checkered garters (Thamnophis marcianus) are easy to find, cheap, and come in an albino form. They also can take mice as adults if you feel like working up to it. The 2 I've met were rather handleable, a bit of squirming but nothing else.
(If Reptile Addicts is there they have very nice checkered garters. I don't know if they do that show or not)
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