Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey Everyone,
I have had snakes for YEARS. Ball pythons are my favorite. I am wondering if anyone can suggest a good classroom snake. I ideally would want something fairly docile, inexpensive (lest he get thrown or squished), and very tame. Any ideas? Most of my BPs are too expensive for class room use and I want something that will be able to deal with people (16-19 years old) coming in and out with occasional rowdiness. Any ideas would be great! I would like something like a small boa or colubrid possibly. Anything under 4.5 feet basically so no one freaks out. Thanks in advance....you can reach me at ryanconnors7@yahoo.com or post right here Also good breeders names are always great to have...

There are lots of options, but a corn snake seems an obvious choice. There are lots of morphs, they are very hardy and tolerate handling and they are cheap.
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Chris Harrison
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A cornsnake or even Ball Python (aren't too pricey) sound like the best bet, but I'd hesitate to put a snake anywhere that getting thrown or squished are notable risks.
I'd frankly lean towards getting a shed laminated skin, a pet snake visiting once every quarter, and maybe a terrarium with several madagascar hissing cockroaches, which are docile, hardy, and have good ick, cool, and science factors.
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0.1 chickens (Condor)
0.2 dog mutts (half ownership, only mine when they misbehave, Lucy & Amy)
0.1 Halflinger horse (Crissy)
0.1 Normal phase California Kingsnake (Sophia)
1.1 parents
Still searching for 1.0 WC human

I agree with Drosera.

If your kids aren't mature enough to appreciate a reptile, don't get one. It doesn't matter how cheap it is - it is still a life and you are still responsible for it.

Perhaps have someone visit with some reptiles - and caution the classroom in advance of what is acceptable and what isn't.

That aside though - it is great that you are wanting to get the kids interested in herps. Just note that you will do one of two things. 1) Better the reputation of snakes. or 2) Give someone a phobia after they are bitten and add to the general concensus that snakes are evil and sly and just waiting for a victim to come along.

I would recommend setting assignments to first educate them about snakes - the different types, localities, structures, digestive system. Anything that springs to mind that will first familiarise them.

Good luck on your endeavour.