I agree with all of these suggestions, but agree most with Terry (ratsnakehaven). For first time American rat snakes, you cannot go wrong with emoryi. They are as easy to breed as corns, and the larger babies are even easier to start feeding.

I also agree with Terry's suggestions for Asians, but he left one out that might be good for a beginner, the Chinese twin-spotted rat snake (Elaphe bimaculata). This is a small, interesting species which is easy to keep, like a corn snake, and does not need much of a cooling period for pre-breeding conditioning, and can maybe go without. They are fast and somewhat nervous little snakes though, and have a very powerful musk, which might repel some people. It's just one of their endearing qualities for me, though.

-Toby Brock
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The Ratsnake Foundation

Southwestern Center for Herpetological Research

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