View Full Version : Survey Thread - Best Beginner Snake
StudentoReptile
07-05-14, 08:04 AM
Just shoot from the hip; you don't have to give a lengthy, essay-style answer.
What do you think makes the best beginner snake and why?
NOTE: Mods, I put this thread here, because there is a specific section for different snake types, and no general section.
Jim Smith
07-05-14, 08:22 AM
I think one of the milk snakes Pueblan, Sonoran or Honduran make outstanding beginner snakes. They tend to have a mild temperament, are easy to care for and are good eaters. Lots of beautiful colors and morphs to choose from and they are usually reasonably priced.
marvelfreak
07-05-14, 08:40 AM
Carpet Pythons and here's why.
1. They are very hardy and can handle mistake in their temp and habitat.
2. Their requirements are simple and basic that it don't require a lot of money to meet their needs.
3. Now this one might sound strange but they can be nippy as babies.
Why is this a good thing you ask? Because way to many time in this hobby people get a snake and they are like "oh this is easy to care for and handle". Then before you know it they have several snakes. After a while they lose interest then the snake suffers from neglect or get rehomed.
Having a nippy snake takes work to get them use to handling. If you have one snake that always trying to bite you. Hopefully you'll think twice before just jumping into getting more. Plus handling it more rewarding when you have to work for their trust. Just my opinion.
sharthun
07-05-14, 02:33 PM
Black Milk Snake!
Very docile(IMO even more so than corn snakes), don't require a heat source if ambient temps are in low to mid 70 degree range. Great eaters. And the bonus, they change from tricolor to black as they mature.
Carpet python for larger snake corn snake for smaller snake.
wrecker45
07-05-14, 03:45 PM
Corn snake
pinefamily
07-05-14, 07:33 PM
Here in Australia, we can only have native reptiles.
As long as the person has done their research beforehand, they should get what they really want. That way, they will know what to expect, and be prepared for both the good and the bad.
Having said that, personally, if asked, I would recommend a Murray Darling carpet python. They would have to be one of the most placid, easy to care for pythons. And, as stated above, carpets are kinder on "newbie" mistakes.
Carpet python, woma python, ball python, cornsnake, kingsnake, milksnake, boa constrictor, sand boas, childrens, spotted pythons, etc. etc. there are so many great beginner species.
EL Ziggy
07-07-14, 03:35 PM
kings, corns, milks and pits are the best beginner snakes IMO. Hardy, not too large, simple husbandry requirements, good eaters, and great morphs.
Carpet Pythons and here's why.
1. They are very hardy and can handle mistake in their temp and habitat.
2. Their requirements are simple and basic that it don't require a lot of money to meet their needs.
3. Now this one might sound strange but they can be nippy as babies.
Why is this a good thing you ask? Because way to many time in this hobby people get a snake and they are like "oh this is easy to care for and handle". Then before you know it they have several snakes. After a while they lose interest then the snake suffers from neglect or get rehomed.
Having a nippy snake takes work to get them use to handling. If you have one snake that always trying to bite you. Hopefully you'll think twice before just jumping into getting more. Plus handling it more rewarding when you have to work for their trust. Just my opinion.
Point 3 says it all really, good post.
reptocarl
07-07-14, 10:15 PM
I will have to nominate one of the pine bull or gopher snakes because theyre hardy and you dont have feeding problems.
Georgia
07-07-14, 10:26 PM
Urutu...half moon viper
Pareeeee
07-08-14, 07:07 AM
So far, from what I've owned and heard from other owners, I'd have to say Corn Snake.
Second, from my own experience, would be my Rosy Boa. Such a great, underrated snake.
I would never put a BP on the beginner list because they are so finnicky and picky about so many things.
marvelfreak
07-08-14, 02:27 PM
Point 3 says it all really, good post.
Thank you!
Urutu...half moon viper
I hope this is referring to a good snake for hot keeper's with the proper training.
Carpets or BCI. Very hardy, and if you can take a couple bites at young ages (though not all are nippy) they are wonderful snakes, with varying sizes and localities to pick what you like. :)
Concept9
07-09-14, 07:29 AM
Although I think there are MANY awesome snake that could and should be labeled as beginner snakes there is only ONE that surpasses them all.
The Cornsnake.
1) They come in a wide array of paint jobs.
2) They stay at a manageable size.
3) Most are very cheap to buy and setup.
4) Rarely ever bit, hiss or strike.
5) Almost always eat with no effort.
6) They are very hard animals.
7) There heat, humidity and habitat in general is very easy to maintain.
8) They are a very manageable snake but still move around so as not to be boring.
9) They are normally not a nervous or flighty snake.
And the list goes on and on.
As I said there is ALOT of GREAT first time beginner snakes but personally don't think there is another snake to beat the Corsnake in all categories.
Chris72
07-10-14, 08:59 AM
Carpet Pythons and here's why.
..................................................
3. Now this one might sound strange but they can be nippy as babies.
Why is this a good thing you ask? Because way to many time in this hobby people get a snake and they are like "oh this is easy to care for and handle". Then before you know it they have several snakes. After a while they lose interest then the snake suffers from neglect or get rehomed.
Having a nippy snake takes work to get them use to handling. If you have one snake that always trying to bite you. Hopefully you'll think twice before just jumping into getting more. Plus handling it more rewarding when you have to work for their trust. Just my opinion.
This is a very good point.
Hard to argue with that logic. :)
jpsteele80
07-10-14, 10:35 AM
The best snake to start with is the one you want and have done the research on, why settle for anything else
CosmicOwl
07-10-14, 01:22 PM
This is an interesting question, but I think it depends on what you mean be "beginner." for the sake of argument, let's say it's for an adult looking to get their first snake. I'd have to argue against carpets or BCIs. In my opinion, that is too much snake for a first time keeper to be handling.
aaron_cg
07-10-14, 07:14 PM
Definitely going with the corn Snake. Easy husbandry, typically no feeding problems, and easily available.
For a bit of a bigger Snake, I would have to go with a carpet python, and Chuck pointed out all the reasons.
nazanova
07-13-14, 09:51 AM
As a beginner myself my Corn Snake is so easy to care for. First time I handled him he never even hissed or tried to wriggle away he was just ever so nosy haha, even feeding is amazingly easy! I had my first feed with him today and I literally dangled the pinky in front of him for about 5 seconds and be took it straight off me. Plus the set up is extremely cheap compared to other set ups for other snakes, mine cost me rounded up about £55 (about $70) and the snake itself cost me only £20 (about $30) so yeah.... Team Corn Snake for a beginner!
LiL Zap
07-13-14, 06:10 PM
Corn snakes no doubt. Great eaters and their husbandry is too easy.
EL Ziggy
07-13-14, 07:22 PM
Kings and pits :). Beautiful morphs, nice size, monster feeders, and a little attitude.
Mikoh4792
07-13-14, 07:28 PM
This is an interesting question, but I think it depends on what you mean be "beginner." for the sake of argument, let's say it's for an adult looking to get their first snake. I'd have to argue against carpets or BCIs. In my opinion, that is too much snake for a first time keeper to be handling.
What do you mean by too much? Husbandry or size?
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