Coolest first and Last (till i move out) Snake

[ReptiWorldWide]

So, I am hoping to buy my first snake in a few months, and I am trying to decide on the species. I have read that corns are usually the best beginner snake. But I was looking for something a bit cooler (not that corns aren't cool, just something a bit more out of the ordinary than it) so I have looked hognose, African egg eater... Do you guys have any thoughts about this? I have wanted a snake forever and have done research for years on how to care for snakes in general. I am looking for something relatively small, probably under 5ft, and something larger than a hognose. Any thoughts or advice (I am open to constructive criticism if you guys think I should go with something like a corn). My main reasoning for this is that I will be able to have one snake for probably the next 3/4 years if not more (college...) so I want it to be a species a bit more out of the ordinary. Also one that is easy enough to care for, and if is a species known for biting or things like that, than it is still not a big problem as I do not mind being bitten by snakes and do not react (for the snakes sake). I have plenty of experience with aggressive wild snakes, and know well things like body language and general times not to handle (a few days after eating, shed...) Any thoughts?

[dangernoodles]

Corns are always a great option, but if you´re looking for something a bit more ¨unique¨, small, and easy to care for anything colubrid is your best bet.
You´ll hear BPs a lot but they tend to take up more space and have more demanding husbandry requirements.
IMO all snakes look super cool, their natural patterns and some of the morphs people are able to breed, if you want something more out of the ordinary maybe one of the ¨designer¨ morphs would be good if you´d be willing to pay a bit more.
I´d recommend king snakes, milk snakes, and you can´t go wrong with corns.
Make sure to do lots of research prior to getting one though, and see what snake seems the best to you.

(African house snakes are pretty awesome too!)

[ClockwerkBonnet]

How about the gray-banded kingsnake. They may bite when you handle them for the first time, but they mellow out after a while. They are also good for beginners.

[ReptiWorldWide]

Thanks! All this is a huge help, I thought about a king snake species because I've heard they are good begginer snake, and look really cool, though because of price I may end up with just going for a normal corn. Thanks for the replies!

[dangernoodles]

Corns all the way! Keep us updated.

[craigafrechette]

Thanks! All this is a huge help, I thought about a king snake species because I've heard they are good begginer snake, and look really cool, though because of price I may end up with just going for a normal corn. Thanks for the replies!

It's very important to make sure you have all your equipment set up and running prior to bring the animal home.

I mention this because if you're on a budget it's even more important. Make sure you have proper heating equipment and thermostat(s) and also make sure you have money put aside for emergency vet bills. Equipment fails, accidents happen. So as keepers it's our job to make sure we have the means to provide proper care before bringing animals home.

[ReptiWorldWide]

It's very important to make sure you have all your equipment set up and running prior to bring the animal home.

I mention this because if you're on a budget it's even more important. Make sure you have proper heating equipment and thermostat(s) and also make sure you have money put aside for emergency vet bills. Equipment fails, accidents happen. So as keepers it's our job to make sure we have the means to provide proper care before bringing animals home.

Yeah, i have been doing research on how to take care of snakes for... ever. but you can never know it all, so thanks for the reply. I really appreciate it. I am pretty sure I know the basics of keeping something like a corn, but i am going to be doing my research. I am planning to set up the tank about mid may, run it for about a week or two, and if all perimeters are staying constant (heat range, humidity, temperature gradient...), then if have all supplies needed, then and only then, will i buy a snake. I have read a lot of forums on here and seen a lot of people buy snakes on impulse, like anacondas and stuff. So i am really trying not to do that. I really appreciate all the comments and help with this subject and if all goes well, i will update when i build the enclosure. Also, if i do end up getting a snake, i will likely freak out before it gets here, and post a thread on ssnakess about general care. Thanks!

[craigafrechette]

Yeah, i have been doing research on how to take care of snakes for... ever. but you can never know it all, so thanks for the reply. I really appreciate it. I am pretty sure I know the basics of keeping something like a corn, but i am going to be doing my research. I am planning to set up the tank about mid may, run it for about a week or two, and if all perimeters are staying constant (heat range, humidity, temperature gradient...), then if have all supplies needed, then and only then, will i buy a snake. I have read a lot of forums on here and seen a lot of people buy snakes on impulse, like anacondas and stuff. So i am really trying not to do that. I really appreciate all the comments and help with this subject and if all goes well, i will update when i build the enclosure. Also, if i do end up getting a snake, i will likely freak out before it gets here, and post a thread on ssnakess about general care. Thanks!

Sounds good! Huge props to you for being well prepared. You're already off to a great start, and your new pet will appreciate it when the time is right.

I personally don't keep corns, but have in the past. They're a cool species, but I just prefer other species. They are very hardy and easy to care for though. And their size and generally docile disposition make them good pets.

I do LOVE Kings though. Unfortunately it's a sore spot for me right now, as my California King, Django just passed away last week. :D:sad:
But for me personally, Kings are everything corns are and more.

One more friendly reminder. I saw that you're planning on building an enclosure. That sounds fine, just remember, snakes are INCREDIBLE escape artists.
If you're planning on a juvenile animal, you'll want to start it in a smaller enclosure for at least the first year as well. Some snakes in captivity struggle with stress in large enclosures and will refuse food or develop other health issues due to stress.

Good luck! Keep up the good work with your research. Don't be afraid to ask all the questions you may have, we're happy to help.

[ReptiWorldWide]

Sounds good! Huge props to you for being well prepared. You're already off to a great start, and your new pet will appreciate it when the time is right.

I personally don't keep corns, but have in the past. They're a cool species, but I just prefer other species. They are very hardy and easy to care for though. And their size and generally docile disposition make them good pets.

I do LOVE Kings though. Unfortunately it's a sore spot for me right now, as my California King, Django just passed away last week. :D:sad:
But for me personally, Kings are everything corns are and more.

One more friendly reminder. I saw that you're planning on building an enclosure. That sounds fine, just remember, snakes are INCREDIBLE escape artists.
If you're planning on a juvenile animal, you'll want to start it in a smaller enclosure for at least the first year as well. Some snakes in captivity struggle with stress in large enclosures and will refuse food or develop other health issues due to stress.

Good luck! Keep up the good work with your research. Don't be afraid to ask all the questions you may have, we're happy to help.

Thanks for all the info! Sorry to hear about your cali king! i too love king snakes, i've caught a few types in the wild including california king snakes, and they are all amazing! I was planning on getting a juvenile and keeping it in about a 20 gallon tank while i make its adult tank, so eventually bump it up to that. I plant to make it out of wood, and make a foam/concrete background to cover all cracks, along with pond safe epoxy to make it all safe. I don't remember on the top of my head all the safety precautions i have to take, but i made notes and have it written down in somewhere. Thanks for your feedback!

[craigafrechette]

Thanks for all the info! Sorry to hear about your cali king! i too love king snakes, i've caught a few types in the wild including california king snakes, and they are all amazing! I was planning on getting a juvenile and keeping it in about a 20 gallon tank while i make its adult tank, so eventually bump it up to that. I plant to make it out of wood, and make a foam/concrete background to cover all cracks, along with pond safe epoxy to make it all safe. I don't remember on the top of my head all the safety precautions i have to take, but i made notes and have it written down in somewhere. Thanks for your feedback!

Awesome on all accounts!!!

I'll be watching to see what direction you go

[EL Ziggy]

Boas and carpet pythons would be great beginner snakes imo. They're both easy to care for and decent sized critters.

[ReptiWorldWide]

Boas and carpet pythons would be great beginner snakes imo. They're both easy to care for and decent sized critters.

Yeah I thought about that. But since I am going to be moving out in three years (probably across the ocean, so I think it would probably be irresponsible for me to get such a large animal. But once I move out, there is no doubt in my mind that I am going to get a bci boa. Also another problem is my parents. O think I can convince them to me me get something small like s corn or king snake, bu something like a carpet or boa, they would not even consider it. Thanks for the reply tho!