Opnions Needed!!!

[Aqua_Elf]

Okay I want to know what the perfect first snake would be for me, I open to all ideas though this is what I am specifically looking for
1. Not to exceed 10' at adulthood
2. Generally a easier snake to care for
3. A snake that doest mind being handled once in awhile but will not freak if not frequently handled.
4. Generally cheap buying price compared to other snakes
5. Relativly tame and not to agressive.
6. Can live well in a RB instead of a tank.
I hope I have provided enough info and if anything else is needed I would be happy to answer. I have finally have decided Im ready and have the setup ready except the actual RB as I'm waiting to see what size to get pending on the snake. I cant wait to see your replies I have added a poll of a couple of beginner snakes I have heard are good but feel free to post your own idea of the beginer snake. Also if you poll then plz also elaborate in a post with some general short info. THank YOu!!!

[Bryce Masuk]

I would say a ratsnake kingsnake corn or ball would work out well for you
There are others I could suggest but those are the best beginner snakes

I would look for a used aquarium that is cracked.
Rubbermaids work fine but since you will only have one snake its worth it to be able to look at it in a nice cage with nice decor
But of course its your choice and rubber maid do make the snake feel more secure

[Mr.Lizard]

My first snake was a beautiful red ratsnake(corn snake).
Easy to care for,inexpensive and hardy.
Generally pretty sweet natured and not more than 3-5' fully grown if I remember correctly.

[Mike177]

i would go for the corn or Ball Python. boath easy to care for and with the corn snake you have such a WIDE varity of colors and patterns to choose from also will pretty much alwas stay tame and would be fine in a nice big storage box

[Aqua_Elf]

Yah that was my general direction, BP or Corn. I dedied I would use RB because it make the snake feel better and less stressed[or thats what I've read]. I have aquariums just though RB would be better. I'm leaning twards corns right now though.

[Colonel SB]

I'm gonna say Corn snake they are easy to care for cheap adn they can be kept in rubbermaids.

[Edwin]

I think balls are good beginner snakes, although you need to buy from a reputable breeder to avoid problems such as not feeding etc. They do not grow very long (4-5ft on average), and not aggressive.

Corns are good beginner snakes too, and they offer a multitude of colours and patterns to choose from. However, from my experience, they are more 'squirmy' than balls, and do not like being handled too much.

I have 2 texas ratsnakes right now, and while their care is relatively easy, they do not like being handled, and will strike at anything and everything.

My recommendation is to go with either a ball or a corn, whichever strikes your fancy more. Both make excellent starter snakes, and are fascinating animals. Hope this helps.

[V.hb]

I have had CB balls refuse meals before. This to a newbie would be kind of scary, and a bit of a hassle. I mean as expierienced owners alot of us know its normal to slow down. But some balls can be very temperature specific. I don't recommend them to any newbie. And I personally just dont like them. :)

I recommend corns or rats. Most rats come with worse temperments then corns. Both are very similiar species and very nice looking. If you get a CB corn they are usually quite hardy and eat very well. Edwin's advice for buying a CB animal is the best you can do. Buy a well started juvinile.

[fateamber]

I like bps and corn snakes.

[Serpent-King]

All depends what you want. If you want something just to look at and not hold much, and will be extremely easy to care for, then a corn would be ok. But they are rather boring in my opinion, though fun to keep. I advise you get a ball python. They don't get much bigger then 4 feet, and aren't anywhere near as skittish as corns. Plus they love handling and over all make for a better pet. They are a joy to keep and in my opinion, the best begginer snake for people who'd prefer a boid. They don't get too big, and are often shorter then corns, but are really thick bodied. Over all my advice would be, get a ball python.

[Aqua_Elf]

I was leaning twards corns and now have b-lined and am close to decicing on BPs I really like the clors and patterns its like all tropical and stuff I want a docile snake that loves to be handled. I not a beginner to snakes or herps I know alot this is just MY first. I know all about BPs fasting so that wont freak me. Either way I am going to get one and then re-save my money and get a corn because they bothsound great. But from what I've read about both I think that the corn is more a display snake and the BP a real pet. So I think I'm going to get the BP inless anyone else had any opnions. I also would like somone to give the badd points of owning both the BP and the corn that way I will know everything. All I get from site and from mostr people I've talked to are the good things theres got to bew some badd things.

[Darlene]

I voted for the corn. I got my first snakes ; of my own ; a few months ago (3 corns). They live in a rubbermaid with hides, a pool, climbing branches & rubbing rocks. They have not had any type of shedding or feeding problems. I found an excellent & very helpful breeder who has great prices & selection & more then just corns (pm me if you want). They are nocturnal but mine love attention & are so used to myself & the kids taking them out that every so often all day long I see them climbing around & looking for us. I thought at first when they did this that they were hungry but I was wrong. They have been handled since being little babies, they look for it & are not squirmy & fast when out. They are very pleasant to handle & active enough that I find I hold them longer then most bc's & pythons (I get bored with them as they don't do much except for one bc I know & they won't part with him !). They came as very healthy clean little snakes & have been easy to care for & wonderful to work with. No bad points to them that I know of .
Good luck with your new addition,Dar.
P.S. there is a pic of my babies that came from the breeder in the corn forum.