someone to discuss...

[kat33920]

hi my names kelley. im new to the site and im considering getting my first snake! i have 8 frogs currently, ive owned a bearded dragon, turtles, fish... many things but never a snake! ive always been intrigued by their beauty and i would like to get some info before deciding on one. thanks. :)

[infernalis]

sSnakeSs.com - Rules (http://www.ssnakess.com/index.php?page=rules)

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[snake man12]

Welcome to the forum!!

[exwizard]

Welcome to the forum.

IMO if youre looking to get into snakes for the first time, your best bet would be a Corn. They are active, friendly, hardy, make great eaters and overall just fun to have. Nothing else beats them for first time snake keepers.

[kat33920]

do you know anything about scarlet kingsnakes? i love how vibrant their colors are and they stay relatively small from what ive read. i would like something docile but im not sure if i would be able to get that out of a small snake like that..? also a snake that will NOT bite is a big must have quality for me.

[exwizard]

Kings are a bit more iffy when it comes to their temperament. While some are docile, a lot are not. Again if you want something that will stay relatively small and is not likely to bite, that points to a Corn as well. They do come in a wide variety of colors and are also inexpensive as well.

[kat33920]

sounds cool. im looking at images now to get an idea of the different types thank you for the lead!

[exwizard]

Some of my favorite Corn morphs are the different varieties of Bloodred.

[Donnie]

Hello and welcome. I would agree that a corn is a great 1st snake to own (i have 3, soon to be 4 and no. 4 will be a bloodred). You may find this link helpful in choosing the morph you want or it may make your decision harder as there are so many to choose from :)

Corn Snake Morphs - The Definitive Guide • Ians Vivarium (http://iansvivarium.com/morphs/species/elaphe_guttata/?sid=)

[kat33920]

wow, great link you sent me to donnie! thanks so much! what variety!
the bloodreds are beautiful as well exwizard... plenty of pics in the link donnie sent me.
yes, this will be a difficult decision... donnie, if you get your blood red anytime soon i would love to see pics!

[Donnie]

If you scroll to the bottom of this link you will see the one I am 99% going to get. Just got to prise my wallet open and get it :)

P guttatus _ 2012 Available • Ians Vivarium (http://iansvivarium.com/viewtopic.php?f=86&t=8430)

[Terranaut]

I think when buying a first snake budget can also be an important consideration.
How much are you spending on the snake? Have you considered its enclosure?
How will you heat it ? If you haven't purchased yet consider this. Build the enclosure with heat and heat control ( extremely important and often overlooked) based on the needs of your future animal FIRST! Before you buy.
If you want cheap. Yes a corn is cheap and easy to care for. If you have enough money to get a nice snake viv such as a Boaphile ,Vision , or here in Canada a Powerhouse and you can get heat tape with a thermostat ( and please buy a thermostat for whatever you get) then you may wish to consider a Royal Python or any other good first snake.
Confused? Most people buy a snake and toss it in an aquarium(which is meant for fish not snakes) and then as problems arise with eating and shedding they realize they need a better viv and thermostat controled heat. So save yourself any trouble and get a perfect habitat first. Then the snake. This will make care way way easier and you will enjoy your snake way way more.
What to get? = What do you want it to do?
Easy to handle and small:
Corns, kings, royals, ect. Royals need humidity control but corns and kings are very hardy and easy to maintain

Little bigger more work but still a beginer snake:
Most boas, carpets , actualy there are many kinds that fit this.

Ask tons of questions , we have tons of answers.
Welcome to the zoo!!

[kat33920]

donnie, she is beautiful!! i sure hope you can get her!
terranut, no worries, price is not much of a boundry for me when it comes to the actual habitat part. i would like to find a lower priced snake, but i go all out when it comes to their enclosures (maybe a little bit over board). i love all of my little friends:)

[marvelfreak]

20232

Nice to have you join us.

[UwabamiReptiles]

Welcome to the forum! Corns are great first snakes as everyone else has mentioned and they come in tons of morphs.

[snake man12]

Ball pythons are also good first snakes, they are some of the most docile snakes I know of, they are relatively easy to care for. The only difference in husbandry between corns is bp's need higher humidity and slightly different temps. They are a good first snake if your ready.

[Toronto1977]

I agree with Zach. I've got both Corn and Royal and love them equally. The only thing with neonate Corns is that they can be a bit squirmy.

[MoreliAddict]

Hi & welcome

[kat33920]

i appreciate all the feedback everyone! im deffinitely taking all of your suggestions into consideration! thank you!

[snake man12]

I agree with Zach. I've got both Corn and Royal and love them equally. The only thing with neonate Corns is that they can be a bit squirmy.

Definetly squirmy, when I had my corn it was like try hold a worm that has been hitting the juice for a while.LOL But don't let that deter you.

[kat33920]

wow lol, yes when i go to the store for my final decision i will be sure to pay attention to how well the snake reacts to handling. i have a young brother (3 almost 4) so how he reacts is deffinitly a big contribuitor to which snake i will decide on. was his behavior like that from the start...?

[shaunyboy]

hello and welcome

cheers shaun

[Gungirl]

Hello and welcome.

Please don't buy your snake at a pet store.. find a local breeder to get it from instead. To many pet stores do not take proper care of their snakes and they charge way to much for them. If you go right to a breeder not only will you have better options for the type of snake you want but you will get a healthier snake at a better price.

[Kettennatter]

^^^ Agreed ^^^

Go to a breeder or a pet expo. Your choices in the type of snake are nearly endless, and will largely depend on the reason(s) you want a snake in the first place. Also, pet stores tend to have higher prices, in my experience.

[kat33920]

great. i will try finding one near by! thanks!