Best first snake

This is for me, and other people who do not have snakes and are wondering the same thing. In all of you opinions what is the best first snake someone can get? If you pick other please say.

Corns and Kings are good first snakes too. Its really up to your preference and what you like better.

I selected "other python" because I think established Childrens, Spotteds, or Cape York Spotteds are excellent first snakes. Manageable size, typically non-aggressive, easy keepers, and very active.

I want to say rtb because of my great luck with them. All 3(soon 4) are tame as can be and always great feeders. If you have the space and feel comfortable housing a medium-large snake, I day go for a red tail boa. If you don't feel comfortable housing a red tail, I'd go with a smaller colubrid or even some sort of smaller python

I was also thinking of a rosy boa

I think that for a first snake, I would have to go with a more general classification of North American colubrids (though there is nothing wrong with South or Central American versions). I say this because the husbandry requirements are easily maintained/managed. The fact that they rarely require supplemental heat (and when they do, their needs are easily met), they generally do fine under a wide range of temp/humidity conditions, and they are very hardy creatures really does make them the ideal choice. Throw in the array of sizes and colors available, and there really is something for everyone. (not to mention that a snake that actually moves around a lot is more interesting to newer hobbiests)

Well I have to say I am glad to see people not reccomending ball pythons. Everyone always says they are great first snakes, however anyone who has ever had one knows this is not true. They can be very difficult to acclimate, difficult to get to feed and even harder to maintain them feeding. They seem to do best in rack systems, but who is going to get a setup where they cant view their snake when its their first one and a pet. I also have seen my fair share of downright nasty ball pythons, evil little bastards from time to time lol. I think corns are hands down the best choice. Kings are good too, but they can be a bit moodier than corns, although either ones bite is not a big deal anyway(well I have never been bitten by a corn, so I guess I am assuming lol). As with any new animal I always reccomend extensive research and making sure you are ready to handle the responsibility. You will find that snakes are awesome pets for the right people, so long as you understand their needs. Good luck, Dan M.

Coastal rosies are pretty 'bullet proof' as rosies go, but I'm sort of biased...

I've got to agree with the aforementioned Spotteds/Childrens pythons. Hardy, small, very active and handleable. Great snakes with great dispositions, what more could you ask? I believe corns would be my next choice, though.

I voted for kingsnake but I will add a qualifier. I think the best snakes are the mountain kings. Maybe not any of the CA mt kings because of their expense, but the best snake I have ever owned is a AZ. mt. king. I also love the Chihuahua mt kings and the Mexican mt kings (thayeri) In my experience they are not nearly as flighty as babies as the cornsnakes and are far less pron to musk or bite than some of the other kingsnakes (cal kings, easterns etc.)

As far as no one mentioning BPs (well there were 4 votes when I voted but I suspect a couple of them were simply in response to Dan's post) I dare say that no one would recomend a non established, non feeding snake as a first snake. I wouldn't recommend any snake that has not eaten at least 4 consecutive feedings as a first snake. It doesn't matter what species it is. If a BP is feeding and established I see no reason why they can't be purchased as a first snake. the problem is with dishonest sellers who sell non eating crap without disclosing that information.

If someone wants a larger snake I would suggest a Dumeril's boa. They don't seem to get quite as large as a red tail and they seem to me to have a much more calm disposition They can present more feeding challenges but if you are aware of them its no problem.

I don't think there is any one species that you can say is the best beginner snake. The most important factors are

1. What do you like. If you buy a corn snake because everyone says its the best but you really don't like corn snakes are you going to give it the attention it deserves.

2. What can you care for. This is closely tied to #1. You might really like rattlesnakes or African rock pythons but can you care for them safely.

3. Is the snake well established and feeding. There are many snakes that would fit into the category of "best" first snake if they are established. As I said before, if this is your first snake I wouldn't recommend ANYTHING on the poll if it was not well established and feeding consistently.

Steve