beginner snakes

[maudie]

I love reptiles, specifically snakes. I work for a snake breeder as well as have a few of my own... my younger bro wants a snake, he's 11. I'm thinking maybe either a corn snake, milksnake, or a western hognose. I want to get him something docile that will stay generally small or at least not grow fast... what do you guys think? I think a ball python would be a little too much for him because it's his first snake and he's so young. any input would be appreciated!

[bcr229]

I've never had a corn snake but I have had a milk snake and as a youngster he was very flighty and quick. Holding him was a challenge as he was like a little coiled spring until he got some size to him. I understand many corn snakes are the same way.

My California king snake was chill even as a youngster and is fun to fool with. OTOH my female will still musk even as an adult no matter how much or little she's handled.

Maybe something like a Dumeril's boa would be better, especially if you're getting a real reptile enclosure and not a tank for housing. They have a good food response, don't get too big too fast, and tend to be laid back.

[Trogdorpheus]

I would think a bp would be better than any of the others you listed as far as starters. Colubrids may be more tolerant of husbandry variability and feeding response, but I think in terms of ease of handling and preventing escapes... bps are much easier.

[jclaiborne]

I think the main question first should be are you ready to take care of your brothers snake. Kids (not all of them, but most) can loose interest fast, an 11 year old is not financially able to purchase an enclosure (or any husbandry item) for that matter and food on a weekly basis, as well as maintaining a clean environment, so I assume even though you are getting it for him, it will be an addition to what you have. If that is the case then I would say get something that interests you both. I have had corn snakes that never stop moving and I have had others that are completely calm. The only problem I would see with a ball python would be the potential for them to be picky eaters. Does he have any reptile experience, what does he like?

[maudie]

ball pythons are his favorite because that's what I have and what I work with

[maudie]

but they're a bigger commitment and grow much faster just from my personal experience, I think their husbandry is much more difficult

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but I've heard kingsnakes are the farthest from docile...

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I'm honestly leaning towards a cornsnake at this point... I just feel like it would be easier for him to care for as a first snake

[Albert Clark]

but they're a bigger commitment and grow much faster just from my personal experience, I think their husbandry is much more difficult

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but I've heard kingsnakes are the farthest from docile...

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I'm honestly leaning towards a cornsnake at this point... I just feel like it would be easier for him to care for as a first snake

There is a kingsnake that stands out among all other kingsnakes in their temperament and that is the Arizona mountain king. Truly a very docile king that is really overlooked. They stay relatively small and are very brilliantly colored. Also, they are relatively cheap at all the expos and online. I don't know if you are familiar with them but once you see them and handle one you will remember them. Good luck. They will change your mind about kingsnakes not being docile, trust me.

[mikesmelly]

In my opinion, a ball python is the perfect starter snake. It was my first and so far only snake (my next will be a corn snake or hognose). Even the biggest BP isn't too much for an 11 year old to handle, and they are so docile that my 7 year old cousin handles her own without any problems.

[Mustang5]

I would have to go with a corn snake. Although a BP is a good snake its just they are super inconsistent and that might be a problem with some kids. Corns are perfect beginner snakes, easy to care for and are great feeders because whats cooler to a kid then seeing a snake eat. The only problem with corns is some do like to run a lot when they are small. Either way your bro is going to get an awesome snake.

[EL-Ziggy]

My motto is if you like corns you'll love kings. I have 2 kings and 2 bull snakes. I think they're both great beginner snakes but they tend to get a bad rep. Neither of my kings have bitten or even struck at me. My Cal King would rattle his tails or musk when he was a baby. The MBK was flighty and very shy until she got comfortable. One of the bulls was a bit hissy and bitey when I first got him but a week later he was over it. They're all puppy dog tame now but they're land sharks at feeding time. Bulls do get a little larger, but they're awesome snakes to keep.