Best colubrid for child

[grammie]

I have 3 grand-girls, 8,7, and 5. They all want snakes so we'll be going to a show the beginning of Jan.
The 7 yr old is extremely experienced, she's held, been around and owned snakes since age 1. The other two are just coming around, but want one of their own. My 4 ft ball makes those two uncomfortable, they want something small and pretty. I've been reading here all day and I wonder if a corn is going to be too squirmy for them? Plus with the eating problems I've been reading about, is that asking for trouble? If they lose one early on, they aren't going to want to go through it again. I am hoping to get a nelson or hondo for myself, would those be good choices? I know they won't stay small, but neither will the girls.

Any and all advice welcome and appreciated.

[Colin Vestrand]

i have a western hognose that my son (2) and nieces and nephews (3-8) all love... it stays small, calm, and is very easily handled.

[norm]

Corn? Docile as they come, temps and humidity are simple, readily eat mice. It's what I started with some 15 years ago...

[snakelady]

I'd say a corn but maybe one that is already one year old. It won't be as small and wiggly as a hatchling but still small enough not it intimidate your girls. Lots of colors too.

[Thor26]

an older corn or a kenyan sand boa or a rosy boa would be your best bet = ]

[Hardwikk]

Hognose snakes sound like they fit your specifications. Try to get one that is at least 6 months old since it's probably less of a bluffer if it's that old.

[boboso]

Older (1+ year) Corn = calm, not as quick moving, good established eater and minimal requirements for upkeep (good teacher)

Try to see if you can locate a rescue or adoptive service...

I had a hoggy when I was a kid, though wild caught and kept, he was a treat. I also loved his antics in trying to be a cobra...

[JLC]

For children, I would say just about any common colubrid that has some size and maturity on it that you can handle and evaluate before purchasing, so you have a good chance at knowing what you're getting. I'd consider corns, milks and hoggies as all fine species to consider. Sand boas are another fun option.

Babies of any species are far more likely to be flighty, defensive, fast and delicate.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

I would say 1+ year old colubrid that has been handled on a regular basis will be your best bet.

[mainbutter]

I got my corn when I was about their ages, I even got a teeny tiny hatchling, and couldn't have been happier with it! I highly recommend one!