Possible First Snake Choices

[Clever Baby Dragon]

There is a reptile show coming up pretty soon near me, and, as I've been researching possible choices for a first snake, I thought it would be good to go and 'test-drive' some possibilities (not ready to buy one just yet).

In case it makes any difference I'm looking for a small snake that doesn't mind being a lap-snake (within the bounds of proper husbandry obviously).

Here are the ones I have heard make good beginner snakes, I'd love any additions anyone can make to my list, or any comments or opinions you have on the existing ones.

Ball pythons
California Kings
Corn Snakes
Rosy Boas
Western Hognose
Bullsnake
Ratsnake

[CoolioTiffany]

Those are some great snakes
Here are some that are also good for beginners:
-Sand boas
-Children's pythons
-Stimson's pythons
-Milk snakes
-Rat snakes
-Garter & Ribbon snakes

Just thought I'd add a little bit to see if any of those have your interest

[ItsMichael805]

well i heard ball pythons when they are older they are chill, they just chill places that feel warm, my baby ball isnt like that she just moves, they dont get that big so i would say that as your first snake, it is my first snake as well.

[Clever Baby Dragon]

Thanks, I'll definitely look them up, and it definitely won't hurt to go check them out at the show because I'm probably going to end up seeing everything anyway. But now I can get an idea of what I should look at seriously vs, just pat and grin at.

[frankykeno]

It really depends on what you like best in a snake. Do you prefer the more girthy snakes like ball pythons or the more quick moving and flashy looking colubrids like cornsnakes, milksnakes, etc? I think going to a show just to get a look at many snakes and talk to many breeders is a fantastic step before purchasing. Don't forget to gather lots of business cards.

[dc4teg]

best one out of the list is ball pythons if you want a lap the rest are squirmy, lol but bps are pet rocks you set them done and they dont move a muscle but i love my pet rocks

[Patricia]

I read a LOT about this topic online. My preference is a chunky snake that isn't going to be all squirly when held, preferably with noticeable head/neck/body/tail sections rather than the same diameter throughout. It all pointed to the beautiful BP.

[Hulihzack]

Kings and corns are not going to sit still for you and Milk snakes are the squirmiest, twitchiest things I've ever seen lol (hey, I still love em anyway )- lthough they still make good starters. Ball pythons are the best although they have a bit more stringent caging requirements than others, but if you really want something small, mellow and low maintainance, the rosy boa is my recommendation.

[mrmertz]

I agree with franky. The BP won't be as tolerant as a corn or rat snake when it comes to husbandry. Keep in mind the things mentioned such as "lap snake" is true for the most part but then each individual snake can throw you a curve ball too. Our BP is the most roving of our critters. Constantly on the move. Our Colombian turns out to be the "lap dog". You could literally take Biggles out and nap next to him for hours and he'd still be there.

But I'm digressing from the OP. Out of your original list if looking for a lap snake then I'd probably shoot for the BP. Living in AZ we have had tons of Gopher (Bull) snakes and quite a few Kings and they def are not lap snakes.

[Clever Baby Dragon]

BPs definitely rank up there on my current list (and I somehow managed to catch the morph bug without getting a snake, which doesn't seem right somehow), but I'd hate to miss out on a great snake because I hadn't heard of it.