What are some great small snakes?

My mom really wants a snake of her own, so I'm thinking for her Christmas present, I'll get her her very own snake. I'm trying to figure out the best kind for her.

I need a snake that:

Will stay small (ideally that can stay in a 10 gallon tank)
Is calm and easy to handle
Easy to care for (good eater, no fancy requirements)
Is relatively inexpensive

She is in love with my sandboas, perhaps a male would be a good choice, but any ideas are welcome!

First thing that comes to mind is Rosy boas, and sandboas for smaller snakes (around the 3 foot mark, I think).

I know there's another really small snake out there that tops at 3 ft, but I can't think of what it is right now :(

Rosy boas! I didn't even think of those. Aren't they related to sand boas?

Almost all of the columbrids stay small and are easy to handle.

An Eastern hognose would also be a good one to consider.

Children's pythons stay quite small - under 3 feet and some even smaller than that (18-24 inches). I'm not sure what their care requirements are, though.

You guys have some great suggestions I didn't even think of.

The thing about colubrids.. for one I wouldn't say my baby cali king is a sweet easy to handle snake, he's a little beast! I don't know if cali kings are the norm, or the exception. One of my first thoughts was a pueblan milk.

It also seems to me.. that colubrids can reach rather substantial lengths (4-6') and would need a larger enclosure. Perhaps I am mistaken though.

Since hognose are native to some U.S. (EDIT: this stupid thing makes the letter 'yoU' into the word..) states, isn't their posession somewhat regulated? Plus that they are rear fanged venomous.. even though not dangerous, laws can be stupid.

I'll have to look into children's pythons..

rubber boas?

The problem with rubber boas is that they're hard to find CB, and they require low temperatures (room temp). While that sounds like it'd be simple, my mom keeps the house COLD, so it'd be difficult to keep the temp just moderately warm.

a corn?they would have to live in a 20 galon when they get older though...

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Since hognose are native to some you.S. (EDIT: this stupid thing makes the letter 'yoU' into the word..) states, isn't their posession somewhat regulated? Plus that they are rear fanged venomous.. even though not dangerous, laws can be stupid.

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Regulations vary by state. What may draw huge fines in one state might be entirely legal in another.

Ok.. I'm thinking maybe a male kenyan sand boa or a rosy boa from Jason's Jungle..

A western hognose due to their ease of care and availability, plus they seem docile on average. Although I'm still not sure if the laws in Illinois would be any trouble for them..

Or maybe some sort of king/corn/milk. There's so many it's a bit overwhelming. If anyone knows of particular kings/milks that make fine first snakes, please say so. Also if you know of reputable colubrid breeders, post the link.

I'm wondering if it'd even be possible to ship a snake in this sort of weather..

Tigergenisis has a Mexican Black Kingsnake,from what i have read,they are great. renegadereptile.com sells them

While I love the idea of an all black snake, I'm not so sure my mom would go for it. She tends to go for the cute polka dotted ones and ones with colors like pink and yellow. lol

I'll check the website out though.

Ok I'm thinking a pueblan milk from Renegade. Anyone know if they're reputable? Also.. what is the temperament of pueblans like? I always liked those.. I think my mom would as well.

I hear they are very nervous snakes.

I was going to get one but i just couldent resist another ball.

Good luck finding a snake for your mom :D i like rosy boas, they are so cute.

Nervous, really? Hmm.. anyone have first-hand experience?

Rosy boas are nice. They're a little bit on the expensive side, at least compared to pueblans, or normal kenyan sand boas. Plus there's shipping..

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Originally Posted by Shelby

Ok I'm thinking a pueblan milk from Renegade. Anyone know if they're reputable?

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thats why i suggested them :wink: They can musk you,but i held one(the first snake i ever handled)at a petstore and it was fast,but nice,no musking.

Ok cool. Maybe I'll just e-mail them and ask. Plus I can find out what shipping is.

I know a lady who breeds them (so tempting....) and ive held a bunch of her adults and they seem pretty jittery, not all of them though, some are very friendly and curious but some seemed pretty scared

I guess its like all snakes though, they are all differnt.

Some people say balls are very nervous, but i think it depends in each individual snake.

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She is in love with my sandboas, perhaps a male would be a good choice, but any ideas are welcome!

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i was thinkin that sand boas a rosy boas too would be good since u unspired me to do some research on them!

I kinda would like to get her something I don't already have, but maybe she wouldn't mind if I just got her a male kenyan.

I admit I'm tempted to buy myself a mexican black king in the same order if I get something from Renegade.