Question asked the most. Best starter snake?

I get asked what the best starter snake to learn and get into the hobby with. So many say BPs but are they? I try to point to corns and kings. Share your thoughts and reasons why please.

I'd definitely say KSB, from my experience. Very hardy snake, and very forgiving if husbandry is not 100% perfect, as they can tolerate temperature drops well and are more forgiving of higher temps than a BP. Low humidity requirements. Males are notorious for going off food, but should be able to avoid that somewhat with a female. Size is very manageable, with even the females rarely exceeding 2.5 feet. Prices are typically very reasonable.

i kept two ball pythons before i got my corn snake, and i now have 6 balls and still one corn.

i think ball pythons qualify as a "starter" snake only for their temperament, and they should be more towards the intermediate side of the difficulty scale: very specific husbandry requirements requiring enclosure modifications or uncommon enclosure types (i.e. not glass), common temperamental eating habits, equipment start-up costs and they are not too active and don't like to be out.

IMO corn snakes are the perfect "starter" snake in all categories: active and out a lot, curious and full of personality, fantastic eaters, super minimal and forgiving husbandry requirements, but they are quick and can be a bit flighty. i would love to add another colubrid, but i don't have the space atm.

FWIW: i don't like the idea of "starter" pets; you shouldn't have to settle on your 20yr commitment because someone says it might be hard. just be prepared and do your research, and be open to help when things aren't working for you. a ball python as a first snake can be tough on both owner and snake (as i know from personal experience), but it is possible to have an incredible and easy first snake experience with a beep.

I'd like to burn all the books that steer beginners to ball pythons, personally. They do it because of their docile nature, of course...but without factoring in
the more difficult care, getting & keeping their temperatures & humidity correctly AND not being put off by their fasting & food-fetishes.

Corn snakes stay a very modest size, have a docile personality, beautiful colors, & thrive in temperatures near what we ourselves find comfortable, so only
a minimal heat source is needed...and on top of that, they eat with enthusiasm all year long. They are the least fussy snakes about food, while still being
easy to handle: king snakes aren't fussy about food either, but they may also think "you're it!" and that would scare off many first time snake owners.

I LOVE other kinds of rat snakes, but most get much larger & more feisty & we're talking about beginners here, so that's why I'd say corn snakes. Trans
Pecos rat snakes, specifically, stay smaller & are very docile, but they're more of an exception in that group. And to be fair, I've not kept any KSBs...

A rosy boa is hands down the best starter snake.

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Originally Posted by SDA

A rosy boa is hands down the best starter snake.

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Really? Hey, don't get me wrong, I love rosy boas...I've had quite a few, both rescues & many that mine produced. Even as a former source of C/B rosy boas I
wouldn't put them at the top for these reasons: they tend to go off feed in the winter (which is upsetting to beginners) and many can be less than careful about
fingers when they're hungry- another trait that won't make a new keeper happy, lol. They do a curious thing when they're hungry & being held: they push their
nose into your hand in various places, just as if it was a F/T mouse laying there...& if you ignore it, eventually the teeth follow their nose, so my overall impression
of them is that they aren't the "sharpest tools in the shed"? ;) Maybe I'm just spoiled by corn & rat snakes...they don't make mistakes like that. They move a
lot quicker, but are much better judges of what's actually edible.

Another goofy thing I've had a rosy boa do (speaking of needing glasses?): I had a very friendly male rosy boa that used to like to snuggle around my neck while
I did dishes. One night he started scraping my neck with his spurs! For those of you who don't know, their spurs are the vestigial remains of when they had legs-
their spurs are the remnants of long-lost hip bones & they only use them to flirt with the females. Let me assure you that I bear no resemblance to a rosy boa,
female or otherwise, & I had no scent of a female rosy on me from previous handling. I thought it was hilarious that he did this & I guess I should be flattered?

Anyway, they're pretty cute little snakes so they get away with making mistakes. :rofl:

It really depends on what the person wants.. If they don't care about seeing their snake out and about and want small size, then a KSB or maybe rosy boa would be good.

Want maximum hardiness and smallish size, corn or king.

Want a more out-and-about snake and don't mind larger size? A common boa male would fit the bill nicely.

In the end, I think it really depends on what they want. You definitely don't want to steer them to something that they will end up not liking and "getting rid of" because it is the opposite of what they want.

I got a KSB and hognose before I got my ball python. I think got a boa (BCA male) and found a speies that I really loved. I think if I had not been scared off by the size, a boa would have made a great first snake for me. I still have the KSB and BPs, (had to rehome the hog to something that could provide live prey due to feeding issues).

I do really wish that people were very upfront with common issues with species..especially feeding issues and difficulty level when someone asks. I think people getting a species that isn't compatible with their wants or skill level ends up being a big turnoff to the hobby for some folks.

There are a wide range of species of rat snakes... Some are not for "beginners" and some are. Corn snakes are a species of rat snake lol, so this poll isn't exactly comparable.

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

Corn snakes are a type of rat snake lol

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wow, i had no idea! i learn something new everyday. :)

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

There are a wide range of species of rat snakes... Some are not for "beginners" and some are. Corn snakes are a species of rat snake lol, so this poll isn't exactly comparable.

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LOL you noticed that too eh?

I would have to go with a corn or king snake as the best "first" snake as they're pretty bulletproof and more tolerant of husbandry mistakes. They're also fun to handle.

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

Corn snakes are a species of rat snake lol, so this poll isn't exactly comparable.

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I picked up on that too.

But anyway, I'm always going to advocate for Kings. However, with Kings, you've got to almost plan on getting tagged at some point.
Regardless of food strikes, I think BPs are great first snakes too.

To me, the bottom line is this: there are a lot of snakes that are common in the pet trade that make good first snakes...IF you do the proper research BEFORE bringing the animal home and you're confident you can meet the requirements to care for the animal.

Ultimately, it comes down to what you're looking for in your pet and whether or not you're willing and able to meet its care requirements.

That being said, I think in no way should anybody get a retic, burm, conda, or anything venomous as a first snake.
But I do think most of the COMMON snakes in the pet trade can be good first snakes, but like I said, if you're willing and able to do it right.

I voted for corn snake, they aren't fussy about temps or humidity and are docile and usually great eaters. Kings are the same way and are also very active, but they often try to eat anything that moves, including hands, so the corns may be a better first snake.

None, no reptile is a "starter" pet in my opinion - unless under very specific circumstances. All of us here probably had that first pet that didn't live as long as it could have - especially if you all started young like me. For older kids with willing parents or responsible adults, ball pythons, garter snakes, corn snakes would probably be fair choices - especially when compared to the more needy species like Green Tree Boas and the giants. It all comes down to how much you are willing to learn and if you are able to properly care for it.

When I hear "what's a good beginner / first snake" its usually followed by "for my x year old kid". Reptiles in general just need too specific care; for example you don't have to keep a temp and humidity range for a mouse or gerbil. Also, in my experience people who get a "beginner" pet (especially for kids) often loose interest and the animals suffer. Now while not always the case, I think it takes someone dedicated to whatever species they choose for whatever it is to be a good first or learning pet.

----------------------------------------------------- My personal experiences ----------------------------------

My first "pets" were gerbils when I was 3 - the cats ate them. Then goldfish - which were supposedly beginner fish (how wrong that is too lol), then anoles. This was followed in quick succession by a garter snake when I was 7 as my first real on-my-own pet. She started my love for reptiles. However - looking back I'm surprised she made it to 5 years old. I fed goldfish and wild-caught minnows, we only had a red heat lamp,for a 55 gal fish tank with bricks on top to prevent escape, and a mix of newspaper / dirt /and care-fresh bedding for substrate. My mom got me a snakes-for-dummies book and helped me read it ans set up the tank, but that was the end of her involvement as far as care went (other than helping change bulbs / buy stuff and such).

When I was a little older I got 2 iguanas that were dumped in a tank in the local ER's parking lot. My dad built two huge wire cages, I was 12 so I was able to do some research - but again, I'm not surprised they did not do well. We had no heat/air conditioning at all in my room - heat was a wood stove downstairs - so winter time was really tough on them. We re-homed the male - the female lived for about 4 years. At that point I got into mammals (ferrets, guinea pigs, rats, gerbils) which didn't require as much research or specialized care.

I'm glad that I chose a ball for my first snake as an adult. He's been a great learning project, and I've learned a lot in the past few years - enough to want another one. But I know that as much as I would have 'loved' him had I gotten him in high school or earlier there's no way a ball would have thrived. My room was often in the high 40"s low 50's in the winter. I doubt even an AP cage could have handled that even if my parents would have allowed spending that much on a snake.

Ball python ( from personal experience!:) )

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Originally Posted by Skyrivers

I get asked what the best starter snake to learn and get into the hobby with. So many say BPs but are they? I try to point to corns and kings. Share your thoughts and reasons why please.

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Well I've got most types but I'd always suggest a yearling Corn snake to an absolute beginner .

Virtually guaranteed good temperament , good eaters and massive range of colours and patterns . Not too small not too large . Bombproof as regards upkeep .

Royals are great as well if you can buy a guaranteed GOOD feeder from a trustworthy seller .


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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

FWIW: i don't like the idea of "starter" pets; you shouldn't have to settle on your 20yr commitment because someone says it might be hard.

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This 100%. I was in a local pet shop and saw a snake for sale with a label on the enclosure saying something along the lines of "previous owner bought to gain experience for...".

I don't agree with getting a 'practice' snake before you buy the one you really want. That's not fair to the animal or the keeper. I kept a corn snake as a kid and then many years later went straight to a Burmese python because that's the animal I wanted and had researched plenty before doing so. Some people would say I should have gotten a Carpet or Boa first but why buy an animal and then sell it on once you feel experienced enough? That seems unethical to me.



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I posted other because IMO there is no single best starter snake. And there are several good ones not on that list, like boa constrictor and rosy boa.

The best starter snake is generally what trips your trigger. Then you have to research and narrow down by figuring your budget, whether you can provide the snake's food, etc.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

I picked up on that too.

But anyway, I'm always going to advocate for Kings. However, with Kings, you've got to almost plan on getting tagged at some point.
Regardless of food strikes, I think BPs are great first snakes too.

To me, the bottom line is this: there are a lot of snakes that are common in the pet trade that make good first snakes...IF you do the proper research BEFORE bringing the animal home and you're confident you can meet the requirements to care for the animal.

Ultimately, it comes down to what you're looking for in your pet and whether or not you're willing and able to meet its care requirements.

That being said, I think in no way should anybody get a retic, burm, conda, or anything venomous as a first snake.
But I do think most of the COMMON snakes in the pet trade can be good first snakes, but like I said, if you're willing and able to do it right.

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Well said.

Proper research and understanding of the species is critical! Even "easy snakes" can be difficult for those that don't know how to care for/learn what their snake needs. Intermediate and advanced snakes can seem pretty easy to experienced keepers who properly meet that snakes requirements.

Additionally, modern technology in enclosures and electronics ((both heating and humidity devices, advancements in lights (UVB and LED for example), and thermostats)) has made keeping proper temps and humidity and light cycles, etc. so much easier than it used to be.

Many snakes that seemed difficult in the past are significantly more "keepable" as it has become more realistic for owners to meet their snakes needs (if willing to research and spend money and keep up check lists, etc.).

With what I knew and had access to easily 10 years ago, I would never have dreamed of keeping a BCI (due to size of enclosure and humidity requirements). However, modern enclosures (I use Boaphile tanks) are so light, great at keeping humidity in and maintaining temps (with good thermostats), and stackable, that it makes Behira (my Female BCI) seem like a breeze.

I voted for corn snake as well. I have two now. However, I have two thoughts.

1. Not necessarily a beginner snake as babies. They are tiny and you have to be confident and gentle with them. They also eat almost 2X a week and have to given appropriate sized meals and at proper durations.

2. Having said that, they come is so many amazing colors and patterns (and even without scales now), and relative to morphs of other species are much less expensive. Additionally, their temperaments are usually great and husbandry relatively easy (and they eat like clockwork and happily take F/T). Because of the variety they do make great additions to collections of any skill level and make great snake ambassadors. They are small, but not too small, and very pretty, so most people can find a morph they like.

Figment is a great snake to show people who are nervous about snakes. Who can be afraid of a purple and pink snake with purple eyes? In all seriousness, he is totally chill and many people new to reptiles that I introduce to Figment, like him.

However, for that purpose, I prefer my BP or BCI, because Figment although I don't think he would ever bite, moves quickly and in a more "snake like" manner.

My boids are much more "chill" in terms of slow and deliberate movements. For example, yesterday, I introduced two young women who were afraid of snakes to my reptile collection. They touched Figment, but one ended up holding Shayna (BP) and Behira (2 year old BCI).

Anyway, I digressed.

Proper education/research and proper enclosures = Happy Snakes and therefore the line between "easy" and at least "intermediate" level, at least due to husbandry, has been blurred.

Corns are great snakes, period. However, tiny babies may not be best for new keepers. A juvenile might be the best fit for those owners.

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Originally Posted by dakski

Well said.

Proper research and understanding of the species is critical! Even "easy snakes" can be difficult for those that don't know how to care for/learn what their snake needs. Intermediate and advanced snakes can seem pretty easy to experienced keepers who properly meet that snakes requirements.

Additionally, modern technology in enclosures and electronics ((both heating and humidity devices, advancements in lights (UVB and LED for example), and thermostats)) has made keeping proper temps and humidity and light cycles, etc. so much easier than it used to be.

Many snakes that seemed difficult in the past are significantly more "keepable" as it has become more realistic for owners to meet their snakes needs (if willing to research and spend money and keep up check lists, etc.).

With what I knew and had access to easily 10 years ago, I would never have dreamed of keeping a BCI (due to size of enclosure and humidity requirements). However, modern enclosures (I use Boaphile tanks) are so light, great at keeping humidity in and maintaining temps (with good thermostats), and stackable, that it makes Behira (my Female BCI) seem like a breeze.

I voted for corn snake as well. I have two now. However, I have two thoughts.

1. Not necessarily a beginner snake as babies. They are tiny and you have to be confident and gentle with them. They also eat almost 2X a week and have to given appropriate sized meals and at proper durations.

2. Having said that, they come is so many amazing colors and patterns (and even without scales now), and relative to morphs of other species are much less expensive. Additionally, their temperaments are usually great and husbandry relatively easy (and they eat like clockwork and happily take F/T). Because of the variety they do make great additions to collections of any skill level and make great snake ambassadors. They are small, but not too small, and very pretty, so most people can find a morph they like.

Figment is a great snake to show people who are nervous about snakes. Who can be afraid of a purple and pink snake with purple eyes? In all seriousness, he is totally chill and many people new to reptiles that I introduce to Figment, like him.

However, for that purpose, I prefer my BP or BCI, because Figment although I don't think he would ever bite, moves quickly and in a more "snake like" manner.

My boids are much more "chill" in terms of slow and deliberate movements. For example, yesterday, I introduced two young women who were afraid of snakes to my reptile collection. They touched Figment, but one ended up holding Shayna (BP) and Behira (2 year old BCI).

Anyway, I digressed.

Proper education/research and proper enclosures = Happy Snakes and therefore the line between "easy" and at least "intermediate" level, at least due to husbandry, has been blurred.

Corns are great snakes, period. However, tiny babies may not be best for new keepers. A juvenile might be the best fit for those owners.

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I agree with pretty much everything said here.

One thing that stood out was your comment about corns as babies possibly not being the best beginner snake. Being so tiny and so quick, coupled with their ability to fit pretty much ANYwhere I think you make a good point. Juvenile corns, Kings, etc... need to be monitored extremely closely while out, and enclosures must be completely escape proof. These little guys can be like Houdini if you're not careful.

I personally moved on from corns, in favor of Kings. And even at that, if I ever add another it will be sub-adult or adult. I've got no interest in the constant hand over hand handling sessions anymore. I love active and alert, but super quick and flighty isn't for me anymore. My snakes relax me and help me unwind. I find a certain tranquillity in them, and handling juvenile corns and similar colubrids is more work than tranquillity in my opinion.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

LOL you noticed that too eh?

I would have to go with a corn or king snake as the best "first" snake as they're pretty bulletproof and more tolerant of husbandry mistakes. They're also fun to handle.

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I just saw that and laughed as well.

I have to agree with you as I'd say corn or kings are probably the ideal starter. It's super rare you hear about them going off feed. I wouldn't recommend people to breed kings though, as they can and do eat the other when trying to breed. As far as just keeping though, hands down I'd say a corn or king.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

I agree with pretty much everything said here.

One thing that stood out was your comment about corns as babies possibly not being the best beginner snake. Being so tiny and so quick, coupled with their ability to fit pretty much ANYwhere I think you make a good point. Juvenile corns, Kings, etc... need to be monitored extremely closely while out, and enclosures must be completely escape proof. These little guys can be like Houdini if you're not careful.

I personally moved on from corns, in favor of Kings. And even at that, if I ever add another it will be sub-adult or adult. I've got no interest in the constant hand over hand handling sessions anymore. I love active and alert, but super quick and flighty isn't for me anymore. My snakes relax me and help me unwind. I find a certain tranquillity in them, and handling juvenile corns and similar colubrids is more work than tranquillity in my opinion.

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came in to say this. We currently have 2 corns, one adult who we got as a sub-adult and one we got after she had eaten a few meals. My fiance is new to snakes and she is in love with the adult, he is so chill and not once shown any signs of aggression. She can hold him all day and he doesn't care.
The little female on the other hand is a little spit-fire, shes very flighty and quick. She used to rattle her little tail and strike like crazy. She's slowly calming down but for now shes my problem to deal with haha.

I have always had lots of success with ball pythons, and depending on where you live I don't feel the care requirements are difficult. If you can't handle the simple requirements of a ball python you should not be keeping reptiles imo

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Originally Posted by djansen

came in to say this. We currently have 2 corns, one adult who we got as a sub-adult and one we got after she had eaten a few meals. My fiance is new to snakes and she is in love with the adult, he is so chill and not once shown any signs of aggression. She can hold him all day and he doesn't care.
The little female on the other hand is a little spit-fire, shes very flighty and quick. She used to rattle her little tail and strike like crazy. She's slowly calming down but for now shes my problem to deal with haha.

I have always had lots of success with ball pythons, and depending on where you live I don't feel the care requirements are difficult. If you can't handle the simple requirements of a ball python you should not be keeping reptiles imo

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Hahaha, yeah, I'm all set with juveniles as far as Kings/corns, etc... just too darn quick and all over the place. I like to enjoy my snakes, not be constantly worrying about them darting off, ending up in furniture, disappearing behind something, etc...

I'm glad I've raised them from juveniles and watched them grow in the past, but it's just not for me anymore.

They're so funny when they're tiny and rattling their tails though. It's like, "seriously, who the heck do you think you're scaring?"

As far as BP care being simple, it is. I agree 100%. If you can't maintain their temps and humidity as well as provide proper enclosures, hides, etc...reptiles may not be for you. It's really not going to get much easier.

I always have and always will recommend a corn snake as a first pet snake. Simply fantastic little snakes that are a joy to keep.

My list of recommended beginner snakes, and I often get asked for small ones, so less equipped to answer for those that want very large snakes.

In no particular order, Rosy boa, Kenyan Sand boa, African House snake, Western or Tricolor Hognose (males are better pets though they fast more often than females) Corn snakes, Trans Pecos ratsnakes, mexicana complex kingsnakes and Honduran milk snake.