My first snake was a BP....and I had unusual success with him, lol. Even still, I feel there are more suitable choices out there for a beginner. BPs can be picky eaters, causing the new owner much unnecessary stress (what do you think is the most common question asked on reptile message boards? "Why isn't my ball python eating?") and too often unhealthy WC specimens are sold at very low prices that intice a newbie to think "Oh its cheap, it must be really good to begin with!"......IMO a Corn is a much better starter snake.