First Snake

[EL-Ziggy]

I wouldn't recommend carpet pythons, only because a decent percentage can be cage aggressive. So unless you really love carpets and don't mind getting bitten a few times... There are chill ones out there, but having a perfect beginner's temperament for handling is not an extreme majority like it is for corn snakes and kingsnakes.

I wouldn't recommend bull snakes at all for what you're looking for. They're kind of notorious for being defensive, and generally aren't a "handle me" snake. There are always exceptions, but generally, nah.

Each snake is different and ANY snake, especially young ones, can be defensive in the beginning. I might be lucky but my 1.1 bulls, 2.0 carpets, and 1.1 kings have all been pretty tame since day one. None of them are cage defensive and I've had all but one of them since they were hatchlings. My male bull did tag me once on the first day I got him, and one other time when he was hungry, but other than that they're all sweet as pie. My bulls are also great to handle. I'd even say they're one of my favorite snakes to handle. They're fairly heavy bodied and not flighty at all. The carpets can be a little flighty for a few minutes when I first take them out but they always calm down after a couple of minutes. I wouldn't say they're the best beginner snakes but they are very manageable and their beauty and active nature makes them well worth it.