First Snake

[redshepherd]

I have no new info on bloods/short-tails other than what we both could find online, so can't add anything new there. :s

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.

Like I said, it does depends on the individual snake, and you seem to have gotten the good half with your bulls and carpets. But if a first-time owner is asking for a 99% "for sure" docile beginner's snake, famously handle-friendly, corns or balls would always be the way to go- can't deny that.