Question asked the most. Best starter snake?

[dakski]

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.

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.