Question asked the most. Best starter snake?

[Craiga 01453]

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.

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.