Which snake to get after a Corn?

[Bogertophis]

I plan on getting something at this summer's reptile expo. But it won't be a Corn. All I know is that I want a colubrid. I was thinking a Gopher or a Bull, but that hissing would be a turn off. I like Milks but which sub-species to get. Maybe even a Garter? King?

So what's the next step up? Think, something in the still-a-beginner-stage.. Thx.

If you get a hatchling, most gopher/bull/or pine snakes tame down very nicely. I've not had any pine snakes actually, but I've bred & raised both gopher & bull snakes
in the past. There are a few that stay feisty but at an expo, you'll be able to pick out a calm one. You shouldn't let a little hiss put you off anyway...it's actually pretty
cute, & they don't continue it as pets.* It's similar to hognose snakes: if you get one because it's cute when they play dead, well, once you treat them as a pet, you
won't see that either. Another thing many snakes do is rattle their tails when they're upset or afraid...again, you may never see that, at least not for long. *These
behaviors are defense-mechanisms for hatchling...they start off very small & vulnerable...if they don't defend themselves vigorously, they don't survive, grow & breed.

Bull & gopher snakes are sturdy constrictors that get about 6' (eventually, not "overnight") & I've never found them difficult to handle...they're fairly smart & don't bite,
assuming you initially take some time to handle them considerately. They are NOT likely to confuse you with food, unlike some kings, & they're fun (easy) to feed f/t.

If you like docile snakes that handle well, there's a couple rat snakes you might look into. My favorites are Trans Pecos rat snakes (they max out about 4') and Baird's
rat snakes (get up to about 6'). I enjoy most rat snakes anyway, I've kept many other kinds besides what I currently have: the others are perfectly tame-able, but
they aren't as naturally calm as the Trans Pecos & Bairds.

I've had various milk & king snakes over the years: for handling, I'd recommend most king snakes over the more nervous (flighty) milk snakes. But I still prefer the
outgoing personality of rat snakes, & some king snakes are heavily-food-focused (ie. are hard to convince your hands aren't edible).

It really comes down to your personal preferences...what appeals most to you. There are more kinds besides...just keep reading up & meeting all that you can. And
remember, snakes have individual personalities anyway...and much of that depends on your ability to patiently bring it out.

Oh, one more kind to look into: an Australian spotted python. They stay small, about the size of a middle-aged corn snake, & while they need a warm cage,
they are much easier to keep than a BP...they prefer f/t food, & they are small, so adults can only eat hopper/small adult mice at the most. Very engaging
little constrictors!