Help me decide on a new snake! :)

[Bogertophis]

I would for sure steer clear of Korean rat snakes...I've known one other that was calmer but still not a good pet, & the one I have is just not "reachable"...I'm
quite experienced in calming snakes down, & from what I've read, this is how they mostly are. Russian rat snakes are supposed to be good pets, but can be htf.

But most U.S. rat snakes would be great for you: black or amelanistic/"albino" black rat snakes, grey, yellow, Everglades, gulf hammock...all very similar but
with color differences. All are scrappy hatchlings that learn to be handled pretty well & get to the right size, with easy care & f/t rodents. Fairly smart snakes
too. The more docile ones you might not want (?) would be corn snakes, Trans Pecos & Bairds rat snakes. And Texas rat snakes might be more feisty than you
really want, but of course, there are always exceptions.

Gopher, bull & pine snakes are all similar in terms of size, ease of care & personality. Most hatchlings are quite defensive but with patient handling do very
well as pets. Remember that hatchlings of all kinds are easily preyed-upon, so their "attitude" is essential for their survival.

The other kinds on your list of consideration I'll leave to others who keep them, & ultimately it's all up to you, what appeals, & finding a healthy hatchling. It's
great that you're researching this, it should help you make a better choice than just impulse-buying, since these snakes can live 20+ years with good care, good genes & good luck. No such thing as a dumb question either....just ask.

I think you're wise to avoid BCI at this time...for the very reason you gave. They're nice snakes, but can get bigger than you want, & it's harder to predict. Keep in mind that the pituophis family or rat snakes (pantherophis family) discussed are easier to keep than boa types because their large cages don't have to be kept
so warm year-round for them to stay healthy. The bigger a cage is, the more challenge the heating can be if a snake needs higher temps. Also, the kinds I suggested
aren't likely to refuse food in the winter either.