What is a good snake to get if this is my first one as a pet?

Question

I want a pretty big one that isn't venomous. My parents would like a snake that does not eat rodents. Is this possible? I don't want one bigger than 4 feet.

Answer 1

1. Almost all pet snakes eat rodents. Those that do not tend to not make good starter snakes.

2. Find a good snake source. A good relationship with a good breeder or salesperson who really knows snakes is an important element for a new keeper.

3. Consider joining your local herpetlogical society- they are a great source of information for new keepers, where to get snakes and food, and more.

4. As for species, for beginners I prefer to recommend snakes that:
- have simple habitat needs (semi-local species- easier to provide heat and humidity for!)
- are captive bred (tolerate captivity better, fewer pest problems, etc.)
- are at least somewhat interesting to look at and watch (don't hide or burrow)
- tolerate some handling
- have a reputation for eating well in captivity
- breed well in captivity (even if you do not breed them, this USUALLY means they adjust well to captive conditions), and
- don't cost much as well as being just easy for beginners.

My recommendations would include:
- Corn snakes, a tried and true beginners snake!
- Milk snakes, especially the bigger Central and South American species
- Bullsnakes- maybe a bit bigger, but hardy. Some can be snappy but most calm down.

Your dealer might also have some exotic species that would be OK- there are a lot that work well for beginners. This is where a good dealer can help a lot.

Answer 2

The best snake for a beginner would be the Corn Snake. They are easy to care for and do not seem to mind being handled. The Corn Snake is a member of the King Snake family.

Unfortunately, like most snakes; their primary diet consists of mice. The good news is that they only have to be fed about every two weeks. I have always fed them live mice, however, most pet shops have frozen mice. A word of caution, DO NOT thaw the mice in a microwave. Although it may not be hot to the touch, the internal temperature can be dangerously high for your snake to consume.

I own two Corn Snakes, a male and a female, and have had them for about six years. The female is more outgoing and friendly, while the male, though not aggressive, seems to be more shy and spends more time in the "hide".

I am 68 years old and have been an amateur herpotologist since age 10. The reason I have the snakes is that I was a Ranger and used to take the snakes on public appearances in schools. The kids loved to touch them and they never tried to bite anyone. When I retired, no one else wanted them, so they live at my home and are a great conversation piece.

Answer 3

A Ball Python is a pretty good snake that gets big, but not too big. They max out between 4 and 5 feet. Just make sure their environment is set up right, and that you get one that is already feeding. A Boa Constrictor (BCI) is another good snake where the males usually get around 5-7 feet, and they are mostly very docile and relatively easier to keep than even a Ball.

However, they both feed on rodents as do most snakes. If your parents want one that doesn't, you can look into getting a Garter snake that can feed on frogs, fish and lizards.

Answer 4

A Corn Snake or a Rat snake. I don't think that it's possible to get a snake that doesn't eat rodents, thought. They can get pretty big, and I've seen rat snakes about 4 feet (not any bigger, though)

Answer 5

All snakes will need to eat rodents, there are products available called snake sausage that is processed rodents so you dont have to see the mice/rats, but it is not as healthy, the healthiest thing to feed is frozen mice/rats. The best starter snakes are corn snakes, kingsnakes and childrens pythons. Here are some care guides for each
http://members.aol.com/Kathandcam/Hawkherp/care.html
http://www.anapsid.org/corn.html
http://www.reptileforums.com/care_sheets/snakes/kingsnake.htm
http://nightbreedreptiles.com/_wsn/page7.html

I tend to not reccomend ball pythons as beginner snakes because they can be picky eaters and go on hunger strikes often especially if temps or humidity is off even the slightest,

Answer 6

Ball pythons are generally very easy to handle, they are more docile than some of the other constrictors. They only get about 4 feet long. We have several. They make good starter snakes. You need to stay away from reticulated pythons. They are only listed as smaller than an anaconda because they don't get as big in girth. They are also very aggressive and smart. Good luck.

Answer 7

It would depend on how long you plan to keep a snake and where you are located. Boa constricters and ball pythons are usually long term pets because they live so long and get so big. You could get a green snake and they are usually small. They only grow to about 4 feet long. If you go this web site http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snakes , they have a list of pet snakes and you can read up on them!

Answer 8

All snakes eat rodents. Get a Boa constrictor and let it curl around your neck, they'll be no need for rodents then.

Answer 9

Try for a brown house snake. It's a small constrictor than feeds on small reptiles, though you'd need to feed it a baby mouse once in a while. don't get a boa or python until you're ready to commit.

Answer 10

A Ball Python