Beginner small snake breeds

[goliathusdavid]

I would definitely vouch for Kenyan sand boas and corn snakes as great beginner species. Sinaloan milksnakes are also not too difficult, but a bit feistier than the other two at least in my experience. And to echo @viper69 no snake is exactly "sociable" - some are just a lot more tolerant than others. Some very interesting (though still in progress) research has actually been coming out in the past few years on whether reptiles actually enjoy and will choose to be handled. This project is pretty interesting as is this one.

 

[The Snark]

Now that’s what I call a meat eater. He definitely wouldn’t eat an impossible burger

If you ever get a chance, study them, especially if possible in the wild. Methodical and deliberate describes, and acute awareness as that guy staring at me. Do Not Cross That Line. As long as I stayed about 4-5 feet away he just stared, got a few inches closer he started moving.

Our cat crossed the line. 2 1/2 years later it's looking like that leg is permanently paralyzed.

 

[Jonathan6303]

If you ever get a chance, study them, especially if possible in the wild. Methodical and deliberate describes, and acute awareness as that guy staring at me. Do Not Cross That Line. As long as I stayed about 4-5 feet away he just stared, got a few inches closer he started moving.

Our cat crossed the line. 2 1/2 years later it's looking like that leg is permanently paralyzed.

Wow paralyzed leg. Well cats can be far to curious. Sorry about that

 

[The Snark]

Wow paralyzed leg. Well cats can be far to curious. Sorry about that

Cobras are the anathema of cats in the wild. They just can't resist taking a swipe at that 'animated garden hose'. Then up comes the front end of the snake, full hood and a 'care to try that again?' Hannah with their stereoscopic vision plus it's awareness is a deadly sniper.
And I much prefer cobras to that feral cat overpopulation. Hannahs cruise our yards quite often. Welcome guests. Just follow the rules of assuming they are are about.

 

[viper69]

Is the Kenyan sand boa or rosy boa any good.

Im not a Kenyan fan- they stay hidden under sand 24/7

 

[Westicles]

Is a 15 gallon enclosure absolutely the biggest option for you?

 

[Jonathan6303]

Is a 15 gallon enclosure absolutely the biggest option for you?

Yes. don’t want it to take up too much room.

 

[Westicles]

African house snakes are another option. I've never kept one, but somebody here does. I can't recall who though. They're small, easy to keep, and readily available

 

[Jonathan6303]

Is O. vernalis or Haldea striatula any good. My basic wishlist is a snake that is small but not too small and I can handle it at least once a week without causing to much stress. At my local reptile shop I see kenyan snakes, ball pythons and others.

 

[Westicles]

I may be wrong, but honestly I don't think a lot of people keep either one, but much less breed them. They're not necessarily considered pet species

 

[Jonathan6303]

They do seem to be on the wild side

 

[Westicles]

For what you're wanting, I'd go with the rosy boa

 

[Jonathan6303]

I know ordering tarantulas online is effective. Can I do the same with snakes or should I just buy it from a local pet store. I just don’t know if they will have it

 

[Westicles]

I know ordering tarantulas online is effective. Can I do the same with snakes or should I just buy it from a local pet store. I just don’t know if they will have it

I've never once bought a snake from a pet store. Much like with T's, I prefer to order directly from a breeder. Been ordering snakes for over 25 yrs and never had a single issue. They do well in transport. Plus, I like to know exactly what I'm getting. A reputable breeder can tell you anything you want to know about a particular animal.

 

[Jonathan6303]

I've never once bought a snake from a pet store. Much like with T's, I prefer to order directly from a breeder. Been ordering snakes for over 25 yrs and never had a single issue. They do well in transport. Plus, I like to know exactly what I'm getting. A reputable breeder can tell you anything you want to know about a particular animal.

What sites do you recommend

 

[Westicles]

Well, all the species I've ordered are a little different than what you're in the market for. I'll tell you this, if you visit different breeder's sites and don't see what you're looking for, quite a few people will steer you in the right direction if you ask

 

[Arthroverts]

I agree with @Westicles about a rosy boa. Easily in my opinion the best beginner snake; exceedingly docile, no problems with handling them, can live their entire lives comfortably in a ten gallon tank, and no worries about having to deal with humidity for shedding like is necessary with corn snakes, ball pythons, etc.

Thanks,

Arthroverts

 

[Ian14]

What are the actual dimensions of the enclosure? From a quick Google search, it appears that would be about 24 x 12 x 12 inches?
If that's the case, then you can discount all the suggestions. There is no way a 4 foot ball python or corn snake can live in that. Even a house snake at 3 feet is a push.
Sinaloans again get to around 4 feet, too big. Rosy boas, again, it's a push.
Male western hognose would be ok, or a male or female Mexican hognose (just make sure it is a true Heterodon kennerlyi, not nasicus being sold as one).
A male Kenyan Sand Boa would be ok, but not a female. But you'll hardly ever see it!
Depending on the material of the enclosure, and availability/state laws, a small group of ringneck snakes could be an option. Or Dekays? Or Red bellied snakes?
Rough greens are also best kept as a group but do have very specific, often hard to provide, husbandry needs.

 

[Westicles]

Ringnecks and Dekays actually crossed my mind, but I don't know if finding captive bred specimens would be easy. Plus, feeding may or may not be problematic

 

[Ian14]

Ringnecks and Dekays actually crossed my mind, but I don't know if finding captive bred specimens would be easy. Plus, feeding may or may not be problematic

Feeding is easy.
Earthworms.
So they can be kept in a truly natural, bioactive display viv.
I've kept ringnecks before, which were WC (when we used to get these imported into the UK) and they were so easy to keep.
Dekays occasionally appear here, again wc, but are equally easy to keep.