Minimum size for a snake?

I'd recommend corn snakes. They are pretty docile,don't get to big and come in a variety of colors.

You could keep one at adult size(3-5 ft) in a 20 long though a 40 breeder would be better for room.

Kenyan Sand Boas stay pretty small. African House Snakes are also another underrated small snake species. Either species could live in a 20 gallon long or similar sized tub.

http://www.tbc.net/~gknaack/info/sbcs.html
http://www.popularpets.net/snakes/care-sheets/african-house-snake.php

Vicious_Fish said:

Kenyan Sand Boas stay pretty small. African House Snakes are also another underrated small snake species. Either species could live in a 20 gallon long or similar sized tub.

http://www.tbc.net/~gknaack/info/sbcs.html
http://www.popularpets.net/snakes/care-sheets/african-house-snake.php

Click to expand...

I agree but most newbs will have a hard time finding a House snake. They are not very common in the trade yet.

The easiest snake to buy and own is the Corn snake. They are by far the easiest ones to work with and the more appealing due to the color morphs. You can get a corn from a breeder ranging from $15-$100 (and up) depending on the morph.

The best cage to get is a 20 gallon long Critter cage if you want something to display your snake in. You will need a Under the Tank heat pad and remember snakes do not need light. They are fed once a week. And I recommend feeding your snake Frozened thaw mice. 99.9% of the snakes will eat these readily, heck, even my wild caught snakes prefer frozen thawed rodents.

I keep mine in rack systems and tubs. They are cheaper and easier to clean.




Now as you stated you want a snake to sit and hold and will not mind being held. Well, that isnt going to be easy. I have over 70 snakes in my collection and only 1 and I mean 1 snake will sit and be held. Most snakes will sit there for a bit and then want to squirm away after they warmed up on your body heat. I just wanted to give you that bit of info. Not all snakes will settle down for you and you may get bored with it. I have seen this happen once to many times. I have rescued many reptiles from the humane society by being callled to pick them up. It got old really fast seeing the amount of unwanted animals.
So, I want you to think about it as well, are you ready to keep a pet for the next 20 years? Snakes live a long time, a lot longer than a cat or a dog.

Since this isnt really a snake forum but we do have members here who do keep them but I do not think its bad form to post links to a snake forum to help you ask your questions and also you can search the threads to get more information. http://www.cornsnakes.com
This forum was created and still owned by one of the top names in the corn snake hobby. He has created and discovered many of the color morphs.

I also recommend a book the Corn snake manual by Kathy Love. You can pick that up at any pet shop or going to her personal site www.cornutopia.com

Ok here are some variations in corn snakes.

Amel Striped Motley het caramel.




A normal.


A ghost.




Hypo






---------- Post added at 02:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:07 AM ----------

Amel




The jury is still out on this guy but many believe and I agree this is a Rootbeer.




Here is another normal. I got her free from a pet store due to her surviving a case of mouth rot. A snake that she felt she couldnt sell.

says it all

tricksterpup said:

I agree but most newbs will have a hard time finding a House snake. They are not very common in the trade yet.

The easiest snake to buy and own is the Corn snake. They are by far the easiest ones to work with and the more appealing due to the color morphs. You can get a corn from a breeder ranging from $15-$100 (and up) depending on the morph.

The best cage to get is a 20 gallon long Critter cage if you want something to display your snake in. You will need a Under the Tank heat pad and remember snakes do not need light. They are fed once a week. And I recommend feeding your snake Frozened thaw mice. 99.9% of the snakes will eat these readily, heck, even my wild caught snakes prefer frozen thawed rodents.

I keep mine in rack systems and tubs. They are cheaper and easier to clean.

Now as you stated you want a snake to sit and hold and will not mind being held. Well, that isnt going to be easy. I have over 70 snakes in my collection and only 1 and I mean 1 snake will sit and be held. Most snakes will sit there for a bit and then want to squirm away after they warmed up on your body heat. I just wanted to give you that bit of info. Not all snakes will settle down for you and you may get bored with it. I have seen this happen once to many times. I have rescued many reptiles from the humane society by being callled to pick them up. It got old really fast seeing the amount of unwanted animals.
So, I want you to think about it as well, are you ready to keep a pet for the next 20 years? Snakes live a long time, a lot longer than a cat or a dog.

Since this isnt really a snake forum but we do have members here who do keep them but I do not think its bad form to post links to a snake forum to help you ask your questions and also you can search the threads to get more information. http://www.cornsnakes.com
This forum was created and still owned by one of the top names in the corn snake hobby. He has created and discovered many of the color morphs.

I also recommend a book the Corn snake manual by Kathy Love. You can pick that up at any pet shop or going to her personal site www.cornutopia.com

Click to expand...

i had a yellow rat snake, a close reletive of a corn snake, that was alittle too friendly. she would crawl right on to my arm if i stuck it into her cage. but that was just luck, it all comes down to the individual you get

I agree with the posts above, all are excellent choices for first snakes. How big of a snake are you looking to get?

Lucky when you decide if and when you want a snake I work with a guy who breeds all types. Let me know I can get you a good deal and he lives in Concord.
If you look on craigslist he sells a lot on there.