beginners snake

Question
i would like  a snake that could be good for beginner's and doesn't take up much space and doesn't live too long. and could you tell me how big the tank will need to be? my preference would be for a colourful snake!

Answer
Coloring is the last thing you should look for, but for you it shouldn't be a problem.

Milksnakes and kingsnakes are some of the easiest snakes to take care of, and they come in a variety of colors. Cornsnakes and rat snakes are also popular and don't get as big.

Tank size will be probably at adult size for all 4 snakes at LEAST 40 gallons. The kingsnakes will probably get bigger and need a 55. It is always preferable that you give your snake the biggest appropriate habitat you can.

Age is going to be a minimum of 15 years for any of these, and will probably be longer. This is not a commitment to take lightly. My ball python can live for 30 years, and will need 200 gallons at least when she is full grown.

Cornsnakes are the easiest to upkeep, feed and house. They come in a variety of different colors and are very easy to hold. They can get 3-5 feet, though typically not longer than 4-4.5 feet. They stay slim and may not even eat prey bigger than an adult mouse. They live in the Midwest in the USA. They are easily kept in a 10 gallon tank when little and grow to full size in about 4-6 years.

Rat snakes are practically the same thing as cornsnakes, and  have the same kind of requirements. They also get bigger. Texas rat snakes are probably the most common, but they can be a little temperamental so some owners tell me. I met an awesome one  at a reptile expo named Tex.

Milksnakes are most often known by "Red touches black, friend of Jack. Red touches yellow, you're a dead fellow" Milksnakes mimic coral snakes in their coloring. They can get anywhere from 2 feet to 6 feet.

Kingsnakes are called so because they will eat other snakes. They are known to eat rattlesnakes. They come in about 50 different color varietys and pattern. These are not quite as handleable as cornsnakes, but some of the California Kingsnake color varieties are very striking. These will require a minimum of 55 gallons at full size if not double that.

Best thing to do is go to a reptile expo or a pet store (If it is a pet store like Petco, ask if their reptile specialist is in. Each store has their own, and they will have the best info for you). You want the person helping you to be able to tell you all the basic info on the snakes they have available. If you get the person who personally care for them, they will be able to tell you some of the personality of the snakes and how they have been.

Take a look at the links on here. This is my personal site. http://proslackers.com/sabriel/reptilelink.html