Hi,
I was wondering what type of snake is for me.I have two guinea pigs and my mom is scared they'd get eaten by some of the snakes ive been looking at.i really like the ball python.can they eat my piggy?any info would help.^_^

Most will say a corn snake is a great beginner, They are easy to care for. My first was a ball python, but I found out they can be picky eaters, going months without eating. Although, it would take many years for a bp to get anywhere near big enough to eat your ginuea pigs.

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MARSHA
A man without a woman is a bachelor, A woman without a man is a genius!.

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Surely you would keep the snake and the piggies apart? I would never, ever, allow them to "meet"!

I have a baby cornsnake, and I find him to be an excellent first snake. He is a reliable feeder, docile and is even starting to get used to me, I think. A bigger corn might be an even easier way to start out, as they tend to be a little calmer, I think (my baby is pretty squiggly, but he chills out after about 10 seconds).

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Amy

A corn or a king would be great for a starter. Most will eat all the time. Theyd like to eat all the time though lol. A ball python wouldnt be a good starter, cause there is always that picky eating lurking. I dont know about about a smaller boa or a smaller python on how they are. My advice would be to research a starter snake like a corn or a king.

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We started with a corn and that seemed to work out ok for us. Though one was a picky eater and refused to eat for 3 weeks right after we got him. We have learned that not eating is his what he does before a shed. All snakes have their pros and cons, I think once you get to know your snake(s) things work out. Like Amy said corns are a lot more wigglie then our ball is, the common baby is great also. Do your research and ask questions before you buy.

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Colleen

corn snakes definitely. a corn was my first snake and I fell in love so I ended up with another one! they're such great snakes, they eat well and are easy to care for. good luck with your decision!

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yes i am a she ^_^

~My Babies~

1 Rosy Boa (male) Chaos
1 Snow Corn (male) Blizzard
1 Anertherystic Corn (male) Bullet
1 Senegal Parrot (male) Shadow
2 dogs (male) Spot and Bear

Corn snake, I have two. One is prone to striking a lot in her cage, but as she is lifted and supported she calms down, the other seems to enjoy being handled. You can't get a much easier pet, it takes minimal requirements as long as you are clean, and take care to avoid drafts, they will tolerate a whide range of care methods. The only concern is that they are hide and escape artists. Babies can hide in their cage so that they are hard to find, and adults can get out and you would be amazed at where they can get into.

Great animals, and very rewarding for a beginner, they are big nough to handle, but stay small enough to be manageable.

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TKE:TT:118

I'd have to agree with corns being the best beginner. I don't recommend kings as they tend to be a bit nippy at times. And as stated Balls may be easy to handle but sometimes tricky to get feeding.

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Mike
"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you." - Mother Teresa

As stated earlier: the snake can't eat your guinea pig if they are not put together. So just be sure that they stay away from each other and you should be fine. (Even a full-grown cornsnake could probably coil around and kill a guinea pig, but wouldn't be able to eat it.) It's just best to make sure that the snake doesn't get out and the guinea pigs aren't put into the snake's terrarium nor either taken out together to "play" on the livingroom floor.
ALSO, make VERY sure you ALWAYS wash your hands WELL after handling and dealing with the guinea pigs BEFORE you reach into your snake's terrarium. Your warm hand that smells like dinner might get you bit! (I've been bit dozens of times, it's not so tragic, but you'd probably not want to provoke an unnecessary bite.)
I agree that cornsnakes seem to be the easiest to care for beginner snake. They grow to a very decent size and there is a HUGE variety of colors to choose from.
I personally prefer boas and pythons for the look of the snake. I love my ball python but as mentioned, they ARE difficult with feeding and it's enough to make you want to scream sometimes.
My advice: research: check out both of our caresheets for corns and balls http://www.herphabitats.com/reptile_...all_python.htm and http://www.herphabitats.com/reptile_.../cornsnake.htm and everything else you can find on the internet. Also research the housing requirements and make sure you can afford to house the adult snake. In my opinion, you should get the one you feel most attracted to and then you're more likely to put in the effort and time to care for it.
If you REALLY want a ball python, but think you should get a corn as a "practice" snake, I'm not sure that's a good idea unless you really want to keep two different types of snakes. (Different species shouldn't be housed together.) Each type of snake can live 10-30 years, so you're looking at a long-term commitment. You want to be sure that you choose one you'll be happy with.
Good luck!

Thanks guys for all your help. ^_^'