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Snakes are captivating animals that can make unique and fulfilling pets. Whether you are a first-time snake owner or a seasoned reptile enthusiast, choosing the right snake as pets can be challenging. With over 3,600 species, selecting one that is easy to care for and fits your lifestyle is crucial. This article will discuss the top 10 most popular snakes for beginners, known for their gentle temperament, ease of care, and suitability for novice snake keepers.
Key Takeaways
- Ball Pythons are small, docile, and easy to care for, making them ideal for beginners.
- Corn Snakes are known for their friendly temperament and come in various colors and patterns.
- Milk Snakes are low maintenance and have striking color patterns that appeal to many snake enthusiasts.
- Garter Snakes are hardy and adaptable, making them great for first-time snake owners.
- California Kingsnakes are known for their vibrant patterns and are relatively easy to care for.
1. Ball Python
Ball Pythons are the most popular pet snakes thanks to their variety of morphs. Generally, these snake types are shy and will coil into a ball to feel safe. However, they’re friendly and docile when they get used to human handling.
Native to West and Central Africa, these nocturnal snakes require some humidity. Ball pythons are so popular because they come in over 500 different colors and patterns. Most reach a maximum length of five feet, but they can get thick over time. Ball pythons can live up to 30 years.
Ball pythons are calm and considered to be the best pythons for beginners. They are typically relatively quiet and rarely bite. Instead, they prefer to bury their head in their coils when frightened. Captive-bred individuals are generally straightforward to feed and available in various colors, including albino, hypomelanistic, and others.
Characteristics
- Size: Up to 5 feet
- Lifespan: Up to 30 years
- Temperament: Shy but friendly
- Habitat: Grasslands and savannas
Care Requirements
Ball pythons do well in temperatures of 78 to 92 degrees Fahrenheit. They are noted for their dietary pickiness; they like freshly killed or thawed food. They also sometimes suddenly stop eating.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Quite docile and not prone to striking
- Great for beginners
- Available in many colors and patterns
Cons:
- Vulnerable to fungal and respiratory infections if not properly cared for
- Can be picky eaters
As solitary creatures, ball pythons should be housed in their own habitat, away from other animals.
2. Corn Snake
Corn snakes are pretty friendly and easy to care for. They’re often considered one of the best snakes for pets due to their calmness. Once comfortable with handling, they can be handled by children with supervision. Corn snakes will also eat frozen or live rodents (though frozen is recommended for your pet’s safety).
Habitat Requirements
Corn snakes require at least 30 gallons of space and tend to be escape artists. You must provide the appropriate habitat for your snake’s comfort and safety. When in captivity, it’s important to replicate the corn snakes’ natural habitat by maintaining their enclosure at 72 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Feeding
In terms of feeding, corn snakes do fine with frozen or thawed rats or mice. However, you should ensure the prey’s size is slightly smaller than the snake’s girth.
Lifespan
An average corn snake will live for about 20 years in captivity, so you must be committed to taking care of it for the long haul before bringing one home.
Corn snakes might be shy at first, but with regular handling, they’re docile and friendly and less likely to bite compared to other snakes. This makes them the best snakes for pets.
3. Milk Snake
Milk snakes are known for their docile nature and relatively small size, making them popular pets for beginners and experienced keepers alike. These snakes can live up to 20 years with proper care, making them a long-term commitment for any pet owner. Milk snakes are fairly easy to care for, requiring a warm environment, an appropriately sized tank, substrate, and heating to ensure they are comfortable.
Appearance
Milk snakes have long, slender bodies from one to six feet long. They are often brightly colored with rings of red, orange, yellow, white, and black, which sometimes confuses them with the venomous coral snake.
Habitat Setup
Milk snakes do best in a warm environment. You’ll need an appropriately sized tank, substrate, and heating to ensure their comfort. It’s important to note that milk snakes can eat each other, so they should be kept separate.
Diet
In the wild, milk snakes feed on small birds and lizards. In captivity, their diet usually consists of frozen or live rodents. They may need some supplements to get the necessary vitamins and minerals.
Milk snakes are extremely low maintenance, so you won’t be battling it out with them daily.
4. Garter Snake
Garter Snakes are pretty common in North America and make good pets. As one of the most common snakes in the U.S. with dozens of subspecies, a garter snake is a great option. Though they are often found in the wild, these snakes are amazing in captivity and have tame, docile temperaments. Garter snakes are usually skinny and small, reaching about two to four feet long. They come in a variety of colors.
Lifespan
Garter snakes have a lesser lifespan than other snakes — usually around five to 10 years. Expect your pet to live 10+ years with good care.
Habitat
When buying a vivarium, you should find one that is at least 10 gallons. Garter snakes are quite abundant in the wild, and you may encounter one in your garden.
Diet
What makes this snake so special is its unique diet; it likes to eat small fish and worms, as well as rodents and amphibians. Common garter snakes, for example, typically live on a fish-based diet, while others prefer to eat worms.
Garter snakes are also good pets for novices due to their calm nature and manageable size.
5. California Kingsnake
The California Kingsnake is one of the most popular snakes to have as pets in the United States. Native to the western regions of the U.S. and northern Mexico, these colorful creatures can grow up to six feet tall. They are classified as terrestrial snakes, but make no mistake—they love to climb, too.
Appearance
California Kingsnakes are usually brown or black with yellow bands. Their striking coloration makes them a visually appealing choice for many snake enthusiasts.
Behavior
Unlike most snakes, the California Kingsnake is social and active during the day. They are mostly known as escape artists; their cages need escape-proof openings. They are also easy to handle and have basic care requirements.
Lifespan
California Kingsnakes can live up to 20 years in captivity, making them a long-term commitment for any pet owner.
Meeting the species’ needs is relatively easy for all stages of their life, making them an excellent choice for beginners.
6. Rosy Boa
The rosy boa is one of the best pet snakes for beginners. Despite the common perception that boas are large and intimidating, the rosy boa is quite the opposite. These snakes are known for their calm and docile nature, making them an excellent choice for novice snake owners. They rarely bite and are easy to care for, with easy primary care requirements.
Size and Lifespan
Rosy boas are relatively small, typically growing up to about four feet in length. Their average lifespan is 15-25 years, similar to that of other beginner-friendly snakes like the California kingsnake.
Habitat
A 20-gallon tank with proper heating is sufficient for a rosy boa. These snakes are native to the western U.S. and Mexico and thrive in rocky deserts, semi-arid areas, and scrublands.
Temperament
Rosy boas are very docile and slow-moving, making them an excellent option for those who want to start off with something more tame. They are generally undemanding captives and can tolerate human interactions well.
Diet
Rosy boas are carnivorous and do well on a diet of frozen/thawed rodents. Before bringing one home, it’s important to ensure they are established on this diet.
Parents should always be involved in caring for any pet, until the child is 18 years old.
7. Rat Snake
Rat snakes are excellent for beginners who want a more active snake as a pet. They are relatively small and can live in captivity for 15-20 years. They do not require special dietary supplements, making them easy to care for. Due to their appearance, rat snakes are sometimes confused with corn snakes, and rattlesnakes are even confused because they coil up before striking prey. However, they are not venomous, so there’s nothing to worry about.
8. Western Hognose Snake
The Western Hognose Snake is one of the more recognizable snake species due to its upturned nose, which it uses for burrowing. Native to North America, these snakes are relatively small, typically growing up to four or five feet long. They come in various colors and patterns, making them visually appealing pets.
Behavior and Temperament
Western Hognose Snakes are known for their intriguing characters and moderately meek nature. When threatened, they can flatten their heads like a cobra and hiss or even play dead. Despite these dramatic displays, they rarely bite and are often friendly and easy to handle.
Habitat and Care
To properly care for a Western Hognose Snake, provide several inches of substrate for burrowing. These snakes are native to the United States’ Western regions but are also found in Mexico and Canada. They thrive in environments that mimic their natural habitat.
Diet
In the wild, Western Hognose Snakes eat lizards and various bugs. In captivity, they can be fed a diet of appropriately sized rodents.
Lifespan
Western Hognose Snakes can live up to 20 years, making them a long-term commitment for any pet owner.
Western Hognose Snakes are famous pets because of their intriguing characters and moderately meek nature.
9. Gopher Snake
Gopher snakes are a less common but still great option for pet owners. These snakes are prominent in the country’s western regions and are often confused with rattlesnakes due to their similar appearance and behavior. They can grow up to six feet in length, so make sure you have a tank that is appropriately sized. Your tank should also have a warm light because they thrive in warmer climates. Gopher snakes tend to live up to 20 years in captivity, but they can amazingly live up to 30 years!
10. Children’s Python
Children’s pythons are relatively small and grow to lengths of between 3 to 4 feet. Since they have fairly slim bodies, these pythons are calm and tame and do not require large enclosures. Young ones in captivity enjoy pinky mice once every few weeks and can feed on giant rats as they mature.
Size and Lifespan
Children’s pythons can grow up to four feet long and live up to 30 years in captivity.
Temperament
The children’s python is typically relatively tame, although young individuals may be nippy. These snakes are prone to exploring, so make sure the vivariums are secure.
Feeding
Young children’s pythons can be challenging to feed, so beginners should try to acquire a juvenile or adult specimen to avoid these problems. They enjoy pinky mice when young and can feed on giant rats as they mature.
Enclosure
Due to their slim bodies, children’s pythons do not require large enclosures. However, they love climbing and exploring, so providing hiding spots and plants is beneficial.
Though the children’s python is not the most colorful snake, it is one of the most basic snakes that have little care requirements.
Conclusion
Choosing the right snake as a pet can be a rewarding experience, especially for beginners. The top 10 snakes mentioned in this article are known for their manageable care requirements and friendly temperaments, making them ideal for new snake owners. Whether you are drawn to a Corn Snake’s vibrant colors or a Ball Python’s docile nature, you’ll find a suitable option on this list. Research thoroughly, set up a proper enclosure, and consult reputable breeders or pet shops to ensure you have a healthy and happy pet. Embrace the fascinating world of snake as pets and enjoy the unique companionship they offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best snake for a beginner?
The Ball Python is often recommended as the best snake for beginners due to its docile nature and ease of care.
How long do pet snakes typically live?
Many pet snakes can live up to 20 years with proper care, making them a long-term commitment.
What do pet snakes eat?
Most pet snakes are fed a diet of rodents, such as mice or rats. The size and frequency of feedings depend on the snake’s species and age.
How often should I clean my snake’s enclosure?
To maintain a healthy environment for your snake, it’s recommended that you spot-clean the enclosure daily and perform a full clean every 4-6 weeks.
Do snakes require a heat source in their enclosure?
Yes, most snakes require a heat source to regulate their body temperature. Heat lamps or heating pads can provide this.
Can I handle my pet snake?
Yes, many pet snakes can be handled, but it’s essential to do so gently and not immediately after feeding. Handling helps socialize the snake and get it accustomed to human interaction.
What size enclosure does a pet snake need?
The size of the enclosure depends on the species of the snake. However, a general rule is that the enclosure should be at least as long as the snake.
Are there any snakes that don’t make good pets for beginners?
Yes, some snakes, such as large constrictors and venomous species, are unsuitable for beginners due to their size, care requirements, and potential danger.