Contrary to common misconceptions, snakes can be wonderful pets, especially for those who appreciate unique and fascinating creatures. Snakes are often chosen by individuals seeking a long-term pet commitment, as many species can live for decades. With thousands of snake species globally, selecting the ideal pet snake can feel overwhelming. This guide simplifies your decision-making process by highlighting some of the Best Snakes To Have As Pets.
Whether you’re a first-time reptile owner or an experienced herpetoculturist, this list of top snake pets will introduce you to species known for being low-maintenance, relatively easy to care for, and well-suited for companionship.
It’s crucial to remember that all snakes have specific needs, including a consistent heat source. Prospective owners must be prepared to meet these requirements before bringing a snake home. Furthermore, snakes are carnivores and primarily eat rodents. If you are uncomfortable with feeding your pet mice or rats, a snake might not be the right pet for you.
When acquiring a pet snake, it’s highly recommended to choose a reputable breeder or pet store. Snakes caught in the wild can be more challenging to handle and are often more susceptible to parasites and diseases.
10. Children’s Python
Starting our list of best snake pets is the Children’s Python. Originating from Australia, this nocturnal snake is named after scientist John George Children. Children’s Pythons are recognized for their manageable size, typically reaching two to four feet in length, their slender build, and their generally docile temperament.
While not the most vibrantly colored snake, the Children’s Python is considered a beginner-friendly species due to its simple care requirements. These snakes are naturally curious and enjoy climbing and exploring their enclosures. They also appreciate having hides and foliage to feel secure. Children’s Pythons can live for up to 30 years, making them a long-term commitment.
9. Carpet Python
Like the Children’s Python, Carpet Pythons are native to Australia, but their similarities largely end there. Carpet Pythons exhibit a wide variety of colors, patterns, and sizes, with some individuals reaching lengths of up to 12 feet. This variability makes them a visually diverse and interesting choice for snake enthusiasts.
While young Carpet Pythons can be somewhat defensive, they typically mature into tolerant and handleable adults with consistent positive interactions. True to their name, Carpet Pythons are semi-arboreal and enjoy climbing and perching on branches and other cage furniture. With a lifespan of up to 20 years, they offer a significant period of companionship.
8. Gopher Snake
The Gopher Snake, frequently found in western North America, is next on our list of best snake pets. Encompassing nine subspecies, including the Bullsnake, Gopher Snakes are robust and adaptable snakes. They come in various colors and can grow to lengths between three and six feet.
Gopher Snakes are sometimes mistaken for rattlesnakes due to their defensive behavior of shaking their tails when feeling threatened. However, these non-venomous snakes lack rattles and fangs, posing no venom threat. They are avid baskers and require a basking lamp to maintain their body temperature. Gopher Snakes can live for up to 20 years, providing many years of interaction.
7. Milk Snake
Another excellent choice for snake pets is the Milk Snake, a distinct species from the Kingsnake, though often confused. Native to the Americas, ranging from the U.S. to Mexico, Milk Snakes are strikingly patterned with rings of red, orange, yellow, white, and black. This coloration can sometimes lead to misidentification with the venomous Coral Snake. Despite their vibrant colors, Milk Snakes are non-venomous and renowned for their docile temperament, making them great snakes for handling.
Milk Snakes possess slender bodies and vary in size from one to six feet, with many subspecies remaining relatively small. It is important to note that Milk Snakes can be cannibalistic, so they should always be housed individually. They have a lifespan of up to 20 years when properly cared for.
6. Garter Snake
As one of the most widespread snake types in North America, with numerous subspecies inhabiting diverse environments, the Garter Snake is a readily available and fascinating option. Often encountered in the wild, Garter Snakes adapt exceptionally well to captivity and typically exhibit tame and docile personalities. They are generally slender and small, reaching lengths of two to four feet, and display a wide array of colors and patterns depending on the subspecies and locality.
Garter Snakes have a unique dietary preference compared to many other pet snakes. They readily consume small fish and worms, in addition to rodents and amphibians, offering a slightly different feeding routine. Another appealing characteristic is their diurnal activity pattern, meaning they are active during the daytime, making them more visible and interactive during typical waking hours. Garter Snakes have a shorter lifespan compared to some other species, typically living up to 10 years.
5. Rosy Boa
Rosy Boas are undeniably among the most visually appealing snakes on this list, showcasing colors ranging from brown and white to vibrant rosy pink. Their popularity stems from their exceptionally calm, docile, and gentle disposition. Rosy Boas are known for rarely biting, being easy to handle, and having relatively simple care needs, making them excellent snakes for beginners.
Native to the western United States and Mexico, Rosy Boas are small to medium-sized snakes. Adults typically reach up to four feet in length. With a lifespan of up to 25 years, Rosy Boas provide a long and rewarding pet ownership experience.
4. Western Hognose Snake
The Western Hognose Snake is a popular and characterful choice amongst snake enthusiasts. Their most distinctive feature is their upturned snout, which they use for burrowing in substrate. Therefore, providing several inches of loose substrate in their enclosure is essential. Native to North America, Western Hognose Snakes are one of the smaller snake species on this list, reaching lengths of up to four or five feet. They exhibit a variety of colors and pattern morphs, adding to their appeal.
Western Hognose Snakes are known for their dramatic, albeit harmless, defensive displays. When feeling threatened, they may flatten their heads to resemble a cobra, hiss loudly, and even feign death by rolling onto their backs. Despite these theatrics, Western Hognose Snakes are generally reluctant to bite and are often friendly and easily handled once accustomed to their owners.
3. Ball Python
Our top three best snake pets includes the Ball Python. Their common name originates from their behavior of curling into a tight ball when feeling stressed or insecure. Ball Pythons are renowned for their docile and gentle nature. Building trust and rapport with a Ball Python through consistent gentle handling is key to a positive pet-owner relationship.
Originating from West and Central Africa, Ball Pythons are nocturnal and require specific humidity levels in their enclosures to thrive. Their immense popularity is partly due to the vast array of available color and pattern morphs, exceeding 500 variations. Most Ball Pythons reach a maximum length of around five feet, but they can become quite heavy-bodied as they mature. They are known for their longevity, often living up to 30 years.
A notable consideration for Ball Python owners is their sometimes-finicky eating habits. They often prefer freshly killed or thawed prey and can occasionally go through periods of refusing food, which can be a concern for inexperienced keepers.
2. California Kingsnake
Securing the second spot on our list is the California Kingsnake. Native to the western United States and northern Mexico, this hardy snake is a subspecies of Kingsnake, closely related to Milk Snakes. Similar to Milk Snakes, California Kingsnakes are also known to be cannibalistic and should be housed separately.
California Kingsnakes are notorious for being escape artists, requiring secure enclosures with escape-proof openings. Beyond this, they are relatively easy to care for and handle, making them a good choice for intermediate keepers.
Unusually for snakes, California Kingsnakes are diurnal and somewhat social, often being more active during the daytime. They can reach lengths of up to six feet and are typically characterized by black or brown bodies with contrasting yellow or cream bands. California Kingsnakes can live for up to 20 years.
1. Corn Snake
Our number one pick for the best snake pet is the Corn Snake. Among all pet snakes, Corn Snakes are widely regarded as the most docile and gentle. They are known for being exceptionally easy to handle, even for beginners, and are typically enthusiastic eaters, simplifying feeding routines. Corn Snakes are nocturnal and enjoy burrowing, appreciating substrate they can tunnel into.
Native to North America, Corn Snakes naturally occur in colors like red, orange, yellow, and brown. Selective breeding has produced a stunning array of color morphs and patterns, making them visually diverse. They can grow up to six feet in length and live for up to 25 years, making them a long-lived and enjoyable reptile companion.
Choosing Your Best Snake Pet
Selecting the right snake as a pet depends on your experience level, comfort with specific care requirements, and personal preferences. The snakes listed above represent some of the best options for those seeking a captivating and manageable reptile companion. Remember to research the specific needs of any snake species you are considering to ensure you can provide proper care and a suitable environment for its long-term health and well-being.
