Contrary to popular misconceptions, snakes can indeed be wonderful pets, especially if you’re captivated by unique and fascinating creatures. For individuals seeking a pet that offers a long-term companionship, snakes are an excellent choice, with some species living for over 20 years. However, with more than 3,600 species worldwide, determining What Snake Makes A Good Pet can seem overwhelming. This guide is here to simplify your decision-making process.
Whether you are a novice reptile owner or have experience with hundreds, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best snake pets available. These popular snakes are recognized for their low-maintenance care, ease of handling, and suitability for a wide range of owners.
It’s crucial to remember that every snake species has specific needs, most importantly a consistent heat source. If you are not ready to commit to these requirements, a snake might not be the right pet for you. Additionally, all snakes are carnivores, meaning their diet consists of meat. If feeding mice to your pet makes you uneasy, you might want to consider a different type of animal companion.
When selecting a snake to be your pet, it is always recommended to purchase from a reputable breeder or pet store. Wild-caught snakes can be more challenging to handle and are often more susceptible to parasites and diseases.
10. Children’s Python
Kicking off our list of ideal pet snakes is the Children’s Python. Originating from Australia, this nocturnal snake is named in honor of scientist John George Children. The Children’s Python is known for its manageable size, typically between two and four feet, its slender build, and its gentle temperament, making it a good pet snake for beginners.
Although not the most vibrantly colored snake, the Children’s Python is a remarkably low-maintenance reptile, perfect for those new to snake ownership. They are naturally curious and enjoy climbing and exploring their enclosure, appreciating hiding spots and plants for enrichment. Children’s Pythons are also known for their longevity, often living up to 30 years.
9. Carpet Python
Similar to the Children’s Python, Carpet Pythons are also native to Australia, but they offer a different set of characteristics. Carpet Pythons are more diverse in terms of colors, patterns, and sizes, with some individuals reaching up to 12 feet in length. This variability makes them fascinating pets for those who enjoy unique appearances.
While young Carpet Pythons can be a bit nippy, they generally mature into tolerant and docile adults. They are semi-arboreal, enjoying climbing and perching on branches within their habitat. Carpet Pythons are another long-lived species, with a lifespan of up to 20 years. For someone looking for a larger snake with character, the Carpet Python can be a good pet option.
8. Gopher Snake
Next on our list is the Gopher Snake, commonly found in western North America. Including subspecies like the Bull Snake, Gopher Snakes are robust and come in a range of colors. They typically grow to be between three and six feet long, a manageable size for many pet owners.
Gopher Snakes are sometimes mistaken for rattlesnakes because they may shake their tails when feeling threatened. However, they are non-venomous and lack fangs. They are avid baskers, so providing a basking lamp is essential for their well-being. Gopher Snakes are hardy and can live up to 20 years, making them a reliable pet choice. Their interesting behaviors and manageable care make them a good pet snake for those wanting something a bit more active.
7. Milk Snake
Another excellent example of what snake makes a good pet is the Milk Snake, distinct from the King Snake species. Native to the U.S. and Mexico, Milk Snakes are strikingly patterned with rings of red, orange, yellow, white, and black, sometimes leading to confusion with the venomous coral snake. However, Milk Snakes are non-venomous and are well-regarded for their docile temperament.
Milk Snakes have slender bodies and vary in length from one to six feet, generally staying on the smaller side. It is important to note that Milk Snakes can be cannibalistic, so housing them separately is crucial. With a lifespan of up to 20 years, they offer a long-term commitment. Their beautiful coloration and gentle nature make them a popular good pet snake.
6. Garter Snake
As one of the most prevalent snake species in the U.S., with numerous subspecies, the Garter Snake is a fantastic option for a pet. Often found in the wild, they adapt remarkably well to captivity and are known for their tame and docile temperaments. Garter Snakes are typically slender and small, reaching lengths of two to four feet, and exhibit a variety of colors and patterns.
What sets Garter Snakes apart is their unique diet, which includes small fish, worms, rodents, and amphibians, offering a diverse feeding routine. Another appealing trait is that they are diurnal, being active during the daytime, which allows for more interaction with their owners. Garter Snakes can live up to 10 years, making them a shorter commitment compared to some other species, and a good pet snake for those who want a more active daytime reptile.
5. Rosy Boa
Rosy Boas are undeniably among the most attractive snakes on this list, displaying colors ranging from brown and white to a lovely rosy pink. Their popularity stems from their exceptionally tame, calm, and docile disposition. Rosy Boas are known for rarely biting, being easy to handle, and having straightforward care requirements. This gentle nature makes them a very good pet snake, especially for those seeking a calm companion.
Native to the western U.S. and Mexico, Rosy Boas are small to medium-sized, with adults reaching up to four feet in length. They are also relatively long-lived, with a lifespan of up to 25 years.
4. Western Hognose Snake
The Western Hognose Snake is a particularly popular choice, identifiable by its distinctive upturned nose, which it uses for burrowing. Therefore, providing a substrate deep enough for burrowing is important. Native to North America, Western Hognose Snakes are on the smaller side, growing to about four or five feet. They also come in a variety of colors and patterns, including morphs with striking appearances.
Western Hognose Snakes are known for their dramatic, albeit harmless, defensive displays. When threatened, they might flatten their heads like a cobra and hiss, or even feign death. Despite these theatrics, they rarely bite and are generally friendly and easy to handle. Their unique personality and manageable size make them a very interesting and good pet snake for keepers looking for a snake with character.
3. Ball Python
Our top three best snake pets includes the Ball Python. Their name comes from their habit of curling into a tight ball when feeling insecure. Known for their docile and calm nature, Ball Pythons require patience to build trust, but are generally very handleable once comfortable. Their gentle temperament is a key reason why they are considered a good pet snake, especially for those seeking a calm and relaxed reptile.
Originating from west and central Africa, these nocturnal snakes need a humid environment. Ball Pythons are incredibly popular due to the vast array of colors and patterns available, with over 500 different morphs. Most reach a maximum length of five feet and can become quite heavy-bodied over time. They are also long-lived, with a lifespan of up to 30 years.
A notable aspect of Ball Pythons is their sometimes-fussy eating habits; they often prefer freshly killed or thawed prey and can occasionally go off food for periods.
2. California Kingsnake
The second spot on our list is occupied by the California Kingsnake. Native to the western U.S. and northern Mexico, this hardy snake is a subspecies of the King Snake, much like the Milk Snake. Similar to Milk Snakes, California Kingsnakes can also be cannibalistic and should be housed individually.
California Kingsnakes are notorious for being escape artists, so secure enclosures are a must. Apart from this, they are easy to care for and handle. Unusually for snakes, California Kingsnakes are diurnal and quite social. They can grow up to six feet long and are typically brown or black with distinctive yellow bands. California Kingsnakes can live up to 20 years and their hardiness and daytime activity make them a good pet snake for those wanting a more visible and robust reptile.
1. Corn Snake
And our number one choice for what snake makes a good pet is the Corn Snake. Corn Snakes are widely regarded as the most docile and gentle of pet snakes. They are known for being easy to handle, readily available, and straightforward to feed, making them an excellent choice for first-time snake owners. Their ease of care and gentle nature firmly establish them as a top good pet snake. They are nocturnal and enjoy burrowing, so appropriate substrate is beneficial.
Native to North America, Corn Snakes typically come in shades of red, orange, yellow, or brown. They can grow up to six feet in length and live up to 25 years.
Allan’s Pet Center
Regardless of the snake you choose, most of these species are available at Allan’s Pet Center. Our experienced and friendly staff are ready to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have about selecting the best snake pet for your lifestyle. We also carry all the necessary snake supplies, including terrariums, snake food, and other essential equipment.
Stop by Allan’s Pet Center today to find your new scaly companion!
