Contrary to common misconceptions, snakes can indeed be wonderful pets, especially for those captivated by unique and intriguing creatures. Snakes often appeal to individuals seeking a long-term pet companion, as many species boast lifespans reaching 20 years or more. With a vast world of over 3,600 snake species, the quest to find the perfect pet snake might seem daunting. However, we’re here to guide you through the best options.
This guide is designed for both first-time and seasoned snake enthusiasts, highlighting the top snake breeds that are known to be excellent pets. These snakes are celebrated for their low-maintenance care, ease of handling, and gentle dispositions, making them ideal companions for a wide range of owners.
It’s crucial to remember that every snake species has specific needs, including a consistent heat source. Prospective owners must be prepared to meet these requirements to ensure their snake’s health and well-being. For instance, all snakes are carnivores, meaning their diet consists of meat. If the idea of feeding your snake rodents is unsettling, a snake may not be the right pet for you.
When selecting a pet snake, it’s highly recommended to purchase from 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.
Top Snake Species for Beginner Pet Owners
Let’s explore some of the best snake species that are well-suited for those looking for a scaly companion.
1. Corn Snake: The Gentle and Forgiving Choice
The number one recommendation for a pet snake, especially for beginners, is the corn snake. Corn snakes are renowned for their docile and gentle nature. They are remarkably easy to handle, rarely bite, and are known for their straightforward feeding habits. Being nocturnal, they are most active at night and enjoy burrowing, so providing appropriate substrate is beneficial.
Native to North America, corn snakes typically exhibit vibrant colors such as red, orange, yellow, and brown. They can grow up to six feet in length and have a lifespan of up to 25 years, offering a long-term companionship experience. Their manageable size and temperament make them a favorite among snake enthusiasts of all levels.
2. Ball Python: The Docile and Varied Beauty
Securing the second spot for best pet snakes is the ball python. Their name originates from their defensive behavior of curling into a tight ball when feeling threatened. Ball pythons are known for their docile and calm temperament, but building trust with them requires patience and gentle handling.
Originating from West and Central Africa, these nocturnal snakes thrive in environments with moderate humidity. Ball pythons are incredibly popular due to their extensive variety of colors and patterns, with over 500 morphs available. They typically reach a maximum length of around five feet and can live up to 30 years. One thing to note is that ball pythons can be picky eaters, preferring freshly killed or thawed prey, and may occasionally go off food.
3. California Kingsnake: The Hardy and Active Explorer
The California kingsnake is another excellent choice, landing third on our list. Native to the western United States and northern Mexico, this subspecies of kingsnake is known for its hardiness. Like milk snakes, they can be cannibalistic, so housing them separately is essential.
California kingsnakes are notorious escape artists, requiring secure enclosures. However, beyond that, they are easy to handle and have simple care needs. Unlike many snakes, they are diurnal, being social and active during the daytime. They can grow up to six feet long and are typically brown or black with striking yellow bands. With a lifespan of up to 20 years, they offer a good balance of activity and longevity.
4. Rosy Boa: The Gentle and Beautiful Boa
Rosy boas are easily among the most visually appealing snakes, available in brown, white, or rosy pink hues. Their popularity stems from their exceptionally tame, calm, and docile nature. They are known to rarely bite, are easy to care for, and have basic care requirements.
Native to the western U.S. and Mexico, rosy boas are small to medium-sized, reaching up to four feet in length when fully grown. They can live for up to 25 years, making them a long-lasting, gentle pet option.
5. Garter Snake: The Active and Varied Snake
As one of the most common snakes in North America, with numerous subspecies, garter snakes are a readily available and interesting option. While often found in the wild, they adapt well to captivity and are known for their tame and docile temperaments. Garter snakes are typically slender and small, reaching two to four feet in length, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.
What sets garter snakes apart is their unique diet, which can include small fish, worms, rodents, and amphibians. They are also diurnal, active during the day, making them more engaging to observe. Garter snakes have a shorter lifespan compared to other snakes on this list, typically living up to 10 years.
6. Milk Snake: The Colorful and Docile Mimic
Milk snakes are another excellent example of good pet snakes, distinct from kingsnakes but related. Native to the U.S. and Mexico, they display striking rings of red, orange, yellow, white, and black, which can sometimes lead to misidentification with the venomous coral snake. However, milk snakes are non-venomous and valued for their docile temperament.
Milk snakes have long, slender bodies and range from one to six feet in length, generally being on the smaller side. It’s important to note that milk snakes can be cannibalistic, requiring separate housing. They can live up to 20 years.
7. Gopher Snake: The Hardy and Sun-Loving Snake
Gopher snakes, frequently found in western North America, include nine subspecies, such as the bull snake. These hardy snakes come in various colors and can grow to be three to six feet long.
Gopher snakes are sometimes mistaken for rattlesnakes due to their behavior of shaking their tails when feeling threatened. However, they are non-venomous and lack fangs. They are avid baskers, so providing a basking lamp is crucial. Gopher snakes can live up to 20 years.
8. Carpet Python: The Varied and Tolerant Python
Carpet pythons, like children’s pythons, are native to Australia, but that’s where many similarities end. These pythons exhibit a wide array of colors, patterns, and sizes, with some reaching up to 12 feet in length.
While they might be a bit nippy when young, carpet pythons can mature into tolerant and tame adults. They are semi-arboreal, enjoying climbing and perching on branches. Carpet pythons can live up to 20 years.
9. Children’s Python: The Small and Easy-Care Python
The children’s python is a great starter snake, named after scientist John George Children and native to Australia. This nocturnal snake is known for its small to medium size, ranging from two to four feet, and its slender build and tame personality.
Though not the most colorful snake, children’s pythons are very low-maintenance. They are active climbers and explorers, appreciating climbing structures, hiding spots, and plants in their enclosure. Children’s pythons have a significant lifespan, living up to 30 years.
10. Western Hognose Snake: The Small and Quirky Personality
The Western hognose snake is recognized for its distinctive upturned nose, used for burrowing. Native to North America, they are among the smaller snake options, reaching four to five feet in length. They come in various colors and patterns.
Western hognose snakes are known for their dramatic, yet harmless, defensive displays. When threatened, they might flatten their heads like a cobra and hiss, or even play dead. Despite this “attitude,” they rarely bite and are generally friendly and easy to handle. Providing a deep substrate for burrowing is essential for this species.
Conclusion: Snakes as Wonderful Pets
Choosing the right snake as a pet is an exciting journey. The species listed above represent some of the best snakes for beginners and experienced keepers alike, offering a range of sizes, colors, and personalities. Remember that each snake, regardless of species, is an individual and deserves care tailored to its needs.
When considering “What Snakes Are Good Pets”, factors like temperament, care requirements, and lifespan are paramount. Snakes can be incredibly rewarding pets, offering a unique and fascinating pet ownership experience. Always ensure you are prepared to provide the proper environment, diet, and care for your new scaly friend to ensure a healthy and happy life together. Further research and consultation with reptile experts are always recommended before bringing a snake home.
