Overall, the husbandry of this pet is on the easier side, depending on your management style, and they tolerate infrequent, gentle handling. They should have finch or quail eggs as chicken eggs are too large. Western Hognoses flatten their heads and hiss when they feel threatened. They like to dig holes in the ground to look for toads buried in the sand, but will eat mice in captivity if toads are unavailable. They are expensive as a first snake ranging from between $100-$700 USD. What makes this pet rank lower on the list is its availability. Adrienne Kruzer, RVT, has worked with a variety of animals for over 15 years, including birds of prey, reptiles, and small mammals. Wild corn snakes are known to be good climbers and will even manage to get up small trees, so providing rocks and logs is a great way to keep your corn snake happy whilst he is in his tank/vivarium. Although you can probably get almost any kind of snake from a reptile show or online, your commonly kept pet snake … Baby and juvenile Carpet Pythons tend to be very nippy, but if they grow up being handled frequently, they tend to be more tolerant as adults. Baby Corns are 10-12 inches long and grow to 3-4 feet long. Even in the wild they are mainly harmless, and tame very easy. The Best Snake to Have as a Pet. So you’ll have to bear with me while I marry the two, and list some of (what I think are) the undisputed champions, when it comes to cuteness. Growing to be about a foot and a half long, these are unique burrowing snakes. Snakes are very different from companion animals and livestock. temperament, handling, appearance): There is a reason why Corn Snakes and Ball Pythons are so popular; they are easy to care for, enjoy being handled and have simple husbandry requirements! The Brown House is native to Africa and is a length of between 2-4 feet long. These pet snake species are quite uncommon which are rare and unusual. They live up to 15 years and generally cost $60-$160 USD. They may be more high maintenance, but the reward of a gorgeous reptile is a high one if the right amount of time and patience is put into their care. Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital, 2020, Green Tree Python Care. People who are interested in getting a pet snake always have a … g r a c e. 1. Corn snakes come second in my list of the cutest snake breeds to have as pets. Corn Snakes like to eat pinky mice in captivity. Also native to the United States, they are typically a brown-black color with yellow bands, stripes, or speckles, growing to 2.5-5 feet long (about the same size as a Corn Snake). Because of this, they have very different husbandry and care requirements. The African House Snake or “Brown House Snake” is a small, under-rated colubrid snake that makes a perfect pet for most beginner reptile keepers!. Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital, 2020, King & Milk Snakes. Corn snakes usually max out at about 5 feet and are excellent escape artists, as are many snakes. Not all snakes are ideal pets, and of the few which are – not all may suit your lifestyle, and hence you need to give the idea of keeping a snake as a pet a serious thought before you get one. Ball Pythons get their name because of the “ball” they like to curl up in to feel safe. They can occasionally be feisty, but the right sand boa can make a great snake for a beginner. newspaper). If you start handling your snake early, most pet snakes actually come to enjoy it. The Children’s Python, named by the zoologist John George Children, is a medium-sized python about 2.5-4 feet long that inhabits the rocky areas of Australia. Their mouths and teeth are very small, so any attempts to bite your finger will be ineffectively harmful. What are the friendliest snakes? Whether you are an aspiring herpetologist, looking to join the existing 4.5 million households with reptiles, or are a more experienced handler looking for a beginner snake, this list will help you find the perfect one. They are distinctly known for their upturned noses and are active mostly in the morning and the evening. This reptile is basic in its care requirements and eats mice or rats. While larger snakes might be difficult for a number of reasons — keeping them fed and housed, for one thing, can be quite the chore — snakes that stay on the smaller side can make great pets. These snakes commonly eat earthworms and need more husbandry (e.g. We will go over the costs of keeping a snake, resources for buying your first vivarium, any dietary requirements for each snake breed we recommend and crucial information on each snake to help you decide which pet snake is best for you. WhatsApp. They live up to 20 years and generally cost between $100 to $300 USD. 0:48. Because these snakes are not venomous or aggressive they are one of the most popular pet snakes and are easy to care for, handle and feed. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Feeding this snake in captivity is one of the most difficult parts of their husbandry. They have little extra lighting requirements, but are nocturnal so they should have hours of darkness. Facebook. Find more information about common snake species at Pet University. Very vibrant green (sometimes yellow) as adults, they max out in length at about 7 feet and are often confused with the emerald tree boa., Known to be a little temperamental, the blood python is a stocky snake with lovely patterns. Although they carry venom to harm their prey, this venom is not dangerous to humans. That’s why new owners should stick to one of the pet snakes for beginners listed below. Once they have been handled frequently, they are calm, docile, and are easily handled by a beginner. The most commonly kept snakes are in the families of Boidae, Pythonidae, and Colubridae. Despite their rare diet, they have common lighting and heating requirements. Arguably the most popular pet snake there is, the ball python is a very even-tempered, docile snake. Perhaps one of the plainer looking snakes, the rat snake makes up for his lack of luster in his athletic abilities. Pet snakes may not be for everyone but if you are interested in keeping one, ensure that you have equipped yourself with the knowledge on how to care for snakes. They tend to be very large as adults, and require a great deal of space in their habitat to keep them happy and healthy. In the wild they eat deer, fish, lizards and other animals. Facebook. There are many pet snakes in our list of 20 which are docile and easy to take care of making them great for a beginner! Snakes are one interesting animals to have as pets because they don’t require too much of attention and time. Below are the top 9 most expensive snake species rare snakes. The most commonly kept snakes are in the families of Boidae, Pythonidae, and Colubridae. They are best suited to someone who wishes to keep a reptile more as a display animal than a companion. They are usually docile snakes that burrow their entire body under sand while keeping just their tiny head exposed to strike at passing prey. They are beautifully colored with yellow and brown patterns. Like the California King (ranked #2 on our list), the Milk Snake is actually a separate species of the King Snake. Dekay’s Brown Snake is a naturally curious species, and they are usually not stressed by human activity or handling. The hissing they make when threatened is not an aggressive behavior and they tolerate handling very well. Some breeds are much more trouble to keep as pets than others. Author: Kathryn Vercillo. Everything Reptiles’ articles, care guides, videos and podcasts are intended to be used for a general nature only. They can be wild-caught (by professionals), but captive-bred are much healthier with better temperaments. One of my friends likes every kind of pets, whenever she gets one her pet must be the cutest. Garter Snake A relatively inexpensive pet ranging from $15 to $50. Pet snakes may not be for everyone but if you are interested in keeping one, ensure that you have equipped yourself with the knowledge on how to care for snakes. Here are four of the best small snakes to keep as pets: Brahminy snake (blind snake) Ringneck Snake; Kenyan Sand Boa; Children’s python; None of these snakes grows over 3 feet in length or needs an enclosure that is larger than 20 gallons. The common saying, "Red on yellow will kill a fellow, but red on black is a friend of Jack" refers to the band patterns found on coral and milk snakes. Closely related to the milk snake, king snakes grow to be about 6-7 feet in length making them a smaller pet snake. They are typically brown with lighter patches, but captive-bred Ball Pythons come in a variety of colors. Unlike most pet snakes, rodents are too big to swallow for these reptiles, so they like to eat insects and spiders. They will need high temperatures, regular lighting, and eat rodents. They are very small, averaging around a foot long. These snakes follow most of the same husbandry requirements as others on this list in terms of: temperature, lighting, and feeding. Although you can probably get almost any kind of snake from a reptile show or online, your commonly kept pet snake species from these families are listed here. This species is not terribly large, spanning 2-2.5 feet long, and they range throughout most of Africa. Garters are one of the most populous wild snakes in the United States, and you can also find them as a pet in many homes. Let us know which one is your favorite and if you keep them. The Smooth Green has similar care requirements and temperament to its relative the Rough Green Snake (also featured in this list). The rat snake constricts his prey before eating it and is found throughout parts of North America. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. They otherwise have very basic care requirements and live up to 20 years. They are commonly found along the west coast of the United States and parts of Mexico. There are almost 2,800 different snake species that have been discovered in the world. While not an overly popular choice, the Brown House is a great beginner snake and generally costs $60-$150 USD. 0. Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital, 2020, Burmese Python Care. They only grow to be about 3-5 feet in length but can live several decades. They get their name from the tight ball they curl up into when they feel threatened. This Python is a bit longer than most snakes, reaching 6-6.5 feet on average. They got their name from the fact that they will readily eat other snakes so they should definitely be housed alone. King snakes are native to North and South America and breed regularly in captivity so finding a captive-bred pet shouldn't be difficult. They are native to the US and Mexico and commonly have black, white, and red body rings. Could you please forward to me any smooth green snake breeders that you mentioned in your article? Boas are amazing pet snakes, they grow to be quite sizable and fairly heavy bodied. They aren't known to be biters and are pretty docile snakes., Boa Constrictors. Like their Corn Snake cousin, they are very shy and docile, especially if they are handled regularly. In the right light, they have a shiny, iridescent gleam to their skin. One thing that these reptiles, need that others don’t, is several layers of sand on the bottom of the tank for burrowing. It is a slender snake that is easy to find at most pet stores, generally does well with handling, and doesn’t require any special lighting or equipment aside from a heating pad. They have short tails and can grow to be about 8 feet long. Known for being a docile reptile, they are easy-to-care for and have simple husbandry requirements, butare not quite as popular as the top three snakes on this list! 10 gallon vivarium) and fed insects, but it doesn’t tolerate handling very well for long periods of time. They come from arid environments, so they do not need to have high humidity like most species. The African Egg-Eating Snake, as its name suggests, feasts on bird eggs and nothing else. The Ringneck is another native snake to North America and has a distinct yellow or orange ring on their neck (as their name implies). Though not thought of by herpetologist as a great first snake, many experts agree the right Dekay’s Brown can make a great first snake for any beginner. corn snakes have Read More →, Rosy Boas are small docile snakes native to southwestern North America. When it comes to naming your pet Read More →. They have a distinct stripe running down their back and tend to enjoy meadows, marshes, and woodlands, so they enjoy a water source in their tank. It is not intended to constitute veterinary advice. These snakes are lovely to look at due to their attractive colors. Whatever reptile you choose, you are committing 10-20 years of your life to this animal, and their lives are in your hands. Their bite can be painful, but they only bite in self-defense. This reptile can be either nocturnal or diurnal, but either way is very active. They should, however, still have regular hours of daylight and darkness. Learn all about snake breeds, care guides, most asked questions, and where to find them for sale. Children’s Pythons can absolutely be handled by beginner herpetologists. This time she was trying to find a new and cutest snake as a pet … The best small pet snakes are the ringneck snake, western hognose, ball python sand boa, egg-eating snake, rosy boa, garter snake, and California green snake. Other than this, they have a passive manner of defending themselves, relying on mimicking the colors of more dangerous reptiles rather than attempting to bite. They are active at night and like to stay hidden during the day. These snakes generally cost $70-$170 and have basic care requirements with the benefit of being easy to handle with their calm temperament. These Pythons eat mice, but it is their dietary-pickiness that makes beginner herpetologists wary. However, this is not to say that this Constrictor doesn’t have the potential to be a good beginner snake. Best for a beginner who is ready for a big commitment and to learn about correct handling. From temperature, to humidity, to substrate, to enclosure decor, hobbyists have had success keeping this hardy species in such a wide variety of conditions that it’s hard to go wrong. I’m not aware of any breeders in your area, but I have posted your comment in hope that a breeder can reply to it. These boas also use the sand to suffocate their pinky mice prey. When you only have space for an earthworm but want a snake. Some albinos and morphs can be as expensive as $2000-$3000 USD. Overall, they have a very easy care regimen and a very gentle temperament that makes handling and taking care of them manageable, even for new snake owners! They’re not overly large, so if they do bite, it should not be a dangerous one. Snake Species Commonly Kept as Pets. Great for beginners as they can be housed in a 20 gallon tank. Although you can probably get almost any kind of snake from a reptile show or online, your commonly kept pet snake species from these families are listed here. There are only a handful of breeders and wild caught (as well as being illegal to keep) can be more problematic for many reasons. Because of their large size, this snake is more suited to adult beginners than children. Barrier Animal Care Clinic, 2020, Eastern Rat Snake. Hognose Snakes. Hognoses really are small pet snakes, growing to only around 3 feet in length (males can be even smaller than females). However, this may bode well for you if you do not want to feed rodents. Corn snakes are normally active during the day and sleep at night. But snakes are delicate animals, and have unique care requirements. Snakes are not for everyone, and if you're looking into a snake I'd recommend doing as much research as possible, and setting up your enclosure for your snake. A captive bred and tamed Gopher should be calm to handle for beginners. Often found in the woods or rocky areas, they do not necessarily like to soak up sun, but rather enjoy soaking up heat from rocks and logs, so an under tank heater may be better for them. The Brahminy Snake. Your email address will not be published. They typically cost $25-$200, depending on the rarity of the morph. Some people prefer simple names like Bob or Lily. “For families that choose to keep a snake as a pet, it can be a rewarding, educational experience that teaches a child the lesson of responsibility,” says herpetologist Leo Spinner. They get their name from the brick-red blotches commonly found in their patterns.. The reason Boa Constrictors are not usually recommended to beginners is because of their very large size, reaching a whopping 13-16 feet long! A great pet for any owner, no matter their experience. Red-tails grow to be around 10 feet long and don't make good pets for those unwilling to make the commitment to care for a snake that eats large rats or rabbits and can live about 30 years. They are known for the distinct red tip on the end of their tails. First and foremost, Rainbow Boas are widely known and appreciated for their stunning colors. A reptile well-adapted to handling and living in captivity should not be afraid while it is being held. National Wildlife Federation, 2020, Cornsnake Care. Like rattlesnakes, they will hiss and shake their tails if they feel threatened, but they are not venomous. 1444. If you are a beginning stage snake owner, the most popular breeds are the corn snake , the milk snake, and the k ingsnake . Here is a list of some pet snake breeds that are suitable for beginner snake enthusiasts. Barrier Animal Care Clinic, Sand Boa Care. This is a great book about common and uncommon pet snakes you can keep. Arboreal snakes add a little more interest to a typical snake enclosure. Pinterest. Unfortunately, they do have a shorter lifespan, typically living for only 8 years. What About Those Teeth? They live up to 30 years and can cost between $60-$200 USD. Not very large, this reptile can grow up to 2 feet during their first few years. This Boa likes heat and needs a warm tank. The Western Hognose is native to western parts of the US, as well as southern and northern Canada and Mexico. One of the leading reasons that would-be snake owners are reluctant to acquire a pet snake is the fear of being bitten.This is certainly understandable, as nobody wants a pet that greets them with a mouth fall of sharp teeth and snapping jaws. They also don’t have as much of an affinity for heat. They are a great pet for beginners and are easily handled with their gentle and docile nature. Like other King species, Milk Snakes are very docile and rarely bite. Adults are usually about 3.5-5 feet in length and can live 20-30 years. If you are looking for a lizard then take a look at the Bearded Dragon or Leopard Gecko. Pine snakes may not be as common to find in pet stores, but they are very unique snakes that lend themselves well to being in captivity. In this article, we discuss the top 20 pet snakes that can be handled by beginners based on ease of care, cost, and temperament. This species is found throughout North America and does not require high temperatures making their husbandry very easy. Rough greens can live up to 15 years, though many in captivity don’t live that long. Wiggles”. They generally have good dispositions and are easily handled after they have been acclimated to their new home. Twitter. I have been searching for a smoothie for a few years! snakes for beginners. These pythons like to have their food served freshly killed or thawed. Expensive Snake Species: Uncommon Pet Snakes In Cost. Also known as a Bull or Pine Snake, the Gopher is a reptile native to the western United States. Everything Reptiles is the authoritative reptile magazine used by all reptile keepers and enthusiasts as a trusted source of information. Jun 14, 2014 The best snakes for kids to have as pets. With hundreds of educational care guides covering the health, habitat, husbandry and behaviour of lizards, snakes, turtles, and more; we are here to provide anyone keeping or studying reptiles and amphibians with expert guidance. They are not as colorful as many on this list, but they can make great pets as they have little extra care requirements and have stable temperaments, especially if they are handled frequently and gently. Native to the United States, they can be found in terrestrial habitats. But in captivity they can eat rats, rabbits, or chickens (depending on their size). While this species is tiny and may be physically easier to handle, they do better in a home where they do not have to be handled as often, as they can become stressed and scared. Snakes; Cutest Snake breeds as pet. Heat is very important for pet snakes because without sufficient heat, they can’t digest their food properly and will either refuse to eat, or will regurgitate when they do attempt to eat. Rosy Boas are a brown-rosy-pink color and adjust to captivity very well. They need a confident handler who is strong enough to hold them. They have a gradient of red and orange on their back and fading yellow on their stomach. Their habitat does not need to be as large as the tanks of other species because of their small size (barely reaching a foot long). In other words, it allows your snake to get warm, or cool down, as it sees fit. In general, Ball Pythons are a very common first snake, and aside from their occasional food pickiness, they have an easy care routine and are very tame to handle. Lou C - November 1, 2019. There is much more to know before getting a snake as a pet. When they are afraid, they “play dead” and lie motionless instead of striking. Able to swim and climb trees, this is an active snake. They will wrinkle their bodies up to resemble a rattlesnake and even vibrate the ends of their tails when startled or frightened. They require specialized husbandry and specific tank conditions of high heat and humidity because of their natural tropical habitat. They are certainly manageable for a beginner with the right husbandry. They are most often found in forested areas. These snakes can be fed small fish and worms. Despite being widely known as a snake you find in your backyard (rather than a pet); the Garter Snake is actually a very popular in captivity too. They are certainly manageable for a beginner herpetologist and typically cost $50-$200 USD. In the wild they often eat smaller lizards and toads. There are some things which need to be taken into consideration, one of the most important one being the size as some snakes attain a length of 10 ft as they reach adulthood. What are some popular pet snake breeds? The Best Breeds of Snakes to Have as Pets. The Kenyan Sand Boa is known for burrowing into the sand, which is exemplified by their aerodynamic shape and smooth scales. It can be housed in a small enclosure (e.g. I particularly recommend the following snakes: rosy boa, ball python, ringneck snake, western hognose snake, corn snake, scarlet king snake, California king snake, … These snakes can … Cutest snakes. Of the small snakes for beginners, perhaps the best option is the ball python. They may strike, but they are also known to never bite (even when they feel the most threatened). The hognose is so-called because it has a unique up-turned snout, resembling a pig’s snout. Pinterest. The main thing that stands out amongst boas are their intelligence and curiosity. Because they are not as popular as other pet snakes, they are relatively uncommon. They will likely grow out of this behavior if they are handled frequently. This slender reptile is native to the southeastern US and northeastern Mexico and can be quite long for their little bodies, reaching up to 2.5 feet long. They would rather play dead. They are expensive as a first snake ranging from between $100-$700 USD. Ball Pythons are docile creatures and are reluctant to bite. They present very few medical problems, and any issues typically only arise with poor husbandry. Feeding these big guys isn't for someone scared of handling dead rats, or other larger prey items. They are a great choice for beginners who would like to learn about the basics of caring for a snake and keeping them clean and healthy, but not so much for someone who wishes to frequently handle their snake. They can live up to 30 years and generally cost between $30-$300 (depending on the morph). Most reptile experts agree that the Corn Snake, Garter Snake, Ball Python, California Kingsnake, and the Western Hognose Snake are the most docile and gentle-natured pets. These snakes don't require much in the way of heating or lighting and make great first snake pets. They live up to 20 years and like to bask in the sun, so they will require a basking lamp in their vivarium. As a beginning snake owner, you want a species that does not grow too large or need too much special care. Most kingsnakes stay small and make great pet snakes for beginners. Welcome to my quiz. Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital, 2020, Ball Python Care. Cutest Snake. Everything Reptiles © 2020 - All Rights Reserved, Albino Corn Snakes for Beginners (Care Sheet & Advice), Rosy Boa Care Sheet and First-Time Owners Guide, Red Tail Boa Complete Care Sheet and Enclosure Setup, 300+ Frog Names: Best Names For Pet Frogs, The Definitive Guide To Fancy Bearded Dragons, Bearded Dragon Brumation: What To Do, Signs & Waking Up. They prefer to curl up in a ball when they feel threatened. Most beginners love them for their great variety of colors. Native to west and central Africa, they like to live in grasslands, likely burrowing in rodent burrows. I.m going to list the top five breeds I.d recommend for a novice snake owner. However, with a little more experience, your preferred species can stray more towards boas and pythons. They are also one of the more expensive pets on our list typically ranging from $200-$600 USD. Pet snakes are great for kids and adults alike. The Rat Snake, though not as popular, is very closely related to the Corn Snake, sharing the same genus Pantherophis. Typically costing $75-$200 (depending on the morph), they can live up to 20 years. Here are 5 of the best snake breeds to begin caring for, suitable for young adults, supervised children and adult snake hobbyist alike. Many other kinds of snakes are kept as pets. A pet snake requires little to no grooming – the most you’ll have to do is adjust the humidity in the tank if your snake is having a challenging shed or adjust his diet to help the process along. Posted: (2 days ago) Probably the least demanding breed of snake on our list, the corn snake is one of the most popular pet snakes for both beginners and seasoned veterans. Boas in general are simply more interactive pets than the common snake and really show their personality. This pet can be shy, but they are very docile with frequent handling. 484. It is one of the few disadvantages of owning this snake. The Barbados threadsnake is the smallest snake in the world, but it doesn’t make a good pet. In terms of general husbandry and feeding, this snake is easier to care for than others. The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. An adult Corn Snake can be kept in a 20 gallon aquarium, which is about the size of a medium-large fish tank, and the tank should range from 72℉ to 90℉ from one side to the other.