Top 5 Beginner-Friendly Pet Snakes (According to Vets)

Happy World Snake Day! Celebrated annually on July 16th, this day raises awareness about these fascinating reptiles and their vital role in ecosystems. Snakes come in a vast array of shapes, sizes, and colors, and a growing number of people have started keeping them as pets. However, responsible snake ownership requires dedication and a commitment to providing proper care.

New snake owners often face challenges in choosing the right species. This post aims to guide you through the exciting world of pet snakes. We’ll explore beginner-friendly snake species, highlighting their pros and cons, and share essential husbandry tips to ensure your slithery friend thrives in your care. Let’s go!

1.Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus)

Pros:

• Docile Temperament: Corn snakes are known for their calm and easy-going nature. They rarely bite and tolerate handling well once comfortable.
• Relatively Small Size: These snakes typically only grow to 3 - 5 feet in length, making them manageable for most enclosures.
• Wide Availability: Corn snakes are readily available from reputable breeders, offering a variety of stunning color morphs to choose from.
• Easy Feeding: Corn snakes are generally good eaters, readily accepting frozen or thawed rodents of appropriate size.

Cons:

• Escape Artists: Due to their slender build, corn snakes can be escape artists. Ensure your enclosure has a secure lid and all ventilation holes are escape-proof.
• Live Prey Feeding: While some corn snakes readily accept frozen/thawed rodents, others may require live prey initially. This can be uncomfortable for some owners, especially those who are new to snakes.
• Less Interactive: Some snake species are more interactive than corn snakes. They may not be as interested in spending extended periods outside their enclosure, so they’re not always the most interesting species for kids.

Husbandry Tips:

1. Provide a 10 - 20 gallon enclosure for a hatchling, gradually increasing the size as it grows. Glass aquariums are popular, but ensure proper ventilation.
2. Use a substrate like aspen chips, paper towels, or reptile carpet. Spot clean daily and perform complete substrate changes regularly.
3. Maintain a thermal gradient within the enclosure. The warm side should be around 80 - 85°F (26 - 29°C), with a cooler side in the low to mid 70s°F (21 - 24°C). Use heat lamps or under-tank heater mats regulated by thermostats.
4. Offer frozen/thawed rodents of appropriate size 1 - 2 times a week depending on the snake’s age and size. Avoid overfeeding.
5. Provide a water dish for soaking and hydration.

2. Ball Python (Python regius)

Pros:

• Docile and Handleable: Most ball pythons, once settled in their environment, are docile and enjoy being handled.
• Compact Size: These constrictors typically reach 3-5 feet in length, making them suitable for most homes.
• Variety of Color Morphs: Similar to corn snakes, ball pythons come in several visually appealing color morphs.
• Generally Good Eaters: Ball pythons often readily accept frozen/thawed rodents.

Cons:

• Shy Initially: Ball pythons can be shy and reluctant to be handled when first brought home. Patience and proper handling techniques are crucial.
• Prone to Weight Gain: Due to their docile nature, ball pythons can be susceptible to obesity if overfed. Monitor their weight and adjust feeding schedules accordingly.
• Feeding Problems: Ball pythons may occasionally develop feeding issues. Consult your veterinarian if your snake refuses food for an extended period.

Husbandry Tips:

1. Provide a spacious enclosure (20 - 40 gallons for adults) with secure locking mechanisms. For security, offer hiding spots, including a warm hide and a cool hide.
2. Use a humidity hide filled with damp moss or mist the enclosure occasionally to maintain moderate to high humidity levels (around 50 - 60%).
3. Ball pythons require a larger water dish that allows them to soak their entire body.
4. Feed according to the snake’s weight and body condition, not just size. Avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity.

3. Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata)

Pros:

• Docile and Low-maintenance: Rosy boas are known for their calm temperament and generally require less handling compared to some other species.
• Moderate Size: These boas typically grow to 2 - 4 feet in length, making them suitable for smaller enclosures.
• Good Eaters: Rosy boas typically accept frozen/thawed rodents of appropriate size.
• Beautiful Coloration: Rosy boas come in a variety of attractive color morphs, with some showcasing stunning shades of red, orange, and yellow.

Cons:

• Nocturnal Activity: Rosy boas are primarily active at night, which can limit interaction opportunities during the day.
• Shy Initially: Like ball pythons, rosy boas may be shy at first and require patience for handling to become routine.
• Less Readily Available: Rosy boas are less widely available than corn snakes or ball pythons at pet stores, and you may need to seek out a reputable breeder.

Husbandry Tips:

1. Offer a 10 - 20 gallon enclosure for a baby, increasing the size as they grow. Provide a variety of hiding spots, including a cool hide and a slightly humid hide made from moistened sphagnum moss.
2. Maintain moderate humidity levels (around 40 - 50%). Mist the enclosure lightly a few times a week or use a humidity hide.
3. Provide a water dish for soaking.
4. Feed according to the snake’s size and activity level, typically once or twice a week for adults.

4. Kenyan Sand Boa (Eryx colubrinus)

Pros:

• Docile Temperament: Kenyan sand boas are known for their calm and rarely defensive behavior.
• Relatively Small Size: These boas typically grow to just 2 - 3 feet in length, making them suitable for smaller enclosures.
• Easy Care: Kenyan sand boas have minimal humidity requirements and are generally low-maintenance snakes.
• Unique Burrowing Behavior: These boas spend a significant amount of time burrowing in the substrate, offering a different viewing experience for snake enthusiasts.

Cons:

• Strictly Insectivorous: Unlike most beginner snakes, Kenyan sand boas require a consistent supply of live insects, such as crickets or mealworms.
• Nocturnal Activity: Similar to rosy boas, Kenyan sand boas are primarily active at night, with less interaction during the day.
• Limited Color Variation: Kenyan sand boas don’t have the same wide range of color morphs as some other beginner snakes.

Husbandry Tips:

1. Provide a 10 - 20 gallon enclosure with a dry, sandy substrate at least 3 - 4 inches deep to allow for burrowing. Offer a secure hide and a water dish.
2. Ensure a steady supply of appropriately sized live insects. Consider gut-loading feeder insects with nutritious foods to enhance their nutritional value for your snake.
3. Mist the enclosure lightly once a week to maintain minimal humidity.

5. Kingsnake (Lampropeltis spp.)

Pros:

• Docile Temperament: Kingsnakes are generally calm and handle well when accustomed to human interaction.
• Variety of Species: There are several kingsnake species available, offering a range of sizes (2 - 6 feet) and color variations.
• Good Eaters: Kingsnakes typically accept frozen/thawed rodents of appropriate size.
• Hardy and Adaptable: Kingsnakes are generally adaptable to various climates and tolerate a wider range of humidity levels compared to some other species.

Cons:

• Active and Inquisitive: Kingsnakes can be quite active and inquisitive, requiring a secure enclosure with a tight-fitting lid and escape-proof ventilation.
• Escape Artists: Some kingsnake species, like the California kingsnake, are known for their escape attempts. Be extra vigilant with enclosure security.
• Less Vibrant Colors: Compared to corn snakes or ball pythons, kingsnakes may have less striking color variations.

Husbandry Tips:

1. Choose an enclosure size appropriate for the specific kingsnake species. Generally, a 20 - 40 gallon enclosure is suitable for adults. Ensure the enclosure has a secure locking mechanism.
2. Offer climbing opportunities like branches or hides with ledges to accommodate their natural climbing behavior.
3. Maintain moderate humidity levels (around 40 - 50%) by misting the enclosure lightly a few times a week or using a humidity hide.
4. Feed according to the specific kingsnake species and size. Most adult kingsnakes eat once a week, but some may require more or less frequent feedings.

Conclusion

Choosing your first pet snake is an exciting step! By carefully researching your chosen species and providing proper care, you can ensure your slithery friend thrives in your home. Remember that responsible snake ownership is a long-term commitment. Consider your lifestyle and experience level when selecting a snake. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek guidance from veterinarians or experienced reptile keepers. With dedication and proper care, you can build a rewarding bond with your pet snake. Happy herping!

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This information was first seen at Ingleside Animal Hospital.