Snakes can be fascinating pets. Compared to dogs or cats, they’re quiet, don’t need to be walked, and can be relatively low-maintenance. But picking the right snake pet breed requires some careful consideration.
You can’t just walk into a pet store and pick the prettiest snake. You’ll want to consider your experience level, the amount of space you have available, and your commitment to providing the right environment for your new pet.
This article will guide you through some popular pet snake breeds, discussing their temperaments, care needs, and potential challenges. By the end, you should have a better idea of which snake might be the right fit for you.
Things to think about before getting a snake
Before you bring a snake home, here are some things to consider:
Experience level
Some snakes are more forgiving of the occasional husbandry mistake than others, so think about whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced snake owner. With care and patience, handling is possible with most species.
Size and space requirements
Snakes come in a variety of sizes, and some species get quite large. Bigger snakes need bigger enclosures. It’s also important to avoid putting juvenile snakes in enclosures that are too big, as the snake may feel vulnerable.
Cost
The initial purchase price of a snake can vary, with common breeds generally costing less than $100. You’ll also have ongoing costs for food, a suitable enclosure, and veterinary care.
Commitment and lifespan
Different snake species have different lifespans. Ball pythons, for example, can live up to 30 years, and there are documented cases of them living even longer, up to 48 years! Be sure you’re ready to commit to the daily and weekly care requirements of a snake for its entire lifespan.
Best beginner snakes: Corn snakes
If you’re looking for a pet snake that’s relatively easy to care for, a corn snake could be a good fit.
Overview of corn snakes
Corn snakes are generally docile and easy to handle, making them a good choice for those who are new to snake ownership. As adults, they grow to a manageable size of 3 to 5 feet long.
Corn snakes come in a wide range of colors and patterns, called “morphs,” so you can find one that really appeals to you.
Care requirements
Before you bring any snake home, it’s important to research the specific needs of that species. You’ll need to know the proper temperature gradient for the enclosure, the best size for the tank, and the right kind of substrate to use on the bottom of the tank.
Snakes are carnivores, so you’ll need to feed yours pre-killed rodents (or other appropriate prey, depending on the species). How often you feed your snake and the size of the prey will depend on the snake’s age and size.
Snakes also require a certain level of humidity in their enclosures to shed their skin properly.
Pros and cons of corn snakes
Corn snakes are readily available, easy to care for, and have a docile temperament.
On the downside, they can be escape artists, so you’ll need to make sure their enclosure is secure. They also require specialized heating equipment to maintain the proper temperature gradient in their tank.
Best beginner snakes: Ball pythons
Ball pythons are a popular choice for new snake owners, and for good reason. Let’s take a look.
Overview of ball pythons
Ball pythons are known for their docile temperaments and relatively small size.
Female ball pythons grow to about five feet long, while males reach about four feet. They also come in a wide array of color variations, known as morphs.
When they’re stressed or scared, ball pythons tend to curl up into a tight ball, which is how they got their name.
Care requirements
Setting up the right enclosure with the correct tank size, substrate, heating, and humidity is essential for keeping your ball python healthy.
It’s especially important to keep the humidity at the right level to avoid shedding problems. As a general rule, ball pythons need more humidity than other snake varieties.
Ball pythons can be somewhat challenging to care for, as they are often picky eaters, especially when they’re young. It’s important to keep them on a consistent feeding schedule.
Common health issues in ball pythons include respiratory infections and scale rot.
Pros and cons
Here’s a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of owning a ball python:
- Pros: Docile nature, relatively small size, wide variety of colors and patterns
- Cons: Picky eaters, need specific humidity levels, prone to certain health problems
If you decide to get a ball python, it’s crucial to find a reputable breeder who can provide you with a healthy snake and answer any questions you may have about its care.
Other snake species to consider
If you’re considering a snake as a pet, you have lots of options. Here are a few more you might like to know about.
Kingsnakes and milksnakes
Kingsnakes and milksnakes are known for their striking colors and patterns. These snakes can range anywhere from 2 feet to 6 feet in length.
Kingsnakes and milksnakes can be beautiful pets, but because they sometimes become aggressive with one another, you need to house them separately. They also need more space than some other types of snakes.
Garter snakes
Garter snakes range from 16 inches to 42 inches, depending on the species. They’re also a social species, and some owners keep them in groups.
Garter snakes come in a range of sizes and colors, so make sure you understand the specific needs of the species you’re considering.
Western hognose snakes
Western hognose snakes are small, docile, and known for their upturned snouts and dramatic behavior. When threatened, they puff themselves up, flatten their heads, and hiss loudly. If that doesn’t work, they may play dead.
These snakes are relatively easy to care for, but they can be picky eaters. They also need a secure enclosure, as they are known to be escape artists.
Closing Thoughts
Before you bring a snake home, do your homework! Read as much as you can from as many different sources as you can find. And be honest with yourself about whether you’re ready for the long-term commitment of caring for a snake, which can live for decades.
If you’re still interested, talk to experienced snake keepers and a qualified reptile veterinarian. A vet can make sure your snake is healthy and give you advice on how to create the ideal habitat and diet for your new scaled friend.