Home Care & Tips The Best Pet Snakes for Beginners and How to Care for Them

The Best Pet Snakes for Beginners and How to Care for Them

William Warby – Flickr

Snakes are fascinating creatures that make excellent pets for those who are willing to put in the time and effort to understand their needs. Unlike other reptiles, snakes do not have limbs and move by using their muscles and elongated spine. With proper care, snakes can be friendly, docile companions. If you’re considering getting a pet snake, it’s important to understand their behavior, feeding habits, and environmental needs. This guide will explore the best pet snakes for beginners and offer tips on how to care for them.

Choosing the Best Pet Snakes for Beginners

Reddit – Shell_Dawg

When selecting a pet snake, it’s important to choose a species that is easy to handle and not too demanding in terms of care. Some snakes are better suited for beginners due to their docile nature and manageable size. Here are some of the best pet snakes for new owners.

Corn Snake: A Popular Beginner Choice

Flickr – Clayton Parker

Corn snakes are among the best snakes for beginners due to their friendly nature and ease of care. These snakes can grow between 24 and 72 inches and are known for their distinctive belly scales that resemble maize patterns. They are generally shy at first but become docile with regular handling. Corn snakes thrive in temperatures ranging from 72 to 90°F and are fed frozen or thawed rats and mice.

California King Snake: Friendly and Low-Maintenance

Flickr – Oreo and Friends

The California King snake is another excellent option for beginner snake owners. These snakes, which typically grow to 3 to 4 feet in length, are easy to handle and generally friendly. They require an enclosure that maintains a temperature range of 70 to 75°F on the cool end and 84 to 88°F on the warm end. Their diet consists of rats and mice, and they are curious creatures that need a secure, tightly closed enclosure.

Rosy Boa: Small, Gentle, and Low-Maintenance

Flickr – Noah K. Fields

Rosy boas are small and gentle, making them ideal for beginners. These snakes grow up to 4 feet long and are native to rocky deserts and semi-arid areas. They prefer temperatures of 90°F on the warm side and 70 to 75°F on the cooler side. Rosy boas can go for 10 to 14 days without feeding, making them low-maintenance pets. They do well with rodents as their primary food source.

Gopher Snake: Great for Those Wanting a Medium-Sized Pet

Flickr – scott wedell

Gopher snakes are a good choice for beginners who prefer medium-sized snakes. These snakes can reach lengths of 4 to 7 feet and are known for their calm demeanor, making them easy to handle. They can thrive in temperatures between 70 and 75°F and require feeding every two to three days. Their manageable size and laid-back nature make them perfect for new snake owners.

Ball Python: Shy but Friendly Companion

Reddit – A_Blackett

Ball pythons are among the most popular pet snakes due to their variety of morphs and gentle nature. Although they tend to be shy, they become more friendly with consistent handling. Native to West Africa, these snakes prefer temperatures between 78 and 92°F. They are picky eaters and prefer freshly killed prey. A hide box is essential to make them feel secure in their enclosure.

Western Hognose Snake: Unique and Low-Maintenance

Flickr – cowyeow

Known for their upturned snouts, western hognose snakes are small and relatively low-maintenance. These snakes grow to a length of 14 to 24 inches and prefer arid, sandy environments. A 20 to 30-gallon tank is suitable for housing a hognose snake. They primarily eat small rodents and need access to clean water for both drinking and soaking. They are generally docile, making them great for beginner snake owners.

Garter Snake: Active and Easy to Handle

Flickr – Tom Fenske

Garter snakes are small, active, and easy to care for, making them ideal for beginners. These snakes can be housed in a 10 to 20-gallon enclosure and typically grow to lengths between 18 and 48 inches. Garter snakes are known for their alertness and love of exploration. They feed on small fish, insects, and rodents, and their small size makes them simple to manage.

Milk Snake: Beautiful and Docile

Flickr – Mark Lotterhand Lotterhand

Milk snakes are known for their striking colors and patterns, often mistaken for the venomous coral snake. These snakes grow to lengths of 20 to 60 inches and are constrictors. They are typically docile and enjoy warmer environments, making them a good option for beginners. Milk snakes eat rodents and require a heated enclosure to maintain their ideal temperature.

Common Boa Constrictor: A Larger Option for Experienced Beginners

Flickr – Chic Bee

Boa constrictors are larger snakes, growing up to 10 feet in length. These snakes are heavier and require larger enclosures to accommodate their size. Common boa constrictors are constrictors, meaning they suffocate their prey before consuming it. Their diet includes rats, rabbits, and sometimes small pigs. While they are larger, their docile nature makes them a suitable choice for experienced beginners.

Children’s Python: Small and Tame

Reddit – The_Zoo_Exotics

Children’s pythons are small, growing to lengths of 3 to 4 feet. They are known for being calm and easy to handle, making them a good choice for beginners. These snakes require a relatively small enclosure and feed on pinkie mice as juveniles, transitioning to larger prey as they grow. Regular cleaning and proper ventilation are necessary to prevent respiratory infections and mites.

Important Factors to Consider

Reddit – joeyjuliann

When choosing a pet snake, it’s crucial to consider factors such as size, diet, habitat, and temperament. Each snake species has its own unique needs, and understanding these factors will help ensure your snake remains healthy and comfortable in its environment. Researching your specific snake breed will allow you to make the best decision for both you and your pet.

Different snake species have varying temperaments. Some snakes are docile and easy to handle, while others may be more aggressive or shy. It’s important to understand your snake’s behavior and body language to build trust and avoid stressful situations. With regular handling, most snakes become more accustomed to human interaction.

Embracing the World of Snakes

Reddit – joeyjuliann

Owning a pet snake can be a rewarding experience, especially for beginners who are willing to learn about their care. Each species has different needs, but with the right knowledge and commitment, snakes can be wonderful companions. By choosing a suitable snake breed, providing the proper care, and maintaining a comfortable habitat, you’ll be able to enjoy the fascinating world of snakes for many years to come.

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