Some people want a fluffy pet that curls up on their lap. Others want a sleek, scaly companion that coils around their arm like living jewelry. If you’re in the second group, welcome to the world of pet snakes!
These incredible reptiles come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities. Some are calm and easygoing, while others have a little more attitude. Whether you want a tiny, friendly corn snake or a massive, awe-inspiring python, there’s a perfect snake out there for you.
But owning a snake isn’t as simple as tossing one in a tank and calling it a day. Proper heat, humidity, and handling make all the difference between a thriving, happy snake and a stressed, unhealthy one.
From feeding tricks to escape-proof enclosures, we’re diving into the secrets every snake owner should know—so your slithery friend can live its best life. Let’s get into it!
Corn Snake
Corn snakes are vibrant and personable, known for their beautiful coloring and calm nature. They’re perfect for handling and adapt well to captivity.
These snakes thrive in environments that mimic their natural habitat, including warm spots and ample hiding places.
They eat readily available prey, like mice, making feeding straightforward. With regular interaction, corn snakes can become quite tame. This makes them excellent companions for both novice and experienced snake enthusiasts alike due to their easy-going nature.
King Snake
King snakes are famous for their striking bands and are often found in a variety of patterns.
They thrive in captivity and are known for their adaptability to different environments. Their diet is diverse, sometimes eating other snakes.
Regular handling can make them quite docile, but care should be taken during feeding to prevent confusion. A secure lid on their enclosure is a must, as they are escape artists. Being a king in name and nature, they command attention and care.
Milk Snake
Milk snakes are striking with their vibrant red, black, and yellow bands. They are often mistaken for the venomous coral snake.
As pets, they are friendly and easy to care for, requiring minimal space. Their diet consists mainly of rodents.
Regular interaction helps maintain their calm demeanor, making them a joy to handle. A secure habitat is essential to prevent escape, as they’re adept at finding ways out. These colorful snakes are a fantastic choice for those looking to add a splash of color to their collection.
Garter Snake
Garter snakes are commonly seen in gardens and lawns, known for their stripes and adaptability.
They’re small and easy to maintain, feeding on a varied diet that includes worms and fish.
They require a moist environment with plenty of hiding spots to feel secure. Despite their small size, they have a big personality which makes them appealing to many pet owners. With regular interaction, they can become quite accustomed to handling, providing endless fascination with their curious nature.
Rosy Boa
Rosy boas are gentle creatures with a beautiful, rosy hue to their scales. They’re slow-moving and easy to manage.
Native to the arid regions of the American Southwest, they prefer a dry, warm environment in captivity.
Their diet is simple, consisting of appropriately sized rodents. They require minimal space, making them ideal for those with limited room. With their docile nature and attractive appearance, rosy boas are a delightful choice for both new and experienced snake owners.
Hognose Snake
Hognose snakes are adored for their unique upturned snouts and playful behavior. They are known to “play dead” when threatened.
With their distinct appearance, these snakes are a joy to watch and care for. They thrive in a terrarium with loose substrate for burrowing.
Feeding is relatively simple, as they primarily eat rodents. With regular handling, they become accustomed to human interaction. The hognose snake’s quirky behaviors and charming looks make them a favorite among reptile enthusiasts looking for something different.
Boa Constrictor
Boa constrictors are powerful, large snakes known for their impressive size and strength. They require a spacious environment to accommodate their growth.
These snakes thrive in warm, humid enclosures with plenty of climbing opportunities. Their diet consists of appropriately sized mammals.
Due to their size, handling requires experience and care to prevent injury to both the snake and handler. Despite their strength, boas can be gentle giants, rewarding patient owners with their calm demeanor. They are a majestic addition for those prepared to meet their needs.
Reticulated Python
Reticulated pythons are known for their remarkable size and beautiful patterns. They are one of the longest snake species.
A large enclosure with high humidity is essential for their well-being. Their diet includes large mammals, and feeding can be a challenging task.
These pythons require experienced handlers due to their size and strength. When cared for properly, they can be quite docile around familiar faces. Their stunning appearance and impressive presence make them a popular, yet demanding, choice for dedicated herpetologists.
Green Tree Python
Green tree pythons are admired for their vibrant green color and arboreal nature. They spend most of their time coiled on branches.
A vertically oriented enclosure with ample climbing space is crucial. High humidity and temperature are necessary to mimic their native habitat.
They eat small mammals and birds, and feeding should be handled with care. Due to their specific needs, they are best suited for experienced snake keepers. Their striking beauty and unique lifestyle make them a fascinating choice for those ready to meet their exacting requirements.
Carpet Python
Carpet pythons are valued for their diverse patterns and manageable size. They make excellent display animals.
These pythons thrive in spacious environments with access to climbing structures. Proper temperature and humidity are vital for their health.
Their diet includes appropriately sized rodents, and they require regular feeding. Carpet pythons are generally docile but benefit from regular handling to maintain their temperament. Their striking patterns and engaging presence make them a standout addition to any collection, suitable for both intermediate and experienced snake enthusiasts.
Western Hognose
The Western hognose snake is known for its unique nose and defensive behaviors, such as playing dead.
They thrive in arid environments and require a terrarium with sandy substrate for burrowing. Their diet mainly consists of small rodents.
Regular handling can tame their defensive nature. These snakes are perfect for those wanting an interactive and unique pet. With their charming personality and distinctive appearance, Western hognose snakes provide plenty of entertainment and are a delightful choice for both novice and seasoned snake keepers.
Children’s Python
Children’s pythons are small, gentle snakes that are perfect for young snake enthusiasts.
They thrive in warm, humid environments and require minimal space, making them ideal for small living areas.
Feeding involves small rodents, and they have a calm temperament, which makes handling easy. With regular interaction, they can become quite tame and personable. Their manageable size and gentle nature make Children’s pythons an excellent choice for families and those new to snake keeping, offering both companionship and intrigue.
California Kingsnake
California kingsnakes are celebrated for their striking black and white bands. They are hardy and adaptable.
In captivity, they thrive with minimal requirements, although a secure lid is necessary to prevent escapes.
Their diet is varied, sometimes including other snakes, which is why they must always be housed alone. Regular handling makes them docile, but caution is advised during feeding. Their bold patterns and independence make them a favorite among reptile enthusiasts seeking a visually appealing and resilient pet.
Burmese Python
Burmese pythons are known for their substantial size and gentle temperament. They require a large, secure enclosure to accommodate their growth.
Humidity and temperature control are critical, as is a diet of large mammals. Due to their size and strength, handling should be approached with care.
Their calm nature can be rewarding for experienced keepers able to meet their needs. Burmese pythons, with their serene demeanor and impressive size, are a magnificent addition for those prepared to handle the challenges of such a large snake.
Rainbow Boa
Rainbow boas are named for their stunning iridescent scales, which shimmer in the light. They require a humid environment to maintain their beauty.
These snakes thrive in an enclosure that mimics their natural habitat, with plenty of humidity and warmth.
Their diet consists of small mammals, and feeding should be consistent to maintain health. Handling them regularly helps maintain their calm demeanor. The rainbow boa’s breathtaking appearance and manageable size make them a captivating choice for snake enthusiasts willing to provide the right conditions for their beautiful pet.
African House Snake
African house snakes are small, easy-to-care-for pets, ideal for beginners. They have smooth, shiny scales and a calm nature.
These snakes thrive in simple enclosures with moderate heat and humidity. Their diet consists mainly of rodents, and they are easy feeders.
Regular handling keeps them tame, making them great companions. Their small size and straightforward care requirements make African house snakes an excellent choice for anyone looking to start their journey in snake keeping. Their simple beauty and ease of care are truly appealing for all.
Brazilian Rainbow Boa
The Brazilian rainbow boa is admired for its vibrant colors and iridescent scales that glisten in the light.
A humid environment with plenty of space for exploration is essential to keep them healthy. Their diet includes small mammals and birds.
Regular handling helps maintain their calm nature, but they require careful management due to their need for specific conditions. The Brazilian rainbow boa’s striking appearance and gentle nature make them a captivating addition to any collection, especially for those committed to providing the care they need.
Rough Green Snake
Rough green snakes are slender, lively snakes known for their vibrant green color. They are primarily arboreal, living among the trees.
Their environment should include plenty of branches and hiding spots to mimic their natural habitat. They primarily feed on insects and require a fresh supply.
While they are not typically handled, their calm nature makes them a delightful display species. Rough green snakes are perfect for those who enjoy observing natural behavior and maintaining a lush, plant-filled enclosure.
Mexican Black Kingsnake
Mexican black kingsnakes are striking with their glossy black scales and bold appearance. They are hardy and adaptable to various conditions.
These snakes do well in simple enclosures with adequate heating. Their diet is varied, sometimes including other snakes.
Regular handling can maintain their docile nature, although they should always be housed alone. Their bold, monochromatic beauty and resilience make them a favored choice for reptile enthusiasts seeking a dramatic yet easy-to-care-for pet.
Eastern Indigo Snake
Eastern indigo snakes are impressive due to their size and striking dark coloration. They are non-venomous and known for their gentle nature.
These snakes thrive in spacious environments with access to a variety of hiding spots. They have a diverse diet, including small mammals and birds.
Due to their size and active nature, they require significant space and care. Eastern indigo snakes are a charismatic choice for experienced keepers looking to care for a large, active, and captivating snake species.
Borneo Short-tailed Python
Borneo short-tailed pythons are unique with their robust build and striking patterns. They are relatively small compared to other pythons.
Their care involves maintaining humidity and temperature in their enclosure, reflecting their natural habitat.
They feed on small to medium-sized mammals, and regular handling can prevent aggression. With their distinctive appearance and manageable size, Borneo short-tailed pythons are an excellent choice for those with some snake-keeping experience, providing a rewarding and visually striking pet.