There are over 500 species of snakes that are commonly sold, and this makes an attempt to choose the best for a beginner a bit challenging. Despite the fact that all the snakes are cold-blooded and scaly, their requirements vary mainly according to the breed. However, this article has a clear guide of the best snake pets for a beginner and with and with the necessary requirements in terms of temperature, diet, cost, and enclosure requirements. These are the most vital factors that every beginner should put in mind before deciding on the snake to keep.
Mostly it is the cats and dogs pet that have dominated the top positions of the common pets, but lately, the reptiles have been increasing the popularity, and in the new future, there is a likelihood of them getting displaced. Many of the best snake pets for beginners are usually the usual ones that are kept as pets. A good snake pet for a beginner has to be calm, does not mind being handled and with a docile temperament, and should also not pose any danger to the owner. Additionally, it should be affordable, readily available in most pet stores, and can live in a number of habitats.
Ball Python
This snake type is very popular and is one of the ideal snake pets for beginners. It is easy and cheap to maintain compared to the corn snake. The cost of this snake is one of the factors that you ought to consider when deciding on which to buy. The common morph of the ball python cost begins at 50 dollars, but regularly, it goes for between 100 to 200 dollars. However, the rare morphs of this snake can go for up to thousands of dollars, and this makes it one of the most expensive beginner pets.
The ball python offers more colour and pattern varieties than most of the other snakes. These snakes are also known to be shy, and as an owner, you are likely to find your pet hiding somewhere in the enclosure. This means that the enclosure must have a place where the lion can hide when they want to. This, however, does not mean that they dislike physical contact. These snakes are usually comfortable when being handled, and they are friendly too. They will mainly wrap themselves around the arms and waist.
The average size of a male ball python is between 3 to 4 feet, while the females are a bit longer with 4 to 5 feet. These pets need a bigger enclosure that is at least 30 gallons. The average humidity should be at least 50 %, with an ambient temperature of 84 degrees. The feeding of these snake pets is simple and clear. They feed on rodents, mostly mice or rats. They can be fed about once a week. They also feed on gerbils and gerboas.
Corn Snakes
These snakes are also known as the red rat snakes and are the easiest types to own. They are known to be friendly and active as they enjoy being handled, and they are very social. These snakes are easy to take care of, have a wonderful temperament, are inexpensive, and they are generally easy to take care of. The average lifespan of these snakes is about 10 to 15 years. These snakes are natives of North America, and they have since spread across most parts of the US. These snakes can comfortably endure both warm and cold climates, and they are active during the day and night.
These snakes are slender with an average length of between 3 to 4 feet, and they require an enclosure of about 20 gallons. They are brownish yellow or orange with red and black blotches on their back. They need to be fed about once or twice a week, and they feed on smaller prey such as lizards, frogs, birds, mice, and rats. While in captivity, they can be fed on frozen-thawed rodents. The average cost of common morphs is approximately 69 dollars, while the rare ones can cost hundreds of dollars.
Gopher snakes
This is a common snake in most parts of North America. These snakes are hardy, adaptable and they are widely available. It is, however, important to note that there are local laws regarding these snakes, and as a beginner, it is important to check before deciding on buying. These snakes have an average lifespan of 15 years in the wild, but in captivity, they can go for up to 30 years. During birth, they are about a foot long, but as they mature, they reach an average of 4 to 5 feet. These snakes are social, and they are not resistant to handling, and they are fun to be with in general. A juvenile may need a 30-gallon terrarium to live comfortably, but as they grow, they may need a much bigger space.
California Kingsnake
Just like the corn snakes, this type of snake is mostly found in North America. For a beginner, it is advisable to avoid keeping these snakes in one enclosure because they are famous for eating their snakes. To avoid this traumatizing experience, it is important to separate these snakes from others. They have different patterns and have different varieties to choose from, and this makes it ideal for beginners. They are friendly and social, and they are active throughout the day. These pets are known to be escape artists, and this is why the enclosure needs to be secure with no loose exit.
The other reason why these snakes are the ideal choice for a beginner is the fact that they do not get so large, and this means they do not need a lot of space. They grow to a maximum length of between 36 to 48 inches, and prices they are affordable, with an average cost of between 60 to 100 dollars.
Advantages of California Kingsnakes
They are great eaters and easy to feed
They are beautiful and attractive
They are very social and friendly.
They are easy to maintain and do not need an expensive setup
They do not grow too large.
Hognose Snake
These snakes originate from North America before spreading to the rest of the world. The most preferred subspecies of this breed are the western and Eastern Hognose snakes. One of the reasons why the western and eastern hognose snakes are preferred is because they do not grow too large, and this means they need small space. The size of the hognose snakes depends on gender, but the average length is between 24 to 36 inches. They are small in size, and this makes most owners comfortable around them since they are not intimidating. It is important to do some research on the lighting needed after you have bought one. However, these snakes are venomous, but their venom has no effects on humans.
Advantages
They are very friendly and social with a lot of personalities.
They are small in size
They are generally easy to maintain
They come with a lot of variety, more so in terms of colors and patterns
They are extremely good looking and attractive
Rubber Boa Snake
The Rubber Boa is one of the most friendly and cute snakes in the world, and this makes them one of the ideal snakes for a beginner. It is usually used mainly to help people overcome the fear of snakes. One of their biggest detriments is their friendliness, but in the wild, they are very curious, and due to their curiosity, they are easily killed by people mistaking them for a dangerous snake. If you are looking for a social snake tha6 is rather docile and inactive, this is the ideal choice for you. They also do not grow too large, and this means they do not take much space. The average length is between 12 to 24 inches.
They have an average lifespan of about 20 years in captivity under good care. They need to feed once per week, and their diet consists of small rodents. One of the disadvantages of this species is the cost with an average cost of 300 dollars, and they can be difficult to find.
Advantages
That is very beautiful, rubbery, and unique.
They are very friendly and easy to handle and have great experience
They rarely bite
They are one of the most friendly and social snakes in the world.
Sunbeam Snake
The sunbeams are one of the best pet snakes for a beginner, and they are among the iridescent snakes in the world; and this means that if you hold them in bright light, they will emit a resin bow shine. This radiant beauty has made them a very popular species that is widely owned in different parts. Behavior-wise, they can be a bit shy sometimes, but as they get used to being handled, they become social. Another unique feature of these snakes is their love for burrowing, and this means that if you choose them as an owner, you need to provide enough substrate in their enclosure.
These species are relatively cheap, with an average cost of 75 dollars. However, they do not have a variety of morphs to choose from like the rest.
Advantages
They are easy to maintain.
They are affordable
They are very friendly and do not become so large.
They have a cool, iridescent shine when held in the sun, and this makes them beautiful.
Kenyan Sand Boa
This is another species of snake that loves burrowing, and its head is specifically designed to burrow. This is an ideal snake pet since it is very friendly and loves being handled. This snake does not grow too large, and this means it will occupy less space. The average length of an adult Kenyan Sand Boa is between 24 to 36 inches. That is a considerable size for a pet snake. The average cost of these snakes is between 100 to 300 dollars, and they vary depending on the morph.
Advantages
They are inexpensive
They are easy to take care of.
They are unique and comes with different morphs
They do not grow too large
Ringneck Snakes
The Ringnecks are among the smallest species. They draw their name from a necklace-like ring that is found near the base of their head. These snakes are also venomous. This venom is extremely mild, and only the larges of the species can effectively bite humans. These snakes prefer feeding on elongated ectotherms, and this means they thrive on the earthworm-based diet.
Brown Snakes
These are the most common snakes that are found in the wild. Brown snakes, despite their slithering nature, are great pets and good for beginners. The snakes are small and non-venomous and feed primarily on snails, slugs, and earthworms. This is quite an advantage to owners who are squeamish about mice. These snakes, however, are difficult to find captive-bred.
Green snakes
There are two types of green snakes the rough green snake and smooth green snakes. These snakes are small and do not rely on a rodent-based diet as they feed mainly on crickets and other insects. The snakes also eat some snails and tree frogs. Green snakes are not aggressive, but they get stressed when they are handled too often. The snakes rarely bite, and they are non-venomous.
Rosy boa
The rosy boa is a small, docile beautiful snake with nice coloration and patterns. The snakes are usually calm thus easy to handle and tolerate. The snakes don’t get too large as they range between 46 to 122 cm long. Female Rosy Boas are often larger than the males. A hatchling and baby Rosa Boa can be kept in a 10-gallon cage, and the adult can fit in a 20 -40-gallon tank. The snakes do not require high humidity to survive. The snakes have a high life span of about 20 to 30 years.
Garter snake
Garter snakes are small in size and have colorful patterns; the snakes are not aggressive, active, and are interesting to watch. The snakes are 49 to 91 cm long thus easier to handle and keep due to smaller caging requirements. The snakes require type B ultraviolet energy and lighting as it is only active during the day.
Garter snakes diet consist of a variety of preys such as rodents, worms, toads, frogs, and salamanders. They are not too hard to care for as long as you research their care before obtaining them. You need to be patient with training these snakes to be more submissive. Garter snakes have a life span of 7 to 12 years.
Boa constrictor
Boa constrictors are heavily built snakes with an average length of 152 to 305 cm. they require large cages of about 4-6 feet long and 2 to 3 feet wide. The snakes thrive in warm temperatures and high humidity levels. The snakes are hardy, beautiful, and non-venomous. They are also submissive and are good eaters. Boa constrictor imperator or a dwarf male Boa constrictor are great choices for beginners.
Glossy snake
Glossy snakes are a great choice for snake keepers as they are calm and beautiful. The snakes are also easy to tame and feed. These snakes are about 75 to 130 cm long and can be kept in a small enclosure of about 20 to 30 gallons. The cage should have hiding spots and low humidity. Glossy snake’s diet consists mainly of lizards, amphibians, and rodents. Make sure the snakes have already switched to eating rodents before domesticating them, as it can be challenging for beginners to find or manage other foods.
Antaresia genus snakes
These include Spotted pythons, Children’s python, Stimson’s python, and Pygmy python. These pythons are much smaller than other pythons, with an average length of 61 to 122 cm. these snakes are great pets as they are accustomed to hardiness and docility. The snakes are also good eaters and feed on rodents. The snakes do not consume much space as they require a 30 to 40 gallons enclosure.
Antaresia pythons can live for 20 to 30 years with great care.
Murray darling python
These are one of the ideal snakes for beginners. They are usually docile sometimes, laid back, easy to take care of, and they are tolerant to handling. The average lifespan of this snake species is between 20 to 30 years. However, these snakes grow so big, and they can go up to a length of 9 feet. They are ideal for an owner who wants a big pet snake. These snakes will require a large enclosure compared to the rest, and this means as an owner, you should be able to have a very spacious place in order to have this pet living comfortably.
Woma Python
The Woma snake is one of the ideal snake pets for beginners. They are easy and tolerant to handling, hardy, good eaters, beautiful, and interesting to watch. The average length of woma snakes is between 4.5 to 6 feet, and this implies that you will need a 40-to-50-gallon cage. If you have hatchlings, you can start them in a 10-to-20-gallon tank, and you can increase the size as they grow. They also need a temperature gradient and a climbing spot. They are very good eaters and will need to feed rodent prey items.
Egg-eating snake
These snakes are natives of Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle east. These snakes have unique husbandry needs. They do not feed on mice and rodents like most of the snakes do, but they instead rely on a diet of fresh eggs. Generally, these snakes are very small, and an adult species does not reach 3 feet, and the average length will be 24 to 30 inches. Due to their size, they cannot just eat any egg-like those chicken eggs found in the stores. They can only feed on small eggs such as those from quails and finches. The egg-eating snakes are mostly known to be wild-caught, and they are a bit skittish and defensive in the beginning, but as time goes, they become used to it and will comfortably allow humans to handle them.
False Water Cobra
From the name, one can easily tell this is a scary snake that can be intimidating, but that is not the case. This snake makes a very good pet for a beginner. They are not true cobras, and they do not even belong to the same family, but they can produce venom. They use the venom when they are attacking prey and as they eat. However, in captivity, the cases of bites are very few, and they only occur when you agitate the snake or when you catch it by surprise. Even if they bite, the attacks are not venomous since they do it fast before the venom can react. These snakes can become big with a length of up to 8 feet for females while the males grow for up to 4 feet. These species can sometimes be a bit challenging to take care of, but if you provide the right care, you will definitely enjoy owning it.
Brazilian Rainbow Boa
These snakes look similar to the Colombian rainbow boa, and the biggest difference is their color. The Brazilian have more color variation in them, and you will see more vivid colors and patterns and different shades of maroon and mauve. These snakes originate from the jungles of Brazil, and the ideal climate should be hot and humid. While in captivity, these snakes need hot basking areas and humidity levels as high as 75 percent. They are terrestrial, but they like climbing once in a while, and therefore they need some climbing vines and perches Inside the enclosure. Whenever they are new to the environment, these snakes are a bit defensive and nippy. They later become used to the environment and the people, and they start enjoying getting handled.
Green Tree Python
The green tree python is considered one of the most beautiful pet snakes to take care of. This species originated from Guinea and Northern Australia. They are mainly found in lowland scrubs or forests. Most area of the body is covered by light green scales. However, the body is adorned with sporadic blue and white scales. These snakes love climbing, and therefore it is important to put in some branches and perches for it to climb while it is in the enclosure.
Colombian Rainbow Boa
This pet snake species is very uncommon in the market, but they have been highly sought after. This snake is light brown in color with some darker vertebral rings. The scales have a unique finish in them, and in the light, you will; notice an iridescent sheen that reflects the color spectrum. These species prefer to have a network of branches to climb up whenever they want to get off the ground. If they are not climbing, they are likely to curl up in hiding boxes or caves. These snakes are generally peaceful, and this is none of the main reasons why it is ideal for beginners; before maturing, the juveniles can be a little nippy and aggressive.
Carpet Python
These species are named after their gorgeous colors and patterns. These species are loved by enthusiasts. They have different morphs and subspecies. They can have muted colors with visually striking bands, while some can even take on bright colors such as neon yellow. This species varies in length, and this is determined by the subspecies. Some can go up to a length of 9 feet, while others can go up to five feet. These snakes need a climbing nature, and it is, therefore, important to provide some branches and vines to climb on.
Rat Snake
The Rat snake is a long and thin snake that has plenty of attitudes. A fully grown rat snake measures around four feet in length, but they are a bit thinner compared to the other species. They also need a low humidity level compared to the other species, and this means you have to be very careful in ensuring everything remains dry. The enclosure should have enough ventilation to enable the moisture to evaporate. It also implies that you cannot use moisture-wicking substrates since everything should be as dry as possible to avoid respiratory diseases and problems. These snakes are generally ground dwellers, and you will rarely find them climbing above the ground. As a beginner, this is one of the ideal choices you ought to consider.
Hog Island Boa
This is one of the best snake pets that a beginner should consider owning. These snakes are mainly found in one area of the Hog Island in Honduras. Since they are isolated, the snake has evolved quite a bit. They are a bit smaller compared to the common boas. They have a similar skin pattern to the common boas but with different coloration. These snakes do not have a black pigment, and they are very light in color and look somewhat washed out. They also have an easy-going nature. While in the wild, these snakes do not have a natural predator, and this explains why they are very fearless, and they accept handling by humans easily.
Anthill Python
The Anthill pythons, also known as the pygmy python, is the smallest member of the python family, and it is mainly found on the anthills and termite mounds. This snake is native to Australia and has a dull pattern without much color or contrast. It has some spots along its body, almost like a leopard. These snakes grow to a maximum length of about 20 inches, but they are heavy bodies since they weigh more than the average snake of their length.
Milksnake
Milk snakes are brightly colored with stripes of red, black, and yellowish-orange. Color morph milk snakes also exist. The snakes can grow very big with a length of more than four feet. They, therefore, require quite a large enclosure to remain healthy. The snakes are nocturnal and spend their day hidden and resting. Milk snakes are very secretive and usually blend in with their surroundings.
African house snake
African house snakes, despite not being colorful as some species, make excellent pet snakes. They are highly adaptive snakes from native to sub-Saharan Africa. The snakes are completely harmless as they react by fleeing rather than biting. The African house snakes can get nervous around noise and unfamiliar environments.
The body of the snakes is covered in a rich shade of brown, distinct patterns on the head and back, and a stripe of tan or white that runs from the top of the head all the way to the tip of the tail.
Amazon tree boas
Amazon tree boas spend most of their time wrapped around tree branches and vines. Creating suitable climbing spaces is crucial while rearing these snakes. The enclosure should focus on the vertical space to cater to the snakes’ need to climb. Intersecting branches and vines are the perfect habitat for the amazon tree boa.
Amazon tree boas grow large to about four to five feet long. The snakes remain thin even in their adulthood, and at their thickest, they reach two inches in diameter. The most common amazon tree boas are brown in color though there are bright green and reddish colored snakes available too. Unique color morphs are very rare.
Barbados Thread snake.
Barbados thread snake is the smallest snake species and is found in Barbados, Antigua, and Bermuda in the Caribbean islands. The snakes look more like a tiny worm as it has a thin body compared to its length and lacks a clear head like most snakes. The snake is approximately 10 cm long and 0.6 gams heavy. They are smaller when they hatch, being a tenth of the adult size.
Bimini Blind snake
Other common names for this snake are Brahminy blind snake, common blind snake, island blind snake flowerpot snake, or Hawaiian blind snake. This snake looks like an earworm and is much thinner than its length. The snake has a shiny body and lacks scales. It spends most of its time underground and hidden in the soil.
The Bimini blind snakes, as their name suggests, have tiny eyes that they can hardly see through. Adult Bimini blind snakes are averagely 5 to 10 cm.
Conclusion
Generally, any snake that can easily be taken care of and is widely available is a good choice for a beginner. Such pets tend to be hardy, easy to handle, and they are very healthy if they are bought from a quality breeder.
Also, snakes are very scary, and they are among the most feared creatures in the world. They are just misunderstood, and they can make the best pets if given the right requirements. Some may be easy, while others may require strict requirements, which may be a bit difficult to maintain.
