Snakes can make surprisingly delightful pets, especially for those seeking an unconventional companion. They are usually low-maintenance, quiet, and uniquely fascinating creatures.
Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced reptile enthusiast, there’s a pet snake out there for you. Let’s explore 11 intriguing species that are safe, friendly, and perfect for pet lovers.
1. Corn Snake
Corn snakes are ideal for beginners due to their docile nature and manageable size. They typically grow to about 3–5 feet, making them easy to handle.
These snakes are known for their striking orange and red scales, resembling a sunset. They are not picky eaters and thrive on a diet of mice.
Corn snakes can live up to 20 years, so they’re a long-term commitment.
Providing a warm and secure environment helps them thrive in captivity. Their friendly demeanor and adaptability make them cherished by snake enthusiasts.
2. Ball Python
Ball pythons are famed for their calm and placid nature, making them a favorite among reptile lovers. Their name comes from their defensive habit of curling into a ball.
Growing up to 3-5 feet, they are well-suited for those with limited space. Ball pythons have beautiful brown and black patterns that captivate many admirers.
They require a temperature-controlled habitat and occasional feeding. With the right care, these pythons can live up to 30 years, offering companionship for decades.
Their charm and ease of care make them a popular choice.
3. California Kingsnake
California kingsnakes are known for their striking black and white banding, making them an eye-catching pet. They are fairly easy to care for, thriving in a simple terrarium setup.
These snakes grow to an average of 3-4 feet, a manageable size for handling. They are curious and active, often seen exploring their environment.
Though kingsnakes can be a bit feisty, regular handling helps them become more docile. They eat readily, usually on a diet of mice.
Their unique appearance and engaging nature make them a favorite.
4. Rosy Boa
Rosy boas are cherished for their gentle disposition and beautiful coloration. They exhibit muted pinkish-brown hues, which blend well into their environment.
These snakes are relatively small, reaching only about 2-3 feet in length, perfect for young snake enthusiasts. They require minimal care, thriving in a warm and secure habitat.
Rosy boas feed on small rodents and are known for their slow and deliberate movements.
Their calm nature and ease of care make them excellent pets for beginners and experienced owners alike.
5. Garter Snake
Garter snakes are widely found and make wonderful pets due to their adaptability and ease of care. They display vibrant colors with distinct yellow stripes running down their bodies.
These snakes are generally small, measuring between 2-3 feet, which makes them easy to house. They thrive on a varied diet including small fish and amphibians.
Garter snakes are active and curious, often exploring their surroundings.
Their hardy nature and captivating appearance make them a fantastic choice for both new and seasoned snake owners.
6. Milk Snake
Milk snakes are admired for their vibrant red, black, and white banding, which makes them stand out. They’re excellent for those looking for a visually striking pet.
These snakes grow to about 2-4 feet, a manageable size for most setups. They thrive in a habitat that mimics their natural environment.
Milk snakes are known for their curious nature and love of exploring. Regular handling helps them become more comfortable and tame.
They feed mainly on rodents, and their striking appearance and easy care make them a delightful choice.
7. Children’s Python
Children’s pythons are small, gentle snakes, perfect for young or first-time snake owners. They are named after John George Children, not for their appeal to kids.
These pythons generally grow to about 2-3 feet, making them easy to maintain and handle. Their smooth brown patterns are subtle yet beautiful.
They require a warm environment and basic care. Children’s pythons are usually calm and easy to handle, feeding on appropriately sized mice.
Their small size and gentle nature make them an excellent pet choice.
8. Hognose Snake
Hognose snakes are known for their unique upturned snouts and playful personalities. They are often found in sandy environments where they love to burrow.
These snakes are relatively small, usually reaching about 1.5-2.5 feet in length. They exhibit a range of colors, from sandy browns to vivid greens.
Hognose snakes are famous for their dramatic behavior, such as playing dead when threatened. They feed primarily on amphibians and rodents.
Their quirky behavior and manageable size make them a delightful pet for reptile enthusiasts.
9. Rainbow Boa
Rainbow boas are famed for their iridescent scales that shimmer with a rainbow of colors under the light. They are a stunning choice for those seeking an exotic pet.
These snakes grow to about 5-6 feet, so they require a spacious enclosure. They thrive in a humid environment, mimicking their natural tropical habitat.
Rainbow boas are generally calm and can be handled with care. They feed on rodents, and with proper care, they can live up to 20 years.
Their breathtaking beauty makes them a sought-after pet.
10. Borneo Short-Tailed Python
Borneo short-tailed pythons are known for their stocky build and gentle nature. They have earthy brown and black patterns, which blend well into natural settings.
These pythons grow to about 4-6 feet, but their girth can be quite impressive. They prefer a humid environment with ample space to explore.
Despite their size, they are usually calm and easy to handle, feeding on appropriately sized rodents.
Their unique appearance and docile nature make them a wonderful pet for experienced snake owners.
11. Kenyan Sand Boa
Kenyan sand boas are small, charming snakes perfect for those who enjoy observing fascinating behaviors. They have sandy-colored scales and a small, rounded head.
These snakes grow to about 1.5-2 feet, making them easy to house and care for. They love to burrow in the sand, which requires a specialized setup.
Kenyan sand boas are generally gentle and can be handled with care. They feed on small rodents, and their unique burrowing habits make them an intriguing pet.
Their small size and engaging behavior are truly captivating for snake lovers.