Top 8 Beginner-Friendly Pet Snakes (Including Essential Care Tips)

Considering a pet snake but unsure which species won’t have you living out an adventure movie? Rest assured, many snakes are perfect for beginners, offering a great pet experience without the worry of dangerous escapes or venomous encounters.

Whether you prefer a low-maintenance companion or something more unique, like the western hognose, there’s a snake to suit every preference. Let’s explore the top beginner-friendly snakes that are simpler to care for than you’d expect (and won’t see you as a meal).

Choosing the Right Pet Snake and Understanding Behavior

Choosing the right pet snake involves researching various species to match your lifestyle and expertise. Factors like size, temperament, and care needs should guide your decision. Selecting a captive-bred snake often results in a calmer and more manageable pet. Also, ensure you comply with local laws on snake ownership.

Snakes are naturally solitary and may not appreciate frequent handling, but with patience and gentle interaction, they can become more accustomed to human presence.

Keep in mind that some snake species are nocturnal, making them more active at night and quieter during the day. If you want a daytime companion, consider a diurnal species instead.

8 Best Snakes for Pets

With these considerations in mind, let’s explore the best beginner-friendly snakes that combine ease of care, a calm temperament, and low maintenance.

1. Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus)

The corn snake is a favorite among beginners, reaching lengths of 2 to 6 feet (0.61 to 1.82 meters). Renowned for their striking colors and gentle nature, they make excellent pets.

Contrary to their name, corn snakes don’t consume corn. The name likely stems from their presence in cornfields, where they prey on rodents (classifying them as rat snakes). Known for their escape skills, it’s crucial to secure their habitat properly.

These nonvenomous constrictors thrive on a diet of frozen-then-thawed mice and require a habitat with a warm and cool side. Their ease of handling makes them ideal for first-time snake owners who may feel apprehensive about interacting with their pet.

2. Ball Python (Python regius)

The ball python is a favorite among beginners for its docile temperament. Adults typically measure 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 meters), though some can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters).

When feeling threatened, they coil into a tight ball, which is the origin of their name. Their diverse color patterns further enhance their popularity, making them a top choice for snake lovers.

Although their calm demeanor makes them suitable for beginners, they require careful attention to their habitat. Maintaining precise temperature and humidity levels is crucial, and they can be finicky eaters, often going without food for extended periods.

Ensuring proper enclosure conditions and feeding routines is vital, making them more challenging to care for compared to other beginner-friendly snakes like corn snakes.

3. California King Snake (Lampropeltis californiae)

The California king snake is a visually striking species with black-and-white bands, usually reaching 3 to 4 feet (0.9 to 1.2 meters) in length. Their resilience and adaptability make them ideal for beginner snake owners.

They prefer to rule their territory alone, so it’s advisable to keep them solo, as they might try to dominate or consume other snakes.

Their inquisitive and active behavior makes them entertaining to observe, and they readily accept frozen-then-thawed rodents as food. With their striking patterns and bold personality, California king snakes are an excellent option for those looking for dynamic and captivating reptile pets.

4. Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum)

Milk snakes are known for their eye-catching red, black, and yellow banded patterns, which make them a favorite among reptile lovers. They typically reach a manageable length of 2 to 4 feet (0.6 to 1.2 meters), perfect for those new to snake ownership.

They are reliable eaters, easily accepting frozen-then-thawed rodents, and their care needs are simple and straightforward.

Although milk snakes are usually calm, they may initially be a bit restless. Consistent, gentle handling helps them grow more accustomed to human interaction. Their stunning appearance, easy care, and generally placid nature make them a top pick for beginner snake enthusiasts.

Milk snakes are frequently mistaken for venomous coral snakes because of their similar color patterns. A useful rhyme — "Red on yellow, kill a fellow; red on black, friend of Jack" — helps differentiate harmless milk snakes from their venomous counterparts.

5. Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata)

The rosy boa is a small, docile snake, usually reaching 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 meters) in length, making it a perfect option for those new to snake ownership.

With its eye-catching rosy or grayish tones and three bold stripes along its body, the rosy boa is a visually stunning pet. These snakes enjoy burrowing, so a deep substrate, such as aspen shavings or coconut husk, is necessary to accommodate their natural instincts.

Rosy boas are nonvenomous and low-maintenance. A well-heated enclosure and a diet of frozen-then-thawed mice are all they need to thrive.

6. Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)

The garter snake is an excellent option for beginners, thanks to its compact size, usually growing to 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 meters), and its lively, inquisitive nature.

This species is easily identified by the bold stripes along its body, with colors varying by subspecies. Their energetic and exploratory behavior makes them fascinating pets to observe.

Garter snakes stand out for their diverse diet, which includes fish, worms, and small amphibians, though they also readily consume frozen-then-thawed mice. This dietary versatility simplifies feeding and adds variety.

Renowned for their resilience and adaptability, garter snakes thrive in various environments and are straightforward to care for.

7. Kenyan Sand Boa (Eryx colubrinus)

The Kenyan sand boa is an excellent choice for those seeking a compact, burrowing snake. Growing to 1.5 to 2 feet (0.45 to 0.6 meters), this species is recognized for its stout, cylindrical body and vibrant orange and brown markings. Their small stature and calm demeanor make them perfect for novice snake keepers.

True to their name, Kenyan sand boas enjoy burrowing and often stay concealed beneath substrates like aspen bedding or sand. While they can be shy due to this behavior, their gentle and easygoing nature makes them simple to handle.

These snakes are remarkably low-maintenance, thriving in basic enclosures. They feed on frozen-then-thawed mice and require less frequent meals due to their slower metabolic rate.

Despite their tendency to stay hidden, these boas are ideal for beginners seeking a peaceful, low-maintenance snake that remains compact and space-efficient.

8. Western Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicus)

The western hognose snake is a small, unique species recognized for its upturned snout, perfect for digging and burrowing. Growing to 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 meters), its compact size and amiable nature make it an excellent option for first-time snake owners.

One of the most amusing traits of the western hognose is its theatrical defensive displays. When feeling threatened, it might puff up, hiss, or even feign death, but rest assured, these behaviors are purely for show, as they are nonvenomous and pose no danger.

Western hognoses do best in enclosures with ample burrowing space, using substrates like aspen shavings or coconut fiber. They primarily eat frozen-then-thawed rodents and are generally easy to care for.

Setting Up the Perfect Habitat and Ensuring Proper Care

After selecting your snake, it’s crucial to create a secure, escape-proof terrarium with appropriate heating and hiding areas. Snakes require a temperature gradient and a comfortable habitat that replicates their natural surroundings. As carnivores, their diet should consist of frozen-then-thawed mice or rats.

Regularly cleaning and maintaining their enclosure is essential to prevent bacterial growth and promote their well-being. Handle your snake with care and limit interaction, particularly during shedding or after feeding.

To ensure long-term care, seek advice from a reptile veterinarian or utilize online guides to enhance your expertise in snake husbandry.