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Are you considering a pet snake but don’t know where to start?
Snakes can make great companions, if you choose the right one.
With so many species of snakes available, it’s important to pick one that is beginner-friendly and has a gentle temperament.
We’ve compiled 10 of the most friendly pet snake breeds for beginners – from Smooth Green Snake to Rough Green Snake – in this article!
All these snakes are relatively easy to care for and have low maintenance requirements; perfect for those just starting out with reptilian pets.
Ready to learn about your next scaly companion?
Let’s get started!
Table Of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Beginner-friendly pet snake breeds include the Smooth Green Snake, Ringneck Snake, Dekay’s Brown Snake, and Rough Green Snake.
- Snakes with unique characteristics are the Rainbow Boa, Carpet Python, Cape House Snake, African Egg-Eating Snake, and Children’s Python.
- Snake care tips include providing space and hides, regular handling for trust and comfort, feeding a variety of small rodents and occasional treats, and changing the enclosure every two weeks.
- Considerations when choosing a pet snake are the availability of different breeds, such as popular and beginner-friendly options like corn snakes and ball pythons, and the proper knowledge and care required.
Smooth Green Snake
You’ll be captivated by the vibrant hues of the Smooth Green Snake, native to North America and perfect for display in its small enclosure. It has a lifespan of 15 years and can be quite low maintenance if you know how to care for it properly.
The snake is best handled with gloves as it may become skittish when touched directly. For diet requirements, this species needs insects or other small prey items such as worms or snails.
As far as habitat needs go, keeping humidity levels at 70-80% will ensure your pet’s health. Making sure temperatures remain between 65-75°F during daytime hours is also essential in order to keep them comfortable within their enclosures.
Furthermore, owning a Smooth Green Snake requires a long-term commitment but doesn’t come with an exorbitant price tag – costing anywhere from $100-$300 depending on where you purchase it from.
Overall, temperament-wise, these snakes are relatively docile, which makes them ideal pets even for novice owners who want something that won’t require lots of attention yet still make great companions!
Ringneck Snake
The Ringneck Snake is a small, docile species of snake that can make an ideal pet for beginners. Native to North America, it has a distinct yellow or orange ring around its neck and typically reaches lengths of no more than 10 inches.
This species has an average lifespan of 10 years when provided with the proper care in captivity, making them relatively uncommon compared to other pet snakes due to their shorter life expectancy.
When it comes time for feeding, these animals prefer eating insects such as mealworms but may take pinky mice if offered properly. Handling tips are important too; because they can be skittish by nature, handle gently and only once per week until they get used to being handled regularly (just like any other captive-bred animal).
All in all, owning a Ringneck Snake is fairly straightforward, although you must remember that each individual will have unique needs.
Rainbow Boa
A Rainbow Boa is a South American species known for its stunning colors and requires specialized husbandry to thrive. They need warm temperatures in their enclosure with plenty of hiding spots that can help them feel safe when they’re not being handled.
When it comes to diet, rainbow boas prefer frozen/thawed rodents and should be offered food every 5-7 days. Handling advice includes frequent but gentle handling sessions since these snakes can become nippy if scared or threatened.
However, regular interaction will allow the snake to slowly get used to human contact so it won’t be as defensive when held.
Breeding tips include providing an area with high humidity levels during the breeding season. Also, keeping multiple males together in larger enclosures while females should remain separate from one another at all times.
- Warm temperatures
- Hiding spots
- Frozen/thawed rodents
- Frequent but gentle handling
- High humidity levels
Rainbow boas make great pets due to their striking coloration and docile nature. However, they must have suitable conditions provided for them, including heat lamps and UVB lighting sources, along with water bowls large enough for soaking activities.
Even though rainbow boas may require more attention than other pet snakes, such as corn or hognose snakes do, these reptiles still provide loving companionship once tamed by consistent interactions between owner and pet.
Carpet Python
Carpet Pythons come in an array of colorful patterns and sizes, ranging from small to 12 feet long – a true showstopper! Breeding requirements can be complex, so it’s important for prospective owners to research extensively before bringing one home.
An ideal enclosure setup should provide adequate humidity levels and have plenty of secure hiding spots. In terms of habitat needs, warm temperatures are essential as they originate from the hot climates found in Australia or Africa.
When it comes to dietary needs, these snakes primarily eat rodents such as mice or rats; however, they also enjoy an occasional treat like lizards or frogs.
Handling tips include allowing your snake time for exploration without any interference while avoiding sudden movements that could cause distress. While larger than other species like ball pythons and milk snakes (up to 12 feet!), carpet pythons remain relatively docile when handled correctly, making them great pets compared with wilder varieties such as rosy boas or California kingsnakes that require more skilled handling techniques due to their escape artist tendencies.
Cape House Snake
A Cape House Snake is a great choice for those wanting an easily handled reptile with a moderate lifespan. Native to Africa, this small snake can reach up to two or four feet in length and has yellow bands on its body.
Their diet consists mainly of rodents such as mice, making them relatively easy care reptiles in terms of food requirements. When it comes to housing needs, they require similar conditions as most other snakes: A secure enclosure that maintains proper humidity levels along with adequate temperature gradients are essential for them to thrive in captivity.
Shedding habits may be more frequent than other species due to the moisture content within the air, but there is no need to fear.
Overall, these little guys make wonderful pets. Just make sure you’re prepared before investing your time into one.
Dekay’s Brown Snake
The Dekay’s Brown Snake, native to North America, is a small and docile snake with an easy-to-care-for nature. Its handling is relatively tolerant, and it prefers insects or earthworms as its diet.
The lifespan of these snakes can vary, but they are usually quite long-lived, making them great pets for those looking for a low-maintenance pet snake! When compared to other species like the Corn Snake or Garter Snake, the Dekay’s Brown has more subtle coloring.
It may not be flashy like some other breeds found at Allan’s Pet Center, but this unique breed makes up for it by being gentle and friendly when handled properly.
African Egg-Eating Snake
You won’t believe how the African Egg-Eating Snake outsmarts its prey! This unique snake feeds on bird eggs, making it a unique addition to any reptile enthusiast’s collection. It is small in size and found in arid environments throughout Africa, but can also be kept as a pet.
Its diet consists primarily of eggs, which are swallowed whole by the snake and digested over time – an impressive feat for such a small creature! They have an average lifespan of 15 years when cared for correctly.
When compared to other species like Rough Green Snakes or Rat Snakes, they tend to be more docile and easily handled due to their passive defense mechanism.
Active during the day, these snakes make great pets that require basic care requirements with no special enclosure needed – perfect for beginners who want something interesting yet easy enough to manage without too much effort or expense!
Rat Snake
Slithering and sleek, Rat Snakes are native to the United States and can reach up to five feet. They have a docile temperament when handled correctly, making them a popular beginner snake.
These snakes prefer an enclosure of at least two feet long with a constant heat source for temperatures between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit at night.
When it comes to feeding habits, they eat rodents but are known for their occasional pickiness regarding meals, so supplementing with earthworms is recommended as well.
While these snakes require minimal husbandry compared to other species such as the African Egg Eating Snake, handling techniques should be done carefully due to having small scales that may easily slough off if touched too often or harshly.
With proper care, Rat Snakes can live up to 20 years in captivity, which makes them great long-term companions!
Children’s Python
Cuddly and easy to handle, the Children’s Python is a popular pet snake due to its docile nature and long lifespan of up to 30 years.
With their six feet in length, they can easily fit into most habitats, making them ideal for beginner snake owners. They are also relatively low maintenance when compared with other species since their diet requirements aren’t as strict or complicated.
However, there is still some important equipment needed, such as an enclosure with proper temperature needs (75-85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day) and UVB light sources that allow your pet python to thrive in captivity while mimicking natural conditions outdoors.
Handling techniques should be learned before bringing home a Children’s Python so they become accustomed from an early age.
Snake anatomy should also be studied, though not necessarily memorized, so you know how best to handle your new scaly pal without causing any harm or discomfort.
Finally, if all these steps are followed carefully, then you’ll have no problem owning one of these friendly snakes who provide companionship and entertainment – both essential elements that bring joy into people’s lives!
Rough Green Snake
The Rough Green Snake is a small, docile reptile native to the southeastern US and northeastern Mexico, known for its striking olive-green color.
With basic care requirements and handling tolerance, this scaly friend will make a great addition to any home. Their defensive mechanism involves squirming away rather than biting when threatened, making them even more suitable as pets.
They are usually found in meadows or woodlands with plenty of mattress substrate and require a water source plus a basking lamp in captivity.
A diet of insects or spiders should be supplemented by egg eating once per week if available – however, they don’t need much food overall! Handling frequency can vary from daily (if desired) through weekly without affecting the snake negatively – just ensure that you’re gentle with your new slithery companion!
This species makes an excellent choice for beginner herpetologists who want something friendly yet still interesting enough to keep around long term. These snakes have been known to live up to fifteen years in captivity if cared for properly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much space does a snake need to live comfortably?
Snakes need plenty of space to live comfortably. Different breeds require different habitats, but most prefer a large enclosure and hides for them to explore and relax.
How often should I handle my snake?
Handle your snake regularly, but not too often! For best results, allow your pet to adjust gradually by providing gentle handling for a few minutes at a time. This will help them become comfortable with you and create an inviting bond of trust – like two pieces of the same puzzle fitting together perfectly.
What type of food should I feed my snake?
Feed your snake a variety of small rodents, such as mice or gerbils. Don’t forget to offer occasional treats like insects and earthworms for added nutrition. Ensure they are fresh and free from any toxins; an anachronism in today’s world! To keep your pet healthy, provide the necessary vitamins and minerals with their diet through supplements if needed.
How often should I change my snake’s enclosure?
Your pet snake’s enclosure should be changed every two weeks to ensure their health and comfort. Cleanliness is key, so spot cleaning as needed and replacing the substrate will go a long way in keeping your pet happy.
Be sure to provide plenty of hiding spots, fresh water bowls daily, and appropriate temperatures for your particular species.
Are there any health issues I should be aware of when owning a snake?
When owning a snake, monitor their health and watch out for signs of illnesses like mouth rot or respiratory infections. Be sure to keep the enclosure clean and provide fresh water daily. Regularly check your pet for mites or ticks, as well as any other skin issues.
Always get your snake checked by an experienced veterinarian if you notice any changes in behavior or appearance.
Conclusion
From the Smooth Green Snake to the Rough Green Snake, the list of friendly pet snake breeds for beginners is vast and varied. Whether you’re looking for an eye-catching Rainbow Boa or a docile Rat Snake, there’s sure to be a breed that fits your needs.
Carpet Pythons, Cape House Snakes, and African Egg-Eating Snakes are all excellent options for those looking for a pet snake that is easy to care for and handle.
Those wanting a larger snake have plenty of breeds to choose from, such as the Common Boa Constrictor, Kenyan Sand Boa, and California King Snake.
Finally, for a unique pet snake, the Western Hognose Snake, Garter Snake, Milk Snake, and Rosy Boa can’t be beaten.
With the right knowledge and good care, any of these friendly pet snake breeds can make a great addition to your family.
