Owning a pet snake can be an incredibly rewarding experience for the right owner. Snakes come in a huge variety of shapes, sizes, colors and temperaments. When choosing a pet snake, it’s important to select one that fits your lifestyle and experience level. Some of the coolest snakes to own as pets include ball pythons, corn snakes, milk snakes, kingsnakes and ratsnakes. Here’s an overview of some of the coolest pet snake species and what makes them so special.
Ball Python
The ball python is one of the most popular snakes kept as pets. Native to West and Central Africa, these snakes get their common name from their habit of curling up into a tight ball when stressed or frightened. Ball pythons are relatively small, growing 2-5 feet long when fully grown. They have a docile temperament and are known for being easy to handle. Ball pythons come in a huge variety of color and pattern morphs, from wild-type brown to bright yellows, whites and blacks. This variety makes them exceptionally beautiful captives. They are also hardy snakes that can thrive when cared for properly. Ball pythons make great starter snakes due to their modest size, calm demeanor and relatively simple care requirements.
Corn Snake
Another excellent pet snake is the corn snake. Corn snakes are colubrid snakes native to the southeastern United States. They earned their common name because they are often found near corn fields hunting for the rodents that take up residence there. Corn snakes grow slightly larger than ball pythons, reaching 4-6 feet in length. They come in a wide range of colors and patterns, from bright oranges and reds to silver-grey. Corn snakes are active during the day, unlike many snakes that are primarily nocturnal. This makes them fun to observe. They also have a docile nature and rarely bite when handled properly. Overall, corn snakes are hardy, easy to care for and make delightful pet snakes.
Milk Snake
Milk snakes are brightly colored constrictors that make excellent captives. They are native to the Americas and get their name from the false folklore that they milk cows. In reality, milk snakes often frequent barns hunting for rodents. But their docile nature helped propagate the milk-drinking myth. Milk snakes grow to about 4 feet long and come in a striking array of colors and patterns. Some are banded shades of red, black and yellow. Others display a “saddleback” pattern. Albino and other morphs are also available. Milk snakes are active during the day, allowing owners to observe their behaviors. When cared for properly, milk snakes live 15-20 years. Their vibrant colors and gentle disposition make milk snakes a popular choice.
Kingsnake
Kingsnakes comprise a group of colubrid snake species native to the Americas. Some of the most popular kingsnakes kept as pets include California kingsnakes, Mexican kingsnakes and Florida kingsnakes. Kingsnakes are constrictors that come in a range of colors and patterns. Striped, banded and speckled varieties occur. Kingsnakes typically grow 3-6 feet long. They eat rodents, lizards, eggs and other snakes. In fact, they have a natural resistance to venom that allows them to prey on rattlesnakes. Kingsnakes are diurnal, which allows observation of their hunting behaviors. When cared for properly, they live 15-20 years. Kingsnakes are hardy and make excellent captives when provided proper housing and food.
Ratsnake
Ratsnakes are large, powerful constrictors that nonetheless have a reputation for having mellow dispositions. In the wild they fill an important niche controlling rodent populations. Some popular ratsnakes kept as pets include black ratsnakes, Texas ratsnakes, yellow ratsnakes and Everglades ratsnakes. Most species reach 4-7 feet long as adults. Ratsnakes come in a variety of colors and patterns, from solid black to yellow with dorsal blotches. While large and powerful, ratsnakes tend not to be nippy or nervous when handled regularly. Captive bred ratsnakes are typically more docile than wild-caught. When given proper housing, temperatures, food and humidity, ratsnakes can live 15-25 years in captivity. For an experienced snake owner, ratsnakes can make engaging and beautiful display animals.
Choosing Your Pet Snake
When deciding which snake is right for you, there are several important factors to consider:
- Size – Snakes range greatly in adult size. Be sure to select a species that fits your ability to provide proper housing.
- Temperature needs – Some snakes require very specific temperature gradients. Make sure your climate can accommodate your snake’s needs.
- Temperament – Shy and nippy snakes require more experience than docile, handleable species.
- Care difficulty – Certain snakes have more demanding care requirements than others. Opt for an easy keeper as your first snake.
- Cost – Purchase price, housing, feeding and vet care costs vary. Make sure you can afford proper care.
By selecting the right snake for your situation, you’ll be able to enjoy keeping snakes for years to come!
Housing Your Pet Snake
Proper housing is essential to keeping pet snakes healthy and safe. Here are some key considerations for housing pet snakes:
- Enclosure size – The enclosure should be large enough for the snake to fully extend and move around. Recommended minimums are approximately equivalent to the snake’s length.
- Substrate – Options include aspen shavings, cypress mulch or reptile carpeting. Substrate should be able to hold some moisture and be changed regularly.
- Hides – At least two snug-fitting hides, one on each temperature side, are needed for security.
- Climbing branches – Giving snakes opportunities to climb and explore enrich their environment.
- Water dish – A sturdy water dish large enough for soaking should be provided.
- Temperature – Proper temperature gradients must be maintained with heat lamps and/or under tank heaters.
- Humidity – Some snakes, like ball pythons, require higher humidity around 60%, which can be provided with misting, a moist hide box or humidifier.
- Security – Snakes are adept escape artists. Secure the enclosure properly to prevent escapes.
Following these housing guidelines helps keep pet snakes healthy and comfortable in captivity.
Feeding Your Snake
Feeding pet snakes an appropriate diet is extremely important for their health. Here are some key feeding tips:
- Most snakes eat whole prey such as mice, rats, chicks or rabbits. Frozen-thawed rodents from pet stores are easiest.
- Hatchling snakes generally eat mouse “pinkies” then graduate to larger mice and eventually small rats.
- Feed appropriate sized prey – prey width should be less than widest part of snake’s body.
- Feed approximately weekly for younger snakes, less often for adults.
- Use tongs to avoid bites when feeding aggressive feeders.
- Provide water bowl for drinking and soaking after meals.
- Uneaten prey should be discarded – do not re-freeze thawed rodents.
By following these feeding best practices, pet snakes remain well nourished in captivity.
Regular Maintenance
Caring for pet snakes also involves some regular maintenance. Be sure to:
- Spot clean messes/urates frequently
- Change water regularly
- Disinfect enclosure decor periodically
- Replace substrate every 1-3 months
- Clean water bowls, hides and decor with pet-safe disinfectant weekly
- Check heating elements to ensure proper function
- Trim plants/branches as needed
Performing regular cleaning and maintenance creates a healthy environment for your pet snake.
Potential Health Issues
Being aware of potential health issues can help you recognize signs of illness in your pet snake. Some problems to watch for include:
- Respiratory infections – wheezing, mucus, gapping mouth
- Mites – small dots on skin, excess shedding/scratching
- Injuries – cuts, abrasions, swelling, bruising
- Dehydration – wrinkled skin, dry shed, weight loss
- Regurgitation – undigested food expelled from mouth
- Dysecdysis – inability to shed properly in one piece
- Stargazing – holding head upright for prolonged periods
- Wobbly movements – may indicate neurological issue
Seeking qualified vet care at the first sign of illness greatly improves outcomes. An annual checkup can also help catch issues early.
Enrichment and Handling
Providing proper enrichment and handling helps pet snakes thrive. Here are some tips:
- Add climbing branches, live or silk plants, and hide boxes
- Provide opportunities to explore outside enclosure when supervised
- Change decor periodically for mental stimulation
- Handle gently and deliberately, avoid fast movements
- Limit handling after feeding for proper digestion
- Support body fully when handling, don’t dangle
- Look for signs of stress like hissing or balling up and stop handling
With regular gentle handling and ample enrichment, pet snakes remain calm and content in captivity.
Conclusion
From docile ball pythons and corn snakes to brightly colored milk snakes and kingsnakes, some of the coolest pet snakes make enjoyable captives for new and experienced owners. Their unique behaviors, beautiful scales and range of sizes appeal to reptile enthusiasts. By selecting the right snake, providing proper housing with ideal temperatures and humidity, feeding an appropriate diet, maintaining cleanliness, enriching their environment and handling gently, pet snakes can thrive and reward their owners with many years of enjoyment.