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If you’re considering getting a best pet snake, it’s important to know that while these creatures are fascinating, they require a lot of care and attention. Snakes have specific needs that must be met, and only people who are committed to providing proper care should keep them as pets.
That being said, many snake species can make great pets for those who are willing to put in the effort. Before getting a best pet snake, it’s crucial to research your options carefully to determine which pet snake species are best for beginners.
Discover the best pet snake for beginners with our comprehensive guide. Whether you’re a seasoned reptile enthusiast or a curious beginner, learn about the most suitable snake species for first-time snake owners and how to provide them with the best care possible.
Things to Know Before Getting a Snake as a Pet
There are many species of snakes that can be expected to live for more than 20 years, so it’s important to remember that getting one as a pet means committing to a long-term relationship.
You must be willing to feed your snake live prey animals, even if previously frozen, pre-killed prey is the best option, and you will almost certainly need to set aside freezer space for frozen prey items. However, previously frozen prey is the safest option (i.e., rodents).
Because snakes are expert escape artists, you must make certain that their enclosure does not allow them to escape in any way. Snakes are very determined to locate and squeeze through any small gaps that they come across.
Even though they are stunningly beautiful, large snakes that can squeeze their prey and poisonous snakes should not be kept as pets because they are dangerous.
If at all possible, purchase a snake that was bred in captivity from a reputable breeder. Snakes that have been captured in the wild are more likely to be stressed, be susceptible to parasites and disease, and be more difficult to tame.
How to select a Healthy Snake
You are going to want to perform a quick examination on your snake in order to check for any signs of illness. Some of these signs include bubbles coming out of the snake’s nose, retained skin, closed eyes, and mouth rot.
Make sure your new snake readily accepts pre-killed prey and is eating well by requesting a feeding demonstration from the store where you purchased it. Because ball pythons are known for having problems with their diets, this is a method that works especially well for them.
Recommended best pet snake for Beginners
All of these snakes are of a manageable size, have a low maintenance requirement, and are typically quite tame when it comes to being cared for as pets.
Due to the high demand for these animals, breeders and exhibitors at reptile shows typically have no trouble locating them. Corn snakes, Hognose snakes, milk snakes, king snakes, ball pythons, and corn pythons are all examples.
Snakes for Beginners to Avoid
Novice snake keepers should avoid large constricting snakes, venomous snakes, and snakes with more difficult care requirements.
Some examples of these types of snakes include the following: Water snakes, Green snakes, Tree boas or pythons, Boa constrictors, Burmese pythons.
Snakes that have the potential to be very dangerous (either to their owners or to others in the area), including but not limited to reticulated pythons, anacondas, and any venomous snakes, should be avoided as pets.
6 Best Pet Snakes For You
Children’s Pythons
Children’s Pythons can reach lengths of between 2.5 and 4 feet, making them exceptionally rare examples of medium-sized snakes that remain relatively small. These are wonderful pets for people just starting out, and they are calm enough to be around children as long as they are supervised.
Rodents provide the reptile with the most basic form of care and food. When treated with kindness and consistency in their handling, their temperaments are excellent. They have a possible lifespan of up to 30 years and will cost you anywhere from $70 to $350.
The Western Hognose Snake
The Western Hognose Snake is a species that can be found in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It gets its name from the pig-like appearance of its nose. The breds are active in the mornings and evenings and eat toads, small lizards, and mice (when toads and lizards aren’t available).
Mice are their primary source of protein. The Hognose searches for toads that have buried themselves in the sand by digging holes. The hognose is not aggressive, even when handled improperly, and their hissing is not considered to be such. The price range for the boa is $100–$700.
Garter Snake
Garters are widely kept as pets and are among the most common species of wild snakes found worldwide. Garters kept as pets consume worms and juvenile fish as food. Because they share requirements for heating and lighting, they do not call for a great deal of maintenance.
As the garter enjoys basking in the sun, it is important to provide them with a basking lamp when you set them up. They never get any longer than four feet, which makes them an extremely unusual species of short snake.
The garter snake is a common intruder in backyards, but because they are relatively unthreatening and easy to handle, children can safely interact with them. The price of the snakes is less than fifty dollars each.
Ball Python
The ball python is well-known for its finicky eating habits and the foods it prefers. They favor meals that have been thawed or freshly killed, but there are times when they go for long stretches without eating anything.
However, they are quiet and submissive by nature, and they are suspicious. You are going to have to invest some effort into earning their confidence. The ability of the snake to roll itself up into a ball when it feels threatened is one of its distinguishing features.
They can get quite thick despite remaining relatively small, with a maximum height of five feet. Ball pythons can live for up to three decades and can cost anywhere from $25 to $200 depending on how rare they are.
The California King Snake
The California King Snake typically has brownish-black coloring with yellow stripes, bands, or speckles on its body. The Cali King is a timid and docile animal that does well with frequent handling. It is an excellent snake for beginners.
The snake does not show any signs of aggression when it is under pressure. The hounds would rather conceal themselves by rolling into a ball and hiding.
They require standard maintenance; their diet consists of mice; and their lifespan can reach up to 20 years. For a price ranging from $70 to $170, you can purchase one for your very own use.
The Corn Snake
The Corn Snake is highly recommended for those who are just getting started. They are indigenous to the United States and can usually be found in terrestrial habitats. It is possible to capture them in the wild if done so by trained professionals.
However, captive breeds have been shown to have better health and more even temperaments. The three-to-four foot long snake is suitable for housing in an aquarium that is 20 gallons in capacity.
They subsist on pinky mice and experience very few health issues as a result. Consider a cost that falls somewhere in the range of $40 to $100 on average.
Advice for both beginner and experienced reptile keepers.
Keeping snakes as pets
It is recommended that snakes be fed prey that has already been killed because a live rodent has the potential to inflict severe wounds on a snake while the snake is defending itself (plus it is more convenient to keep a supply of frozen prey in your freezer than raise or buy live animals for feeding).
Making a Temperature Gradient
Moving between cooler and warmer environments allows snakes to maintain a stable internal temperature, which is essential for their survival. Your best pet snake needs a gradient in its enclosure and the warm side of the tank needs to be at the right temperature for it to be healthy and able to digest its food.
Symptoms of a Snake About to Shed Its Skin
There are a few fairly common signs that a snake is about to shed its skin that, to someone who has never owned a snake before, may seem a little bit alarming. Learn what to look for so that you are not surprised when it happens.
How to Handle a Snake?
You will want to get the pet used to seeing you around before you leave. And no one who owns a snake wants one that is too slippery to hold! But you need to make sure that you do it safely. The young pet snakes, which are not used to being handled by humans, will require some training.
Please start by washing your hands. Any odor could be misinterpreted as coming from food. In addition, cleaning decreases the likelihood that the snake will pick up any parasites or bacteria that could be harmful to it.
You want the snake to become accustomed to the presence of humans, even though one day it may not be necessary to do so.
Put your hand in the cage and let it stay there for up to three minutes before you handle the animal. The suspicious snake will probably avoid you at first because of your presence.
They will eventually come to investigate you because of their acute sense of smell, which allows them to recognize you.
You shouldn’t think that a calming conversation might be helpful. Even though they don’t have a hearing impairment, snakes are unable to understand human speech.
Always move in a steady and predictable manner. Never startle a snake! Even if you’re just observing things from the outside, looking in.
You can approach your pet snake from the front or from the side, whether it is inside or outside of its enclosure. Not from above, and never think you can surprise yourself by doing so. You are going to be surprised by that snake!
Also, while we are discussing unexpected occurrences, you should not attempt to pick up a pet snake that is hissing. Either the snake is scared or it is trying to defend itself.
After it has eaten, it is not the time to mess with it. When it is shedding, keep away from it. When your reptile is sleepy but alert, it is the best time to handle it until it becomes accustomed to your presence.
Finally…
In conclusion, for those considering getting a best pet snake, it’s important to choose a species that is well-suited to a beginner’s level of experience. While there are many different types of snakes available as pets, some are more manageable than others.
The corn snake, ball python, and king snake are all great options for beginners, thanks to their relatively docile natures and ease of care. Each of these snakes has its own unique characteristics and requirements, but with a little research and preparation, they can make great pets for anyone interested in the world of reptiles.
Before bringing a best pet snake into your home, it’s important to be fully informed about their needs and habits. Make sure you have the proper equipment, including an appropriate habitat, heating and lighting, and the right type of food. And don’t forget to find a reputable veterinarian who specializes in reptiles in case you need expert advice or medical care.
Overall, with the right knowledge and care, a best pet snake can be a fascinating and rewarding addition to your home. So, whether you’re a seasoned reptile enthusiast or a curious beginner, consider adding one of these three snakes to your family and enjoy the unique experience of sharing your life with a cold-blooded friend.
FAQs
How can I determine my snake is male or female?
There are a few different approaches you can take in order to establish whether the snake in question is male or female.
How to Find an Escaped Pet Snake?
The following information on locating lost pets is provided in the event that your newly acquired snake proves to be an expert flee artist. It just might help you find your pet (but keep in mind that a snake will most likely head for a warm, enclosed space).
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