10 Best Pet Snakes For Beginners

1. Ball Python

Another popular choice for beginners is the ball python. Known for their gentle demeanor, ball pythons are an excellent choice for beginners. These snakes are known for their docile temperament and are easy to handle.

Ball pythons typically grow 3-5 feet long and require a 40-gallon terrarium. Ball pythons come in various colors and patterns, making them visually appealing.

2. Corn Snake

The corn snake is one of the most popular pet snakes in the world. Corn snakes are renowned for their docile nature and vibrant colors. They are docile, easy to care for, and come in various colors and patterns.

Corn snakes are typically 3-5 feet long as adults and require a 20-gallon terrarium. They are also relatively inexpensive to purchase and maintain. Corn snakes have straightforward dietary needs, primarily feeding on mice, making them an ideal choice for those new to snake ownership.

3. King Snake

The kingsnake is a popular choice for beginners because they are hardy and relatively easy to care for. They are typically 4-6 feet long as adults and require a 40-gallon terrarium. Kingsnakes come in various colors and patterns, and they are relatively affordable.

King snakes are not only beautiful but also known for their calm demeanor. Their adaptability to different environments and diets, including other snakes, makes them relatively easy to care for. King snakes come in various colors and patterns, providing options for different aesthetic preferences.

4. Rosy Boa

The rosy boa is a small, docile snake perfect for beginners. They are typically 2-3 feet long as adults and require a 20-gallon terrarium. Rosy boas come in a variety of colors and patterns, and they are relatively affordable.

They are generally calm and easy to handle. Rosy boas have a straightforward diet, primarily consisting of rodents, and they thrive in a correctly set-up enclosure with a warm gradient.

5. Children's Python

The children's python is a small snake that is perfect for beginners. They are typically 2-4 feet long as adults and require a 20-gallon terrarium. Children's pythons come in various colors and patterns and are relatively affordable.

They are known for their calm nature, making them an excellent choice for beginners. These low-maintenance pythons and their modest size suit those with limited space.

6. Garter Snake

Garter snakes are known for their lively personalities and are relatively small in size, ranging from 2-4 feet. They have a varied diet that includes fish, earthworms, and amphibians.

Garter snakes are well-suited for beginners who are looking for a more active and engaging pet.

7. Kenyan Sand Boa

Kenyan sand boas are unique in appearance and have a calm disposition. Their compact size (around 2-3 feet) and ease of care, including a preference for burrowing in a substrate, make them well-suited for beginners. 

They are also known for being hardy and adaptable. Kenyan sand boas come in a variety of colors and patterns, and they are relatively affordable.

8. California Kingsnake

The California kingsnake is a popular choice for beginners and is known for its striking appearance and docile nature. They are relatively small, usually ranging from 3-4 feet, and are easy to care for.

Kingsnakes have a diverse diet, including rodents and other small snakes, making them fascinating to observe.

California kingsnakes come in different colors and patterns and are relatively affordable.

9. Rat Snake

Rat snakes are available in various species, many of which are suitable for beginners. They are known for their calm demeanor and manageable size, with lengths typically ranging from 4-6 feet.

Rat snakes have straightforward care requirements and are excellent eaters.

10. Hognose snakes

The hognose snake is famous for beginners because it is docile and relatively easy to care for. Hognose snakes are characterized by their upturned noses and unique patterns. They are generally docile and remain relatively small, ranging from 1.5-3 feet. 

Hognose snakes have a distinctive feeding behavior, often playing dead when threatened, adding an exciting aspect to their care.

Hognose snakes come in a variety of colors and patterns, and they are relatively affordable.

You May Also Consider

Milk Snake

The milk snake is a docile snake that is perfect for beginners. They are typically 3-4 feet long as adults. Milk snakes come in various colors and patterns and are relatively affordable.

Boa Constrictor

The boa constrictor is famous for beginners because they are docile and relatively easy to care for. They are typically 6-9 feet long as adults and require a 50-gallon terrarium. Boa constrictors come in different options, colors, and patterns and are relatively affordable.

Additional Tips for Choosing a Pet Snake

In addition to the snakes listed above, there are many other great options for beginners. When choosing a pet snake, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Size: How big will the snake get as an adult?
• Temperament: Is the snake known for being docile or aggressive?
• Care Requirements: What kind of habitat does the snake need?
• Cost: How much does it cost to purchase and care for the snake?

Talking to a veterinarian or experienced reptile keeper before getting a snake is essential. They can help you choose the suitable species and provide better guidance towards your pet care.

Research each species thoroughly, provide the proper habitat, and consult with experienced snake owners or veterinarians to ensure your new serpent companion's happy and healthy life.

With the appropriate knowledge and commitment, keeping a pet snake can be a rewarding experience for you and your scaly friend.