There are quite a few questions about which pet snake to choose for beginners to keep reptiles. Especially small snakes, legless reptiles that make many people shiver, but are especially attractive to young people who admire this super poisonous hobby. The article Top 5 Small Pet Snakes For Beginners will help you learn more about small snakes as pets.
Why do many people choose small snakes as pets?
Many people keep small snakes as pets because they are low-maintenance, don’t take up much space, and are relatively easy to handle. They are also less expensive to feed and care for than larger snakes and can be housed in smaller tanks or enclosures.
Furthermore, some small snake species are considered docile, making them suitable for handling by people of all ages and experience levels. They are also low-noise, so they do not disturb the environment or make any noise that their owners may find bothersome.
Top 5 Small Pet Snakes For Beginners
Pantherophis guttata
Pantherophis guttata, also known as the eastern garter snake, is a North American snake species. It is one of the most widespread garter snake species in the United States, and it can be found in a variety of habitats such as forests, grasslands, and wetlands. They are most active during the day and are frequently found near water.
They eat a wide range of prey, such as earthworms, leeches, amphibians, and fish. They are nonvenomous and do not pose a threat to humans. They can be found in many different color variations in the wild, but in captivity, they are frequently bred to enhance color variations. Because they are tough animals, they are a popular choice for beginners looking for a snake pet.
Pantherophis guttata can be a good pet for people who want to keep a snake as a companion animal. They are relatively simple to care for, don’t take up much space, and are generally docile, making them easy to handle. They are also hardy animals, which means they can withstand a variety of conditions and are forgiving of novice keepers’ mistakes. They are also widely available in pet stores, reptile shows, and through breeders.
It is important to note that keeping any animal as a pet necessitates a significant time and financial commitment, and it is critical to conduct research and be prepared to provide a suitable living environment and diet for the snake. Furthermore, before getting a pet, consider the long-term care, or what would happen to the animal if you were no longer able to keep it.
In general, these snakes are recommended for novice snake keepers who want to keep a small, hardy species.
The California mountain kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula California)
For experienced snake keepers, the California mountain kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula California) can also make an excellent pet. It is a subspecies of the common kingsnake, which is well-known for its calm and docile demeanor and ease of care. These snakes are active during the day and are easy to handle. They are popular among snake enthusiasts because of their distinctive and colorful patterns.
California mountain kingsnakes, like other snake species, require a specific set of temperature and humidity conditions to maintain optimal health, as well as a proper diet that includes a variety of appropriately-sized prey items. They also require an enclosure with plenty of hiding places and space to move around.
It’s also worth noting that these snakes aren’t commonly found in pet stores, so finding them may be more difficult. They are also protected under California state law, so make certain that any animal you acquire is obtained legally.
In general, a California mountain kingsnake can be an excellent addition to the collection of a snake keeper with experience and a willingness to provide the proper care and environment. This is the next snake in the Top 5 Small Pet Snakes For Beginners.
The Rosy boa (Lichanura trivirgata)
The Rosy boa (Lichanura trivirgata) is a snake that can be kept as a pet by experienced snake keepers. Because of their small size and docile nature, they are relatively easy to handle and care for. They are native to western North America’s deserts and chaparral regions, specifically Arizona, California, Baja California, and Mexico.
Rosy boas are generally active during the day and are hardy creatures. They are relatively easy to keep in captivity; they require a specific temperature and humidity range, as well as a proper diet that includes appropriately-sized prey items such as mice. They also require an enclosure with plenty of hiding places and space to move around.
It’s important to note that these snakes aren’t as common in pet stores as other species, so finding them for sale may be difficult. Rosy Boas can be a great addition to a snake keeper who has the experience and is willing to provide the proper care and environment. They require little upkeep, and their small size and docile nature make them an excellent choice for those looking to keep a snake as a pet.
Gopher snakes (Pituophis catenifer)
Pituophis catenifer, also known as bull snakes, can make good pets for experienced snake keepers. Because of their calm and docile nature, these snakes are relatively easy to handle and care for. They are native to western North America, where they can be found in a variety of habitats such as deserts, grasslands, and woodlands.
Gopher snakes are generally active during the day and are tough creatures. They are relatively simple to keep in captivity, requiring only a specific range of temperatures and humidity, as well as a proper diet that includes appropriately-sized prey such as mice or rats. They also require an enclosure with plenty of hiding places and space to move around.
It’s important to note that these snakes can grow to be quite large, reaching lengths of up to 6ft, so they’ll need a large enclosure as adults and may become more difficult to handle as they grow larger. Furthermore, these snakes are protected in some states, so make sure that any animal you obtain is legal.
In general, Gopher snakes can be an excellent addition to the collection of a snake keeper with experience and a willingness to provide the proper care and environment. They require little upkeep, and their calm and docile nature makes them an excellent choice for those looking to keep a snake as a pet.
However, due to their large size, it may be preferable for those who have previous experience with large snakes. This is the next snake in the Top 5 Small Pet Snakes For Beginners.
The Ball Python (Python regius)
The Ball Python (Python regius) is a snake species that can be kept as a pet by experienced snake keepers. They are popular as pets due to their small size, docile nature, and a wide variety of color and pattern morphs. They are indigenous to West and Central Africa, specifically Ghana, Togo, Burkina Faso, and Sudan.
Ball pythons are generally active during the day and are hardy creatures. They are relatively simple to keep in captivity and have specific requirements in terms of temperature, humidity, and diet. They need a warm and humid environment, with a basking spot of around 90°F and a cooler area of around 78°F.
Their diet should consist of small prey items like mice or rats. They also require an enclosure with plenty of hiding places and space to move around. It’s important to note that Ball Pythons can live in captivity for 20-30 years, so owning one is a long-term commitment.
They also have a proclivity to enter a state known as “brumation,” which is a type of hibernation that can last several weeks to several months. As a result, the owner must be prepared to provide the necessary care and environment during this time.
Ball Pythons can be a great addition to a snake keeper who has the experience and is willing to provide the proper care and environment. They require little upkeep, and their small size and docile nature make them an excellent choice for those looking to keep a snake as a pet.
Furthermore, the numerous color morphs that have been developed over the years make them an appealing option for snake enthusiasts. This is the next snake in the Top 5 Small Pet Snakes For Beginners.
Conclusion
Each species of small snake has distinct characteristics and needs, and it is critical to select the appropriate one based on your personal preferences and abilities as a snake keeper. You should also speak with experienced snake keepers, who can give you valuable advice and guidance on what it’s like to keep a specific species of snake as a pet. Hope the article Top 5 Small Pet Snakes For Beginners will provide useful information for you.
