A Guide to the Best Snake Species for First-Time Owners
Thinking about getting a pet snake? Snakes can be fascinating, low-maintenance pets, but choosing the right species is crucial—especially for beginners. The best pet snakes for first-time owners are typically non-venomous, easy to handle, and have simple care requirements. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 beginner-friendly pet snakes and what makes them great choices.
1. Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus)
Why They’re Great:
✔️ Docile and easy to handle
✔️ Low-maintenance care requirements
✔️ Available in a variety of colors and patterns
Corn snakes are one of the most popular pet snakes for beginners. They rarely bite, adapt well to handling, and require a simple setup—just a secure enclosure with heating and hiding spots. They grow to a manageable size of 3-5 feet and live up to 20 years.
2. Ball Python (Python regius)
Why They’re Great:
✔️ Calm and slow-moving temperament
✔️ Tolerates handling well
✔️ Compact size (3-5 feet)
Ball pythons are another favorite among first-time snake owners. They curl into a ball when nervous (hence the name) rather than acting aggressively. They thrive in simple enclosures with proper heat and humidity. The only challenge is that they sometimes refuse food, but with patience, they make fantastic pets.
3. Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata)
Why They’re Great:
✔️ Small size (2-4 feet)
✔️ Easy to care for and hardy
✔️ Gentle and slow-moving
Rosy boas are a great choice for beginners due to their small size and easygoing nature. They require minimal care and are generally tolerant of handling. Since they don’t need high humidity, they are less prone to health issues compared to some other species.
4. California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae)
Why They’re Great:
✔️ Beautiful and highly active
✔️ Hardy and adaptable
✔️ Moderate size (3-4 feet)
California kingsnakes are an excellent option for beginners who want a lively and engaging pet. They are known for their bold black-and-white patterns and curious nature. They can be a bit feisty at first, but with regular handling, they become tame.
5. Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)
Why They’re Great:
✔️ Small size (2-3 feet)
✔️ Active and fun to watch
✔️ Can eat fish and worms instead of rodents
Unlike most pet snakes, garter snakes don’t require a rodent-based diet—they can eat fish and worms, making them a great choice for those uncomfortable with feeding mice. They are quick and active, so they may not be the best choice for those looking for a slow-moving snake.
6. Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum)
Why They’re Great:
✔️ Stunning red, black, and white patterns
✔️ Low-maintenance and hardy
✔️ Moderate size (3-5 feet)
Milk snakes are a close relative of kingsnakes and are just as easy to care for. They are known for their striking coloration, which resembles venomous coral snakes. While they can be a bit nervous as juveniles, they settle down with regular handling.
7. Western Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicus)
Why They’re Great:
✔️ Adorable upturned snout
✔️ Playful personality
✔️ Stays small (1.5-3 feet)
Western hognose snakes are one of the most charming pet snakes. They have a unique “bluffing” behavior where they hiss and play dead—but they are completely harmless. Their small size and friendly temperament make them a great choice for beginners.
8. Children’s Python (Antaresia childreni)
Why They’re Great:
✔️ Small and manageable (2-3 feet)
✔️ Tolerates handling well
✔️ Low-maintenance care requirements
Despite the name, Children’s pythons aren’t named after kids—they were named after a scientist named John George Children. These small pythons are great for beginners due to their calm nature and ease of care. They thrive in a simple setup with a warm basking spot and hiding places.
9. African House Snake (Boaedon fuliginosus)
Why They’re Great:
✔️ Small and slender (2-4 feet)
✔️ Docile and easy to handle
✔️ Low humidity requirements
African house snakes are an underrated but excellent choice for beginners. They are hardy, easy to feed, and don’t require high humidity like some tropical species. Their calm demeanor makes them great for handling.
10. Rat Snake (Pantherophis obsoletus & others)
Why They’re Great:
✔️ Active and fun to observe
✔️ Hardy and adaptable
✔️ Moderate size (4-6 feet)
Rat snakes are closely related to corn snakes and share many of the same beginner-friendly traits. They are active hunters, so they are fascinating to watch. Though some species can be a bit more defensive, they usually tame down with regular handling.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a first-time snake owner, any of these species would make an excellent pet. Before bringing one home, make sure to:
✅ Research their specific care needs
✅ Set up a proper enclosure with heat, humidity, and hiding spots
✅ Be patient and handle your snake regularly to build trust
Snakes can be rewarding, low-maintenance pets if given the right care. Which beginner-friendly snake is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! 🐍
