Best Small Pet Snakes for Beginners | Care Guide

I’ve always loved reptiles, especially the beauty and behaviors of snakes. But, I know some new folks might be scared of big pet snakes. So, I want to introduce you to small pet snakes. They are a great way to start in the world of snakes.

There are many kinds of small snakes, like corn snakes and kingsnakes. They come in lots of colors and patterns. Maybe you’ll like the bright milk snakes or the curious garter snakes. There’s a small snake for everyone.

Most of these snakes don’t get too big, which is perfect for homes. Corn snakes are usually 2 to 6 feet long.¹ And California King snakes are about 3 to 4 feet long.¹ Tiny rosy boas stay small, not even 4 inches as adults¹.

These small pet snakes are easy to care for and friendly. They are good for new or expert snake owners. With the right info and love, you can enjoy having a pet snake. It’s a fun journey to be a reptile owner.

Beginner-Friendly Small Pet Snakes

Looking to start with snakes? Choose small types for easy care. Many calm snakes are not hard to keep. Here are some top picks:

Corn Snake

Corn snakes are a favorite for new snake lovers. They are gentle, reaching 2-6 feet. These snakes look lovely in different colors². Start them in a 20-gallon tank and upgrade as they grow³. They need warmth, hiding places, and the right-sized food.

California Kingsnake

The California kingsnake comes from the west US. It can grow up to 3-4 feet⁴. It’s named for eating other snakes. They too need a warm, safe tank and the right food.

Rosy Boa

The rosy boa is small and calm, topping at 3-4 feet long. It’s from the southwest US and Mexico³. They do well with a simple setup. A bit of digging space and the right temperature work for them. Give them the right kind of food weekly to every other week³.

Choosing the right snake helps you learn and have fun. With the correct care, these small snakes are great for beginners.

Small Pet Snakes Care Basics

It’s vital to give small pet snakes the right home and care. They need an escape-proof enclosure to stay safe since they can get out. The enclosure’s size must be big enough for the snake to move around. It should have warm and cool spots.⁵⁶

Enclosure Setup

Put hides in the warm and cool areas for your snake to feel secure.⁷ Use cypress mulch or aspen shavings for the floor for burrowing. Adding branches and rocks makes the habitat feel more natural.⁶ This setup, with the right size and items, is good for your snake’s health.

Temperature and Humidity

It’s important to control the temperature and humidity for your snake. Snakes do well in a wide range from 75-80°F on the cool side to 88-92°F on the warm side.⁵⁶ Use heating pads under the tank to make this happen. Ball pythons like it more humid, but others do well with lower moisture.⁶

Feeding and Diet

What snakes eat is very important for their health. Baby snakes should eat small defrosted mice every 5-7 days.⁵⁶ As they grow, they can take on bigger meals like rat pups. Grown snakes might need big rodents every 10-14 days.⁶ Feed them at night using tongs in the warm part of their home. Always keep fresh water ready.⁷

Small Pet Snakes Handling and Temperament

Most small pet snakes are calm and friendly. But, they can be different from each other⁸. Give your new snake time to get used to their home for a week or two⁸. This helps lower their stress and makes them feel safe.

When handling your snake, make sure to hold its body well. Don’t grab its head, which can scare it⁴. Start with short times of handling and increase it slowly. This way, your snake will get used to being held more⁸. Doing it right will make your snake trust you more and can be lots of fun.

Patience and gentleness are key when handling small pet snakes. By respecting their needs and allowing them to set the pace, you can forge a rewarding bond with your scaly friend.

Even though most small snakes are calm, some may be a bit more shy⁴. They might not like to be around people, especially if they’re not used to it⁸. It’s important to treat them nicely and get them used to people from when they are babies. This makes them friendlier as they grow up.

Allow new snakes time to settle in before handling
Support their full body and avoid grabbing the head
Start slow and increase handling duration gradually
Be patient and let the snake set the pace

Choosing the Right Small Pet Snake

To find the best small pet snake, think about size, how active it is, and how cool it looks. Look at these factors to pick a snake that fits your life and what you like.

Size Considerations

How big the snake gets is a big deal. Garter snakes stay small, around 2-3 feet.⁸ But corn snakes and kingsnakes can grow much larger, from 4 to 6 feet.³⁸ So, pick a snake that fits the space you have, especially as they grow.

Activity Levels

Snakes differ in how much they move around. Garter snakes love to explore and are always on the go.⁸ Ball pythons, on the other hand, are calm and like to hide most of the time.³⁸ Think about if you want a snake that’s always moving or prefers to stay put. Snakes that move a lot often are also excited about eating.

Appearance and Color Morphs

The look of a snake can be a big draw for many people. Corn and kingsnakes come in lots of colors and patterns. They might have unique looks with reds, oranges, or blacks.³ Ball pythons are also a favorite because they come in many bright colors and stand out.³ If the way a snake looks matters to you, check out the different choices out there.

Popular Small Pet Snake Species

Looking for a small snake as a pet? Garter snakes, milk snakes, and ball pythons are great. They’re popular because they’re easy to take care of. And they each have their own cool features.

Garter Snakes

Garter snakes are small and easy to take care of. They’re from North America and make a good first snake. They’re usually less than 4 feet long. These snakes have cool patterns. They have stripes and blotches on them.

They are active during the day. So, they like a lot of things to climb on in their homes. They don’t need a lot of room, so they’re not expensive to care for.

Milk Snakes

Milk snakes look a lot like dangerous coral snakes. But they are really friendly and safe. They grow to be about 2 to 5 feet long.

Sometimes they might nip if they’re not used to being picked up. But with warm hiding spots and the right food, they’ll be happy. They are a good choice for people who are new to snakes.

Ball Pythons

Ball pythons are very popular pets. They are known for their calm nature and interesting looks. They can be 3 to 5 feet long but are very friendly. They like to have their home a bit humid, around 60%.

Feeding them can sometimes be a little tricky. But they are usually very gentle. They are a good challenge for people wanting to learn more about snake care.

Species	Average Length	Temperament	Care Level
Garter Snakes	18-26 inches⁴	Active, Docile	Beginner
Milk Snakes	2-5 feet⁹	Docile, Potential Nipping	Beginner
Ball Pythons	3-5 feet	Calm, Docile	Intermediate

Small Pet Snakes for Beginners

Small pet snakes are a great start for new reptile owners. Types like corn snakes, kingsnakes, and rosy boas are easy to care for. They stay small, which is perfect for beginners.

Starting with a small snake means it’s usually friendly. Corn snakes, for one, are very calm. This makes them good for new snake owners.

Beginers can learn a lot by caring for a small snake. They learn about the right home and care. This sets a good path for possibly getting more snakes later on.

Owning a snake means being ready to learn and take care of it. With the right info and effort, small pet snakes can bring a lot of joy. Their looks and actions are fascinating, starting passions for these pets.

Corn snakes can get over 5 feet long and live 10-15 years.³ King snakes can reach 2-6 feet and live 15-20 years. Milk snakes vary from 2-5 feet, again by type.³ Rosy boas are about 3 feet long and can live 30 years. They are great for those who want a snake that stays small for a long time.³

Whether you love the bright corn snake colors, the smooth kingsnake patterns, or the sweet rosy boas, these small pet snakes bring fun to keeping reptiles. They are a great choice for new and experienced owners.

Conclusion

Small pet snakes are a great start for anyone new to the reptile world. Corn snakes, California kings, rosy boas, ball pythons, garter snakes, and milk snakes are perfect. They are small, pretty, and interesting. Plus, their snake habitats usually fit well in small spaces. They stay under 4-6 feet and are not hard to take care of¹⁰.

Beginners love these snakes because they are usually very calm. Corn snakes and rosy boas are great examples. They are good for people keeping snakes for the first time. By learning what each snake type needs, you make their lives great. Taking care of them is a fun and satisfying adventure11.

Focusing on these small snakes is a big reward. They make wonderful pets. No matter if you’re new or an expert, corn snakes, ball pythons, and milks can be special. They let you discover a lot about snakes. You get to enjoy their colorful world and special habits in their small spaces.

FAQ

What are some good small pet snakes for beginners?

For new snake owners, consider corn snakes and California kingsnakes. Also, look at rosy boas, gopher snakes, and ball pythons. These snakes are friendly, easy to care for, and not too big.

What size enclosure do small pet snakes need?

They need a safe enclosure that opens in the front. It should be big enough for them to stretch out. Include warm and cool spots, along with cozy hiding places and natural items.

How do I control temperature and humidity for small pet snakes?

Keep the cool side 75-80°F and the warm side 88-92°F with a heating pad and a thermostat. Snakes like ball pythons need a humid environment, about 60%. This is achieved through hiding spots that stay moist or gentle spraying.

What should I feed my small pet snake?

Feed them frozen/thawed mice or rat pups. Hatchlings eat every 5-7 days, while adults might eat every 10-14 days. Always have fresh water for them.

How do I handle small pet snakes?

Give your snake time to get used to its new home, a week or two. When handling, support their whole body and avoid the head. Start short and easy with handling, making it longer as your snake gets more used to it.

What factors should I consider when choosing a small pet snake?

Think about the snake’s final size and the space you can offer. Check their activity level and behavior to see if it fits what you want. Some people also choose based on the snake’s look or special coloring.

Are there any other popular small pet snake species?

Other good choices are garter snakes, milk snakes, and ball pythons. Garters and milks are colorful. Ball pythons are calm and come in many unique patterns.

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Best Small Pet Snakes for Beginners | Care Guide