Snakes are among the list of creepy-crawlies that many would never consider for a pet. Some snakes, I would have to agree with them. While snakes are fascinating, they are wild reptiles, and most are not suitable for an average household. Here are some snakes I have owned and handled, throughout the last ten years, and recommend for pets.
5.) Gopher Snake
The snake has always been many breeders, enthusiasts, and snake lovers go to choice for a snake. They are extremely docile, easily handled, and feed extremely well. They rarely turn down a meal, making it easy to predict their feeding behavior. They eat small animals, like most snakes, and do not grow over 6 feet. They are perfect for shy humans, in regards to snakes, as they are the most easily handled of many breeds of snakes.
Size: 4-6 feet
Age: 10-20 years
Tank Size: 20-25 gallon
4.) Antaresia
The Antaresia is also known as the “Children’s Python” as it is a non-venomous species, and the smallest of the python species. It is native to Australia, and is very docile, easily handled, and beautiful. It can live quite long, though, and requires more commitment on the owner’s part. They are also known as the spotted python.
Size: 3-4 feet
Age: 20-30 years
Tank Size 20-25 gallon
3.) California King Snake
The king is named with accuracy. It is a powerful constrictor that grows to a medium size-about 4 feet, but is known to bite, and its readiness to constrict, bite, and eat other snake species, especially venomous ones. They have an extreme and interesting resilience to the debilitating effects of snake venom. Despite all of their power and prowess in nature, they are very docile and easily handled with humans. They are relatively cheap as well, around $20 for a baby, and $50 for an adult. I recommend this as a starter snake as well
Size: 3-4 feet
Age: 18+
Tank Size: 25 gallon
2.) Corn Snake
Corn Snakes are ever popular as pets, for they have a distinct red-orange patterned appearance, and are the easiest constrictor to take care of. They are also known as the red rat snake, for they generally prey upon rats, mice, and other rodents commonly found in open fields. They are easily “domesticated” and can become accustom to handling if done on a regular basis. These are a bit larger than the garter, but are interesting, as they are constrictors.
Size:4-6 feet
Age: 15-23
Tank Size: 30 gallon
1.) Garter Snake
The garter snake was my first real pet, and I quickly learned to love it with my whole heart. I named it Fang, although the docile snake only has teeth far behind its jaw line, making it not dangerous at all. They eat goldfish or small mice, to slugs and small frogs, and are very easily taken care of. I was able to handle mine every day, carry it around with me, and it even went swimming with me. I would recommend this as a first snake to anyone. They come in many different varieties of colors, as there are multiple different species of garter snakes that are indigenous to North America
Size:3-4 feet
Age: up to 15 years
Tank Size: 20 gallon
