Why couldn’t they be asking for a hamster? You want to teach your child responsibility but a snake? You may be thinking we can’t have a pet snake. Snakes are dangerous.

I was the little boy asking my parents for a pet snake. Now 40 years later I have learned a thing or two about keeping snakes as pets. I still have a lot to learn so rather than rely only on my own experience I decided to do some research.

So, are pet snakes dangerous? Here’s what I found.

The majority of all snakes kept as pets pose very little to no threat of danger to their owners or their neighbors. Even if these snakes escaped, there would be no danger to the community. They are generally small, nonvenomous, and would likely die before they were ever seen. Some large constrictor pet snakes are dangerous, but you are more likely to die from a bee sting or dog attack than a large python.

Dangerous means “likely to cause harm or injury”.  So, anything that can cause you the slightest bit of harm is dangerous. Ants are dangerous because they can bite, sting, or spray formic acid on you. And it can hurt.

The question is, just how dangerous are pet snakes? And what degree of danger are you comfortable with?

How Dangerous Are Common Pet Snakes?

The term “pet snakes” is very general. There are many different species of snakes that are kept as pets. Each is a little bit different. Here are a few of the most popular pet snakes. All of these snakes are considered harmless to humans. Let’s take a closer look at each.

• Corn snake
• Kingsnake
• Milk snake
• Ball python
• Hognose snake

Corn Snake

Corn snakes are one of the most popular pet snakes. They were probably the most popular pet snake until the ball python craze really caught steam. They are calm, friendly, docile snakes that reach about 4-5 feet in length.

They rarely bite even if they feel threatened or are injured. Even when they do bite, the bite from a hatchling is so minimal you may not even know it’s happening. Bites from adults may draw a little blood like tiny little pinpricks.  

Kingsnake

Kingsnakes are one of the widest spread snakes in North America and have been popular pet snakes since before most of us were born. They average about 3-4 feet and are usually very docile and easy to handle. 

They also sometimes bite and probably more than any other snake on this list. This is usually because they are often hungry and mistake your hand for food. Especially if you smell like another snake or like something good to eat.  

The good thing is they are nonvenomous and their bite is considered one of the least problematic bites you can receive from a medium-sized snake.  This is true for all of the snakes on our list.

Milk Snake

Milk snakes are very popular pet snakes and have been for many years. They make great pet snakes, especially for beginners. They are easy to take care of, non-venomous, tame and easy to handle even for children.

Milk snakes usually don’t get much longer than 4 feet and are considered one of the safest pet snakes a person can own. Bites are rare and do very little damage if any.

Hognose Snake

Hognose snakes are often recommended for beginners. They are not very big averaging only about 2-3 feet in length, are very hardy, easy to handle, and easy to take care of.  These snakes are usually very tame and rarely bite but did you know that hognose snakes are actually venomous?

Yep, that’s right, a snake recommended for beginners is venomous. So why are they even sold as pets? Their venom is considered harmless to humans. So harmless in fact, that they are often listed as “nonvenomous”.

Ball Python

The ball python is by far one of the most popular, if not the most popular, pet snakes. Just the term “python” strikes fear into people’s hearts. Most people don’t realize there are 41 different species of python.  Some are large and some are small.

The ball python is a smaller sized constrictor that rarely gets longer than 5 feet. They can bite and sometimes do, but their bite is insignificant. They are typically very docile and easy to handle. When they are stressed for feel threatened, they usually just curl up into a “ball” and hide.

Fear of Snakes

Dr. Indiana Jones had ophidiophobia. A fear of snakes. This is a subcategory of herpetophobia which is the fear of reptiles. Of the top 10 phobias including social phobias, the fear of open spaces, fear of heights, and so forth, the fear of snakes is number 5.

According to the Verywell Mind, an online resource that provides guidance for mental health, researchers believe the fear of snakes is a learned fear rather an innate.

In other words, many people have an irrational fear of snakes though they don’t necessarily have ophidiophobia. They have been taught to fair snakes.

The fear of snakes is fairly common. This will probably never change but the media doesn’t help. They know that fear sells content and they try to capitalize on it as much as possible to increase their readership.

Snake related articles are therefore sensationalized to stoke those fears like pouring gasoline on a fire. Thus, the fear of snakes amplified lends itself to the belief that pet snakes are more dangerous than they actually are.

When it comes to pet snakes it seems the popular media would define “dangerous” as the very likely risk of serious injury or death. This is very far from the truth.

The majority of pet snakes are not very dangerous at all. The following video will help illustrate this point.

What Happens When Snakes Bite?

How Dangerous Are Snakes in General?

According to National Geographic, there are over 3,000 species of snakes on the planet. About 600 species are venomous, and only about 200 or 7% of them are able to kill or significantly wound a human.

According to the University of Florida, the odds of dying from a venomous snakebite are 1 in 50 million. In the United States, the odds are nearly zero because of the availability of quality medical care.

Nearly all snakes commonly kept as pets are nonvenomous or considered nonvenomous to humans. There are some very rare exceptions for individuals who have a special permit to keep venomous reptiles.

What Pet Snakes Are Dangerous?

While most pet snakes are not dangerous there are some that are. The most dangerous pet snakes are very large constrictor species such as green anacondas, reticulated pythons, and Burmese pythons. 

These snakes are also nonvenomous but can become very large and powerful. Unlike our bite video above a bite from a large constrictor can cause deep lacerations and easily send you to the hospital for stitches.  This doesn’t always happen but it can.

It’s also important to remember that large constrictors represent a very small percentage of all pet snakes. Relatively few people own them.

If you are thinking of buying a large snake as a pet and are wondering if they are dangerous the answer is yes.  Very large snakes are dangerous. 

Researchers say, between 1978 and 2009, large snakes killed 16 people in the United States. This is sobering. If you want to own a large snake you need to know that snake has the power to harm or even kill you. 

What About Other Dangerous Pets?

Let’s compare our data to a much more popular pet animal. Dogs. According to dogsbite.org between 2005 and 2018, dogs killed 471 Americans. Wow. If dogs where a neighboring country, we would surely be going to war.

I actually love dogs, (don’t tell my family) but that’s more than 30 people a year! Compare that to 16 people in 31 years for very large snakes.

Further research shows that around 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs every year, and between 6,000 to 13,000 of those result in hospitalizing. Dogs are dangerous. Perhaps more people should be afraid of dogs.

To be fair, if people owned very large snakes like people own dogs, then the number of snake related injuries and deaths would be higher.

Regardless, you are more likely to be injured by a dog than a pet snake.

More Dangerous Than Dogs and Snakes?

I developed a healthy, let’s call it respect, for bees when I was about 17 years old and was attacked by a swarm of yellow jackets. I received over 100 stings on my arms, shoulders, legs, and head. I was lucky I didn’t have a strong reaction to their stings.

It turns out that we don’t need to fear snakes and dogs nearly as much as we need to fear bees. According to the CDC, from 2000 to 2017, stings from bees and wasps were responsible for 1,109 deaths, or roughly 62 fatalities each year.

You are much more likely to die from a swarm of bees than a large pet snake. You are even more likely to die from an ant attack. (If you live in Africa). 

It turns out that ants are dangerous.  Ants kill 30 people per year. The fire ant and Siafu ants of Africa live in colonies of up to 20 million. Once they attack the colony swarms their prey.  

Most attacks that result in death are due to people falling asleep near an anthill. They die from anaphylactic shock due to countless ant bites.

Most Dangerous Creature on the Planet

There aren’t very many things that are as unnerving or annoying as the high-pitched buzzing of a mosquito in your ear.  The nearly invisible, flying, vampiric, insect whose sole intent is to literally suck your blood.  

Snakes, dogs, bees, and ants really aren’t very dangerous compared to mosquitos.

Mosquitos are the most dangerous creature on the planet – According to the World Health Organization, 1 million people die every year from mosquito bites. It’s not the actual bite that kills but what it can carry. Most of these deaths are due to malaria. 

Are Pet Snakes Dangerous?

So, are pet snakes dangerous? Though the fear of snakes is common, most pose little to no danger to their owners and those around them. They are wonderful, low maintenance pets, that are a joy to own and very safe to keep.

Some are dangerous, but not as dangerous as the media may lead people to believe. There are many other things all around you that are more dangerous than a pet snake. You are more likely to be injured by a dog or swarm of bees than pet snakes.  

Other Dangers

Speaking of other dangers. Here is a list of common things that are more dangerous that pet snakes. Some may surprise you.

• High School and College Football claim an average of 12 lives each year. We had to pull our son out of high school football due to a very severe concussion. The doctor said he was lucky it wasn’t much worse.
• Vending machines fall over and kill 13 people per year. That’s each year! More people die from vending machines than large snakes.
• Cows kill 20 people in America each year.
• Horses also kill 20 people in the U.S annually.
• Flying champagne corks kill nearly 24 people each year.
• Falling Icicles are responsible for more than 100 deaths every year. Yikes! Talk about a cold death.
• Falling coconuts kill 150 people annually. Ouch!
• Falls from ladders cause more than 350 deaths each year. Be careful when putting up those Christmas lights!
• The CDC says Falling out of bed kills 450 people annually and results in 1.8 million emergency room visits and more than 400 thousand hospitalizations each year. Apparently sleeping is dangerous.
• Hippos kill 2,900 people every year. They are considered the most dangerous animal in Africa.
• About 3,000 people die from choking on their own food annually. Eating is dangerous.
• Nearly 6,000 people die from tripping each year.  This gives new meaning to the phrase, watch your step.
• Texting while driving kills 6,000 people each year in the U.S. alone. Is Texting dangerous? It depends on when you are doing it. I wonder if people trip because they are texting?
• About 24,000 people die from being struck by lightning worldwide each year.
• 1.25 million people die in road crashes and 20-50 million people are injured or disabled each year globally.  Cars are dangerous.

I did some research and here’s what I found.

Burmese pythons can actually make excellent pets for the right person. If you have the space and ability to care for a giant snake, Burmese pythons are a great choice.  They grow very fast, are very hardy and with regular handling, can become “dog tame”. 

We will discuss all the reasons Burmese pythons make great pets for some people and why they should be avoided by others. First, let’s learn more about them.

Interesting Facts About Burmese Pythons

• Where do they come from? – Burmese pythons come from the jungles and marshes of South East Asia especially Burma. They are also found in the southeastern part of the United States in Florida and Mississippi though they are not native to those areas and are considered an invasive species.

• How big do they get? – Burmese pythons are one of the largest species of snake in the world. They can reach more than 20 feet in length, weigh up to 200 or more pounds, and be as big around as a medium-sized tree.

• How long do they live? – Burmese pythons can live up to 20 years or more in captivity.

• What do they eat? – In the wild Burmese pythons eat small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Very large adult Burmese pythons can also eat pigs, goats, sheep, small deer, other mammals, and even alligators. In captivity, they are usually fed mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, and small pigs.

• Are they venomous? – Like all pythons, Burmese pythons are not venomous

• Why are they in Florida? – Yes, Burmese pythons are an established non-native species in Florida. It is believed this started when a hurricane destroyed a large python breeding facility and many snakes spread throughout the area. Escaped pets and pets purposely released into the wild, has made the situation worse. They are considered an invasive species.

• Do they have the ability to sense the heat of animals? – Yes, similar to pit vipers (very venomous snakes), Burmese pythons have special temperature-sensitive “pits,” along their jaws that can sense the heat of nearby animals. This allows them to find prey even in the darkest nights.

More About Burmese Pythons

Now that we know a little about them let’s look at what makes them a good pet for the right person and some things you should consider very seriously before buying one.

Burmese Pythons

• Are Easy to Find
• Affordable to buy
• Easy to care for
• Very Hardy
• Can be very docile
• Grow very large
• Have very interesting patterns

Considerations

• Handling adults is challenging
• Can be expensive to feed
• Require very large enclosures
• Have a bad reputation
• May be illegal to own
• Live a long time
• Are dangerous

Why Burmese Pythons Make Great Pets for the Right Person

Are Easy to Find

Burmese pythons are very common in the pet industry and have been for many years. They can often be found in pet stores, are nearly always at reptile expos, and can easily be found online.

Considering how large they can get, there are still surprisingly, quite a few people breeding them. It’s always best to buy captive bred and if possible, directly from the breeder.

Affordable to Buy

For being one of the largest snakes in the world, Burmese pythons are very inexpensive to buy. Babies usually cost around $200.  If you want an interesting color or pattern morph that price can climb quickly.

All things considered, when compared to other snakes that don’t get nearly as big, Burmese pythons are extremely affordable.

Easy to Care For

For someone who has space and a rather large budget to feed them, Burmese pythons are easy to care for if someone is committed.

Taking care of a Burmese python is not much different than taking care of other snakes commonly recommended for beginners, such as ball pythons or king snakes.

They will need:

• An enclosure
• Heat and humidity
• Substrate
• Water
• Food

All of these things are common in keeping other snakes. With a Burmese python, it’s just at a much larger scale. And this can be a really big difference.

Still, if you are committed to having one of the largest snakes in the world as a pet, its good to know that keeping one alive and caring for one is pretty straight forward if you have the means to do so.

Very Hardy

When given the right care Burmese pythons will live very long lives in captivity. (Up to 20 years or more) They are a very hardy animal and can tolerate mistakes in care. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t learn all you can about how to take care of one but it does mean you don’t have to worry about your pet snake dying if you don’t get things perfect.

Can Be Very Docile

Of the three largest snakes in the world; green anacondas, reticulated pythons, and Burmese pythons, Burmese pythons are well known for being the most docile and easy to handle.

This isn’t to say that these other gigantic snakes can’t be tame but Burmese pythons seem to be more naturally docile. They have a reputation of adapting to handling very well.

Burmese pythons are very often used in educational programs with kids. If you have ever seen a demonstrator pull out a very large yellow and white snake for all the kids to see and touch, it’s almost always an albino Burmese python.

As with all snakes, frequent interaction and handling is key to a long rewarding relationship. The more they become accustomed to you and other people the more docile and tame they can be. To hold, touch, pet and handle a truly large snake can be a very exciting experience for kids or anyone. 

Have Very Interesting Patterns

Burmese pythons are truly spectacular. They are not only large, but they have a classic jungle pattern that keeps them well camouflaged in their environment.  They are very interesting to look at.

I prefer their natural look but because they are easy to breed Burmese pythons are also available in many different color and pattern morphs. These morphs can certainly be more expensive but for a person with the right budget, it’s not difficult to own a truly unique giant snake.

Grow Very Large

Let’s face it. One of the reasons you may want a Burmese python is because they get so large. If you have been dreaming of owning a truly enormous pet snake Burmese pythons make an excellent choice.

Why Burmese Pythons Are Not the Right Pet for Most People

Handling Adults Is Challenging

Because of their size, adult Burmese pythons can be very challenging to handle. These snakes are very powerful and when they reach their full size, they can easily overpower even a very strong human being.

Expert breeders recommend always having at least two people around whenever handling a large constrictor.  Some recommend that you should have two people around even when feeding one.

This can be very problematic if you live alone or if your roommate, family member or friends are scared of snakes. In addition, a very large snake can harm you unintentionally just by their sheer mass and strength.

Can be Expensive to Feed

Feeding a Burmese python, in the beginning, will be just like feeding a ball python or boa but over time their meals will need to be much larger than mice and rats.

Owners of large pythons often feed them guinea pigs, rabbits, whole chickens, and even small pigs. This means you will need to have access to these food items and the budget to provide them, which can add up.

If the idea of feeding your snake, any of these cute animals is unnerving for you, then it’s best to choose a different snake. The cost of electricity needed to keep them warm year-round can also add up.

Require Very Large Enclosures

As your Burmese python grows it will need a very large enclosure. Around 4 feet by 8 feet for a large adult. Floor space is more important than height so the cage doesn’t need to be tall as much as it needs to be wide. We are talking about a very large cage.

This can certainly take up quite a bit of space. That’s a whole lot bigger than a big screen tv. Some owners give their giant snake an entire room in their house!

For most people, this simply isn’t an option.

Have a Bad Reputation

People tend to have irrational fears when it comes to snakes. When it comes to Burmese pythons there is no exception. In fact, it might be worse.

Regardless of how tame and docile they can be or how they might be used in educational programs for kids, they can strike uncontrollable fear in the hearts of many people.

The fire of fear has only been greatly stoked by the media over the years.  If a large constrictor gets free and is seen in someone’s yard, you will hear about it in the news. The report will likely focus on exaggerating, and sometimes completely inaccurately describing, the dangers of large snakes.

Because of this, you won’t know which of your neighbors may have irrational fears about large pet snakes. If your Burmese python gets loose, you better be prepared for some kind of fall out. And it likely won’t be pretty.

Even if your snake doesn’t get loose if a neighbor learns that you have one you could be in for a challenging and antagonizing situation. I personally don’t advertise that I have a large boa constrictor.

I sometimes take him outside in the backyard. (Never the front yard) We have high walls but even that is a risk because the neighbors may still be able to see.  

Owning a large constrictor is a big responsibility. Unfortunately, Burmese pythons have gotten a bad reputation over the years because of accidents, fear, the media, and of course their invasiveness in the Florida Everglades. 

This can add more complexity and more responsibility to owning one. Perhaps more so than any other snake. In some places, it’s not even legal to own a Burmese python.

May Not be Legal to Own

Burmese pythons have been the center of quite a bit of controversy over owning large reptiles as pets. In Florida, it is actually illegal to own one. This is obviously due to the widespread population of Burmese pythons in the Everglades.

The laws governing exotic pets change from time to time and it’s best that you check your local laws before you decide to purchase a large snake as your next pet.

Live a Long Time

Burmese pythons get very large and live a long time. This is a big commitment in many ways. Your snake is going to get big fast and stay big for many years.

In fact, they actually never stop growing. Their growth just slows considerably after they reach adulthood. Be sure that you plan and prepare not only for having a large snake but for having that snake for a very long time.

Are Dangerous

Burmese pythons are very large, powerful predators. And they actually have been responsible for human deaths. They deserve the utmost care and respect from their owners.

Remember if you own the snake you are responsible for the snake, and whatever that snake does. Researchers say, between 1978 and 2009, large snakes killed 16 people in the United States; at least seven of these deaths were attributed to captive Burmese pythons.

This is sobering. If you want to own a large snake you need to know that snake has the power to harm or even kill you. 

Let’s compare this to a much more popular pet animal. Dogs. According to dogsbite.org between 2005 and 2018, dogs killed 471 Americans. Wow. If dogs where a neighboring country, we would surley be going to war.

I actually love dogs, (don’t tell my family) but that’s more than 30 people a year! Compare that to 16 people in 31 years for very large snakes, and not all of those were Burmese pythons.

Further research shows that around 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs every year, and between 6,000 to 13,000 of those results in hospitalizing. Are dogs dangerous? Perhaps more people should be afraid of dogs.

To be fair, if people owned very large snakes like people own dogs, then the number of snake related injuries and deaths would be higher.

These data points are not meant to vilify dogs or snakes but rather to point out that keeping a large-sized animal as a pet carries with it, responsibility and risk.

Let’s not even talk about bees or their stinging cousins, wasps. I developed a healthy, let’s call it respect, for bees when I was about 17 years old and was attacked by a swarm of yellow jackets.  

It turns out that we don’t need to fear snakes and dogs nearly as much as we need to fear bees. According to the CDC, from 2000 to 2017, stings from bees and wasps were responsible for 1,109 deaths, or roughly 62 fatalities each year.

Obviously, this article is not about bees but Burmese pythons. Burmese pythons are dangerous and this is something you need to be aware of before considering one as a pet. It’s certainly a big reason such big snakes are not the best pet for most people.

It’s also important to keep things in perspective. There are a lot of dangerous things out there that have nothing to do with large snakes.

I love snakes! And, I have to say It’s always been in the back of my mind, how amazing it would be to have a giant snake as a pet. I love anacondas, reticulated pythons, and Burmese pythons. I’ve owned boas, but I’m not so sure I’m quite ready for a truly giant snake.

If you want a massive pet snake, Burmese pythons are considered by many the very best option. Owning a huge snake is a huge commitment.

They grow fast and require very large enclosures. And, it’s no small expense to feed them and keep them warm. They are big and very powerful. Perhaps they should be considered the king of snakes.

Unlike king snakes, Burmese pythons are actually dangerous. They can also be extremely docile and adapt to handling better than many other snakes commonly kept as pets.

Owning a big snake is no small commitment, but if it’s your dream to own a truly giant serpent, a Burmese python just might be the very best choice.

Brazilian Rainbow boas are some of the most beautiful snakes available in the pet trade. Although they can do very well in captivity and make excellent pet snakes, they are generally not recommended for beginners.

We will discuss all the reasons why Brazilian rainbow boas really do make great pets as well as why they are best suited for someone with a little more experience.

Before we go into this topic let’s learn more about Brazilian rainbow boas. They are one of five rainbow boa subspecies and are the most commonly kept as pets. Often, they are referred to as just “rainbow boas”.

Interesting Facts About Brazilian Rainbow Boas

• Where do Brazilian rainbow boas come from? – Brazilian rainbow boas are found in Brazil of course, but they are also found all along the Amazon River Basin from Suriname and Brazil to Colombia and Peru. They inhabit tropical and subtropical forests that are very warm and very humid.

• Are they poisonous? – Like all other boas, Brazilian rainbow boas are non-venomous.

• How big do they get? – Baby rainbow boas are around 8-12 inches and adults average 5 to 6 feet in length. Females get larger than males. Some very large individuals can reach up to 7 feet.

• What do they eat? – In the wild, Brazilian rainbow boas eat rodents, birds and lizards. In captivity they are fed mice and rats.

• How long do they live? – Brazilian rainbow boas are a long-lived snake and can live 20 years or more in captivity.

More About Brazilian Rainbow Boas

Now that we know a little more about Brazilian rainbow boas lets discuss why they make good pet snakes and why they are better for intermediate snake keepers. This discussion will include a list of reasons they are great pet snakes and some considerations you should be aware of before buying one.

Brazilian Rainbow Boas

• Aren’t as large as other boas
• Are pretty available
• Easy to care for
• Are generally docile and adapt to handling well
• Are very beautiful
• Don’t need special UVB lights

Considerations:

• Have very specific humidity requirements
• Babies are nippy
• Eat rodents

Why Brazilian Rainbow Boas Make Good Pet Snakes

Aren’t as Large as Other Boas

Adult rainbow boas reach an average length of 5 to 6 feet in length. Though some can get up to 7 feet that is pretty rare.  Even a 5- or 6-foot snake can seem very large but a 5 to 6-foot rainbow boa still won’t seem as large as a 5 to 6-foot common boa constrictor. 

This is because they won’t get as thick. Likewise, a 5-foot king snake will not seem nearly as big as a 5- foot rainbow boa because the king snake is more of a slender snake. 

The common boa constrictor can get 6-9 feet. Some have been known to reach 10 feet! They are also thick and muscular. This can feel like a little too large of a snake for some people.

If you want a boa that is still a big snake, but don’t want one that big, the Brazilian rainbow boa is a good choice. If you think their size is still too big you may consider a Kenyon sand boa or a rosy boa.

Are Pretty Available

Brazilian rainbow boas are not difficult to find. They are not as common as other snakes, such as ball pythons or corn snakes but you can usually find them at pet stores that specialize in reptiles or exotic pet stores that carry reptiles.  

You can usually find them at reptile expos as well as online. They typically go for about $200 U.S. dollars.  If you are looking for a rare color morph you can expect to pay much more.

Easy to Care For

Brazilian rainbow boas are easy to care for, if you understand how to meet their specific needs.

An adult rainbow boa needs about a 3-foot by 2-foot by 2-foot sized cage which is pretty large compared to other snakes like corn snakes, but not as large as others such as Burmese pythons.

Like other snakes it is best to provide your rainbow boa with a temperature gradient in their cage. It should be 85 degrees on the warm end and about 72 degrees on the cool end. 

This can be accomplished by using flex watt heat tape under the tank, radiant heat elements or even an over the tank heat lamp.  Many, if not most experienced snake keepers, prefer under the tank heating. Be sure to use a thermostat so you don’t cook your snake.

It’s a good idea to have a non-contact digital laser thermometer so you can get an accurate temperature reading quickly and easily.  This will help you make the necessary adjustments and dial in the temps appropriately.  

You will also need to feed your rainbow boa an appropriately sized mouse or rat about once a week. They are very good eaters and rarely refuse to eat which makes them a great pet snake.

Brazilian rainbow boas would make a good beginner snake if their humidity requirements were not so demanding. They come from a very warm and wet environment and require very high humidity levels in their enclosure.

If humidity requirements are not met, they will develop health problems pretty quickly and die.

Some suggest humidity levels as high as 80-90% regularly. Others say the exact percentage is not as critical but making sure they are sprayed with a mist of water every day and allowing it to evaporate overnight is sufficient. If you provide a large enough water bowl for them to soak in it’s even better.

Fresh drinking water, changed frequently, is a requirement. If you are the kind of snake keeper that let’s the water bowl run dry (this is not too hard to do) you could easily end up with a dead snake.

Brazilian rainbow boas are pretty easy to care for If you understand humidity and how to achieve what your snake requires.

The above is not meant to be a detailed guide on how to care for rainbow boas but I hope it gives you some idea of what to expect.

Are Generally Docile and Adapt to Handling Well

Brazilian rainbow boas are very defensive as babies. Once they are allowed to get used to their environment, they will need to be handled frequently if you want a tame snake.

The great thing is that within a few weeks of regular handling they will get accustomed to it and become quite tame. This can be very rewarding as a snake owner. Owning, holding and handling an exotic snake can be pretty cool!

Are Very Beautiful

There is a reason rainbow boas have the word “rainbow” in their names. They have a very high iridescent sheen that emanates from their scales when under the light. On top of there already beautiful coloration, their skin reflects all the colors of the rainbow.

Don’t Need Special UVB Lights

Brazilian rainbow boas to not require special UVB lighting like other reptiles. They don’t require special lights but if you want them to really “glow”, you can place a low wattage fluorescent light in or over their cage. Then watch your snake shine.   

Why They Are Best Suited for Intermediate Keepers

Now that we’ve discussed many reasons rainbow boas make good pet snakes lets talk about why they are not generally considered a good choice for beginners.

Have Very Specific Humidity Requirements

As mentioned previously, Brazilian rainbow boas have very high humidity requirements. This can be achieved if you understand humidity. That said, it means a higher level of daily maintenance and attention to detail.

This is a higher level of care than other snakes that are often recommended for beginners such as corn snakes, king snakes or ball pythons.  Brazilian rainbow boas are not as tolerant of owner mistakes and this is certainly something to take into consideration.

If you are the kind of person that is not good at daily routines or establishing good consistent habits it’s best to start with another snake.

This could save you the heart ache of losing an animal that you paid good money for, but most importantly, one that you love.   

Babies Are Nippy

Most snakes are “nippy” (try to bite a lot) when they are young. This is understandable because when they are young and small, they are a popular menu item for many predators.

Still, this defensive behavior tends to be a little more pronounced with Brazilian rainbow boas than with other snakes. This can be startling and discouraging to someone who has never owned a snake before.

Eat Rodents

You will need to feed your Brazilian rainbow boa mice and later rats. Some people have a problem with this. If you are one of those people a snake may not be the best choice for a pet. Let alone a Brazilian rainbow boa.

Brazilian rainbow boas are amazing snakes that make great pets. Because of some of their special husbandry requirements they are not considered a good choice for beginners. If someone is recommending them for beginners, they are probably trying to sell you one.

It’s not to say that you shouldn’t buy one if that is the snake you really want. It’s just important to be aware that they require more detailed care than most other snakes that are typically recommended for beginners.

I recommend doing as much research as possible before purchasing your new snake. And if you are prepared to give your Brazilian rainbow boa the care it needs, you will have a wonderfully rewarding pet for a very long time.   

Recently my daughter has been interested in reptiles and wants to get a ball python. We thought it would be fun to buy two snakes and see if we could breed them.

As I think about this, I can’t help but wonder. What snakes are easiest to breed? So, I decided to do some research and here’s what I found.

Corn snakes, milk snakes, California king snakes, gopher / bull snakes and ball pythons are all considered easy to breed. They also happen to be some of the best pet snakes a person can own.

I’ve spent a few hours researching this topic and I have to say the list makes quite a bit of sense. These are all snakes that I have seen at every reptile show I have been too.

In fact, I would be surprised to go to a reptile expo and not find at least one table that has one of these snakes available. You are much more likely to find several.

Most of these snakes are widely available and you can usually find them in pet shops, online, at reptile expos (as mentioned) and online.  They are easy to keep, fairly affordable and easy to breed.

5 Snakes That are Easy to Breed

• Corn snakes
• Milk snakes
• California King snakes
• Gopher/Bull snakes
• Ball pythons

All of these snakes also just happen to be commonly recommended as some of the best pet snakes for snakes for beginners.

There are certainly other snakes that are easy to breed, like the hognose snake for example, but I thought this would be a good list to start with. Let’s take a closer look at each one. We’ll build a brief profile for each and answer the following questions.

5 Common Questions When Breeding Snakes

• How old do they need to be to breed?
• When do they breed?
• How long are they pregnant for?
• How many babies do they have?
• How long does it take for the eggs to hatch?

Corn Snakes

Corn snakes are a north American snake usually found in the eastern United States. They are actually a type of rat snake. Corn snakes are harmless nonvenomous colubrids that are sometimes mistaken for venomous copperhead snakes.

They are usually found in fields, pine and oak woodlands, rocky out crops, barns, abandoned buildings and wood piles. They are often found near human populations because the rodent populations also tend to be higher in those areas.

Corn snakes are considered by many people as, not only a good snake for beginners but the very best snake for beginners.

They have been bred in captivity for many years and are one of the easiest snakes to breed in captivity.

• How old do they need to be to breed? – About 18-24 months. Some breeders wait a little longer.

• When do they breed? – After a brief cooling period during winter months the breeding season usually lasts March -May.

• How long are they pregnant for? – Corn snakes will generally lay their eggs about 30-45 days after mating. This could be at any time of day or night and the entire process can take a few hours to a few days.

• How many babies do they have? – The female will generally lay 10-30 eggs.

• How long does it take for the eggs to hatch? – about 58-62 days

Milk Snakes

Milk snakes are a nonvenomous colubrid snake found in southern Canada, throughout the eastern United States and into Mexico and Central America.

They get their name from an old folktale. A story about a snake sneaking into a barn to drink milk from a nursing cow. People actually used to believe that they stole cows’ milk by drinking straight from the cows udder.  

Milk snakes make great pet snakes especially for beginners. They are also a great snake for beginning breeders.

• How old do they need to be to breed? – Milk snakes usually become sexually mature around 3 years of age. Females should be at least 3 feet long (depending on the species) before breeding.

• When do they breed? – After a brief cooling period during winter months the breeding season usually lasts April – June.

• How long are they pregnant for? – Milk snakes will generally lay their eggs about 40-45 days after mating.

• How many babies do they have? – The female will generally lay 5-15 eggs.

• How long does it take for the eggs to hatch? – About 58-65 days.

California King Snakes

The California kingsnake is also a nonvenomous colubrid. They are found in northern Mexico and across the western United States in a variety of habitats. They can reach lengths of 5 feet and live up to 20 years in captivity.

California kingsnakes make excellent pets. These amazing snakes are widely available, very affordable and easy to care for. They are very interesting to observe and easy to handle.

King snakes in general are considered easy to breed.

• How old do they need to be to breed? – California king snakes reach sexual maturity anywhere from 18 months to 3 years of age.

• When do they breed? – After a brief cooling period during winter months the breeding season usually lasts March – June or later depending on the area.

• How long are they pregnant for? – California king snakes will generally lay their eggs about 45-60 days after mating though it could be longer. King snakes can retain sperm well after mating. Some have been known to lay their eggs the following year.

• How many babies do they have? – The female will generally lay an average of 9 eggs and can lay as many as 20.

• How long does it take for the eggs to hatch? – About 55-75 days.

Gopher/Bull Snakes

Gopher snakes also called bull snakes are one of the largest snakes found in North America. Babies are about a foot or so long and adults can reach lengths of over 8 feet but most grow to around 5-7 feet.

Though they often try to mimic a rattlesnake’s behavior to scare away potential threats they are also a nonvenomous colubrid snake.

Gopher snakes are one of the first snakes to ever be bred in captivity. They are considered easy to care for and easy to breed. Another great snake for the beginning breeder.

• How old do they need to be to breed? – Gopher snakes reach sexual maturity around 2 years of age.

• When do they breed? – After a brief cooling period during winter months the breeding season usually lasts March – June or later depending on the area.

• How long are they pregnant for? – Gopher snakes will generally lay their eggs about 45-60 days after mating.

• How many babies do they have? – The female will generally lay up to 24 eggs.

• How long does it take for the eggs to hatch? – about 55-75 days

Ball pythons

Ball pythons are perhaps the most popular pet snake. They are large enough to be impressive and small enough for a child to handle them. They come in many colors and patterns and are widely available.

Ball Pythons are native to Central and West Africa. They live in grasslands and areas with lots of shrubs. These snakes compete with corn snakes for the best pet snake for beginners.  They are also a great snake for beginning breeders.

• How old do they need to be to breed? – Males should be at least 1 year old while females should be at least 3 and also way about 16 to 1700 grams.

• When do they breed? – After a brief cooling period during winter months the breeding season usually lasts between November- February.

• How long are they pregnant for? – Female ball pythons will start to show signs of ovulation in April. About 2 to 3 weeks after this they will shed. This is called the “pre-lay shed”. Ball pythons will generally lay their eggs about 30-50 days after their pre lay shed.

• How many babies do they have? – The female will generally lay an average of 6 eggs.

• How long does it take for the eggs to hatch? – about 55-60 days

The reptile hobby is growing very fast and many people are discovering just how easy and rewarding it can be to own a pet snake.

They are beautiful, fascinating and there are a wide variety of species available. Thanks to breeders who have taken their hobby to the next level, there are often many different color morphs and patterns to choose from, within each species.

They range from very affordable to nearly untouchable in price. There are so many options you will never have a problem finding something unique and interesting that you can call your very own.

If you are interested in taking your reptile hobby to the next level and start breeding snakes, I hope this article has given you a few ideas of what snakes are good to start with.

As for Isa and I, most likely we will try our luck with ball pythons. What you decide is up to you.

Most breeders started out like you with just having an interest in snakes. That interest naturally grew and led to an interest in breeding them.  Some do it just as a hobby and because they really enjoy it. Others have taking that hobby and turned it into a full blow business that they love.

When I thought of breeding snakes in the past, I thought it was way too complicated. This is one reason I held off for so long. As it turns out breeding snakes is really pretty easy.

Many other people have done it and if they can do it so can you. Who knows maybe you will be the next person to produce an amazing new snake morph!

Related Questions

How much do snake breeders make?

This can range from not making anything at all to a growing and thriving business. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) suggests the average salary for established “animal” breeders is somewhere between $37,000 (median) and $70,000 (for the top 10%).  

But snake breeding is not a “salary” type income. It’s a business with overhead, revenue and profits. If you are thinking about starting a snake breeding business, it’s a good idea to learn a little about basic business principals.  

For an interesting video on this topic click here.

Can breeding snakes be a fulltime job?

YES! Many snake breeders breed their snakes purely for their love of the hobby. It is really not much more than a labor of love or interesting side business for them. Yet others have made it their whole life’s work and have created thriving fulltime jobs for themselves.

This is largely up to you. It will depend on how big your dream is and how much you are willing to work for it.

Established breeders suggest that it’s best not to get into it “for the money” and you should breed what you love and love what you breed. After all, when 2 snakes become 22 snakes you will be taking care of all the babies!

Some snake breeders have made well over the numbers suggested by the BLS but they are relatively few.

For an interesting video about this click here.

Do I need a permit to breed and sell snakes?

This really depends on where you are located and what the laws are in your area. So, check your local laws.

Hognose snakes make great pet snakes and are often considered one of the best pet snakes someone can own. They are very popular, interesting to look at, easy to care for and easy to handle. Some people consider them the best pet snake available.   

So, let’s learn more about hognose snakes then talk about why they make such good pets. We will also discuss some things you should consider before buying one as a pet.

Some Facts About Hognose Snakes

• How many kinds of hognose snakes are there?  – There are three different species of hognose snakes. Western, Eastern and Southern. Western hognose snakes are most commonly kept as pets. This includes three subspecies called plains, dusty and Mexican hognose snakes.

• How big do they get? – Depending on the species, adult hognose snakes typically grow to about 2 feet and some larger females can reach 3 feet.  

• How did they get their name? – Hognose snakes got their name because of their upturned nose which looks like a pig’s nose to some people. Thus, the term “hog” nose.They use their nose for digging.

• What do they eat? – In the wild hognose snakes will eat frogs, toads, lizards, snakes, rodents, eggs and small birds.

• Are they venomous? – Yes, Hognose snakes are actually venomous but their venom is considered harmless to humans. They have rear fangs that are used to envenomate their prey while they “chew” their food. Their venom is very specialized (more like toxic saliva) and used for eating.

More About Hognose Snakes

Now that we know a little about hognose snakes let’s talk about why they make great pets. We’ll also discuss some considerations you should keep in mind before buying one as a pet.

Hognose Snakes Are:

• Easy to Care For
• Easy to Handle
• Easy to Find
• Relatively affordable
• Very interesting to look at
• Have interesting behaviors

Considerations

• Can be picky eaters
• Are venomous
• Are more expensive than other snakes

Why Hognose Snakes Make Good Pets

Easy to Care For

Hognose snakes are very easy to care for and are sometimes recommended as good snakes for beginners. They are very hardy and will tolerate some mistakes in care.

Having said this, it is still always a good idea to learn as much as you can about how to care for any pet before you bring them home.

They are not a large snake so you will not need a huge enclosure. You can keep an adult comfortably in a 20-gallon sized enclosure.

Many keepers suggest that they do not require UVB lighting. Others argue that since they are a diurnal species that will bask in the sun for many hours, it’s best to provide full spectrum UVB lighting.

You will need to research this and go with what you are most comfortable with. Whether they need UVB lighting or not, they will require heat. 70 degrees on the cool end and up to 90 degrees on the warm side.

To achieve this, you can use an under the tank heating mat or over the tank heat lamp. Be sure to use a thermostat so the mat or light doesn’t get too hot and barbeque your pet snake!

You will also need to feed your hognose snake about once a week. This is great especially if you are a particularly busy person. Their prey items are small (usually frozen thawed mice) and easy to obtain.

You can buy several at a time and just keep them in the freezer until it’s time to feed your snake. This eliminates the need to make several trips to the pet store and makes things much more convenient and hassle free.

Remember to provide a bowl of water and change it regularly. You will also need a suitable substrate. Shredded aspen bedding is a great choice.

The above is not meant to be an extensive guide for caring for your hognose snake but we hope it gives you a good idea of what to expect.

Easy to Handle

Hognose snakes tend to be docile, curious and calm. This makes them easy to handle and another reason they are often recommended as a good beginner snake. They are not a fast-moving snake and will happily crawl through your fingers and hands exploring and flicking the air with their tongues.

They will hang out with you perfectly content for hours and hours. They are also not large snakes which makes them very manageable when handling them. 

Easy to Find

Hognose snakes are generally pretty available. They can be found in pet stores, at reptile expos, online or from a local breeder.  We always recommend buying from a breeder when possible. This will make caring for them at least initially, much easier since they will already be eating rodents.

This really depends on where you live. In some areas you are not allowed to own hognose snakes since they are considered venomous. You will need to check your local laws.

Relatively Affordable

A natural looking western hognose snake usually cost around $100 U.S. dollars and you may be able to find them for less. This is relatively less expensive compared to other popular snakes and more expensive than others.

They don’t require a large enclosure which also makes the total cost of keeping them more affordable.

Very Interesting to Look At

Hognose snakes don’t look like any other snake. They are thick bodied snakes relative to their length and have very interesting patterns. Perhaps the most interesting characteristic is their upturned hog like nose which is also the basis for their name.  

Have Interesting Behaviors

Hognose snakes have some very interesting behaviors. When they feel threatened, they can puff up and hiss. If they strike, they will most often strike with their mouth closed. This is like they are trying to punch you with their nose.

When none of this works, they will roll over and play dead.

Some Things to Consider Before Buying One

Can be Picky Eaters

In the wild hognose snakes eat a varied diet but often eat toads. In captivity they are generally kept on mice. They will sometimes be picky eaters and will go off food for long periods of time. This can be very concerning and frustrating for some keepers.

Are Venomous

As mentioned above hognose snakes are actually venomous. They are not harmful to humans and are not known to bite. Usually they will play dead before they actually try to bite.  

If you every actually got bit by one the reaction would be somewhat similar to a mild bee sting. With that said, everyone reacts differently to venom.

Since hognose snakes are actually venomous you may not be able to get one at all. Some areas will not allow you to keep them. So, you will need to check your local laws.

Are More Expensive Than Other Snakes

When it comes to pet snakes and all the options that are available, hognose snakes are actually pretty affordable.  However, if your budget is tight there are certainly other choices that are more affordable like a corn snake or king snake.

Conclusion

Hognose snakes make great pet snakes. Some say they are one of the best pet snakes you could possibly get. They are interesting to look at, not overly large and easy to care for.  They are also calm, curious and easy to handle.

For all of these reasons, hognose snakes are very popular pet snakes. If you are considering a hognose snake as a pet, we hope this information has been helpful.

So, do they make good pets?

Carpet Pythons are a medium sized semi-arboreal python from Australia. They are generally hardy when well taken care of. These snakes make good pets but are best suited for intermediate to advanced keepers.

Before we talk about what makes a carpet python a good pet for an experienced keeper lets learn a little about them.

Some Facts About Carpet Pythons:

• Carpet pythons are native to Australia and New Guinea.
• They are called carpet pythons because their pattern and colors look like intricately woven carpets from the Middle East. 
• Depending on the species carpet pythons can grow to lengths of 5 to 9 feet.
• Carpet pythons can live as long as 20 years or more.
• Carpet pythons can lay as many as 30 eggs which will hatch in about 60 days.

Some Common Questions:

How fast do carpet pythons grow? – On a regular feeding schedule, and depending on the species, carpet pythons can grow as much as 5-6 feet in their first year.

Are they a good snake for beginners? – Carpet pythons on generally considered for more intermediate and experienced snake owners not beginners.

Are they aggressive? –They are not aggressive but can be defensive and have a very strong feeding response. Sometimes people confuse this with aggression. If handled regularly over a period of time they usually become quite tame.

What do carpet pythons eat? – In the wild carpet pythons feed on rodents, birds and bats. In captivity they are most often fed rats.

Now that we know a little about carpet pythons let’s look into what makes them a good pet as well as some considerations you should be aware of.

What Makes a Carpet Python a Good Pet? (for the right person)

Carpet Pythons Are:

• Reasonably Priced
• Not too difficult to find
• Very interesting to look at
• A great option if you want an arboreal python
• Can be calm and relatively easy to handle
• Fairly easy to care for

Considerations:

• Can be slightly unpredictable
• Can sometimes be picky eaters
• A longer snake compared to other choices

Reasonably Priced

The average price for a normal looking wild type carpet python is about $200-$300 U.S. dollars. If you are interested in one of the many color and pattern morphs available you could expect to pay much more.

Not Too Difficult to Find

Carpet pythons are much more available than they used to be. You can sometimes find them in pet shops (usually reptile specialty pet stores), online, at reptile expos or from a breeder. We always recommend buying from a breeder for many reasons.

Mostly because they are often much more knowledgeable about the animals they raise and know all about the history of the specific snake you may be considering.

Very Interesting to Look At

Carpet pythons are cool! Some people believe they are the most beautiful snake in the world. They have various patterns and colors that are just different than any other popular python! Or any other snake for that matter.

With all the color and pattern morphs now available, there are so many interesting options. They are also a long slender bodied snake and fun to watch as they move about and explore their environment.

A Great Option if You Want an Arboreal Python

If you are interested in an arboreal python but you are not quite ready for a green tee python or have the budget for one. A carpet python could be a good alternative.

They are easier to keep and maintain. They will climb and perch on the high branches in their cage. Carpet pythons are also long and skinny just like green tree pythons. They move differently than a ball pythons or boas.

Can Be Calm and Relatively Easy to Handle

If you have experience handling snakes, especially boas and pythons you could be ready for a carpet python. In their first year of life they are almost all very defensive and have a tendency to bite immediately.

If you can be patient. After a year they can become quite a bit less defensive and easier to handle. Regular handling over time will improve this dramatically.

If you are familiar with snakes and know how to read their behavior you can handle a carpet python without issue. Just pay attention and be aware of what they are doing.

Fairly Easy to Care For

Carpet pythons are considered hardy snakes. All the basics of keeping snakes apply here along with some minor specifics.

Carpet pythons are semi-arboreal snakes but they will definitely make use of floor space so it’s good to have an enclosure that is both wide and tall. It’s a good idea to provide branches for them to climb on though it is not absolutely mandatory.

They do not require UVB lighting but they will require heat. 72 degrees on the cool end and up to 90 degrees on the warm side. To achieve this, you can use a heating mat, or ceramic heat emitters.

Some breeders prefer radiant heat panels for larger enclosures. Whatever you decide to go with, make sure to use a thermostat to prevent overheating.

Carpet pythons do not have extreme humidity requirements but they do need some humidity. Breeders suggest that 50% humidity is ideal.

A good way to achieve this is to provide a large sturdy water bowl.  You can also mist them with fresh water a couple times a day with a simple sprayer.

As with other snakes be sure to provide a good place for your carpet pythons to hide and feel secure. In addition, it’s also to provide an appropriate substrate.

You will need to feed your carpet python an appropriately sized rat about once a week.

Things to Consider Before you Buy a Carpet Python:

Can Be Slightly Unpredictable

Carpet pythons on generally considered better for more intermediate and experienced snake owners but really for beginners. They have a tendency to bite in their first year and can remain somewhat unpredictable throughout their lives.

If someone doesn’t have good experience reading snake behavior, a carpet python is a better choice for later when you have a little more experience.

Can Sometimes be Picky Eaters

Some carpet pythons are “started” on mice and have a tough time switching over to rats. This can be an added complexity if you are a new snake owner.

There are ways to make this transition. And it should be done before they grow too large. These usually include some form of “scenting” a rat so it smells like a mouse.

This is not that difficult to do but some people find it complicated and frustrating.

A Longer Snake Compared to Other Choices

Some people really want a larger snake but not too large. Carpet pythons fill a nice gap between ball pythons and much larger pythons like Burmese pythons and reticulated pythons.  Still carpet pythons can be quite long.

If you are at all concerned about owning a large constrictor don’t get a carpet python. There are plenty of other options that can be extremely rewarding pet snakes.

Conclusion:

Carpet pythons are an exotic, beautiful and interesting looking snake that are just very different and unique compared to so many other pet snakes available today.

They do require a little more experience and care than some other pet snakes but not so demanding that a relatively intermediate keeper couldn’t handle.

These snakes are hardy and not too demanding to care for.  They are relatively inexpensive and easy to find but not so popular that everyone knows about them or has one as a pet.

Though they can be somewhat unpredictable when handling, an experience keeper should have no problems at all. With a bit of regular handling they generally become calm, docile, and rewarding animals to interact with.

People are generally quite amazed when they see one for the very first time.  I know I was. And it left an impression on me ever since. I may not rush out and buy one today but a carpet python is definitely on my wish list.

If you have been considering a carpet python as a pet, we sincerely hope this article has helped.

I decided to do some research on this and here’s what I found.

Milk snakes make great pet snakes especially for beginners. They are affordable and easy to take care of. They don’t get too big, are non-venomous, tame and easy to handle even for children. They are beautiful, docile snakes that are available in many different colors and patterns.

Before we talk in more detail about all the reasons milk snakes make great pet snakes, let’s learn more about them.

Some Interesting Facts About Milk Snakes

• Where do they come from? –Milk snakes are found in southern Canada, throughout the eastern United States and into Mexico and Central America.

• How did they get their name? – Milk snakes get their name from an old folktale that is a story about a snake sneaking into a barn to drink milk from a nursing cow. People actually used to believe that they stole cows’ milk.  

• Are they venomous? – No. Milk snakes are harmless, non-venomous snakes.

• How big do they get? – A milk snakes average size depends on the specific species. There are about 25 different kinds of milk snakes in the wild. They are a long slender snake and adults can range from 2 feet long to as long as 6 feet. (Though 6 feet is rare). Most don’t get much longer than 4 feet.

• How long do they live? – Milk snakes have been known to live more than 20 years in captivity.

• What do they eat? – Milk snakes eat a variety of prey. Like other snakes they are carnivores. In the wild they eat lizards, other snakes, birds, eggs and various rodents including mice and rats. In captivity they are most often kept on a diet of mice and sometimes small rats.

• Bonus fact – Milk snakes are actually a kind of king snake.

Now that we know more about milk snakes lets talk about all the reasons why they make a great pet snake for beginners. We will also take a look at some considerations to keep in mind when buying a pet milk snake.

Why Milk Snakes Make Good Snakes for Beginners

Milk Snakes:

• Are affordable
• Easy to find
• Easy to take care of
• Don’t Get Too Big
• Easy to handle
• Are active and fun to watch
• Come in many different colors

Considerations

• Can sometimes bite
• Are active
• Eat rodents

Now that we have a good list, let’s take a closer look at each of these.

Are Affordable

When it comes to pet snakes, milk snakes are very affordable. You can expect to pay between $70 to $100 U.S. dollars.  If you are interested in any of the more exotic looking color and pattern variations you can expect to pay more. 

This is very reasonable for a pet snake.

Easy to Find

Milk snakes are very popular and easy to breed. Because of this they are widely available and easy to find.

You can find them at pet stores, reptile expos, online or from a local breeder. We always recommend buying from a breeder because they generally know much more about the snakes they are raising and the specific snake you might want to buy.

Easy to Take Care Of

Milk snakes are easy to take care of which makes them ideal for the beginning snake owner. These snakes are extremely hardy (they don’t die easily) which means they can tolerate their owner’s mistakes better than other kinds of snakes that may not. It is still a good idea to learn all you can about how to care for your new snake.

You will need:

• A good sized enclosure
• A heat source
• A place for them to hide
• A water dish
• Easy access to food

A good sized enclosure – about a 10- gallon tank for younger milk snakes and about a 30-gallon sized enclosure for adults will do. Be sure to get one that is made for snakes and has a secure top. Snakes are really good at getting out.

A heat source – Milk snakes do not require special UV lighting but they do require heat. They are cold blooded animals and rely on their environment to stay warm which allows them to properly digest their food.

This can easily be achieved by an under the tank heat mat. Be sure to get one that is made for reptiles and don’t forget a thermostat. This can also be achieved with an over the tank heat lamp.

Put the heat mat or heat lamp on one side of the cage. This allows the other side of the cage to be a little cooler. You are looking for temps in the mid to upper 80’s on one side and the upper 70’s to low 80’s (Fahrenheit) on the other side.

A place for them to hide – Snakes need privacy sometimes, like we all do. This helps them feel secure in their cage which helps them maintain their health.

It’s a good idea to provide two hiding places. One on the warm side of the enclosure and one on the cool side of the enclosure.

A water dish – All animals need water. Even camels. Snakes need water too. It is important that you provide a water dish and change the water regularly so it stays clean and fresh.

Easy access to food – You will need to feed your new milk snake about once a week. They will eat readily which also makes them great for a beginner. Some snakes are picky eaters which can be disheartening for new snake owners. This is not the case for milk snakes.

You will need to provide your snake with rodents to eat. For your milk snake, this means mice. It’s best to feed them frozen thawed mice. It’s also easiest.

You can usually buy frozen mice from your local pet shop or online. Buy several of them at a time and just keep them in your freezer until it’s time to feed your pet milk snake.

Thaw them out in a bucket of warm water when it’s time to feed them.

Don’t Get Too Big

One of the big reasons milk snakes are good for beginners is that they don’t get too big. Milk snakes are a very, very manageable size for a pet snake. Even the largest species usually doesn’t often grow more than about 4 feet. They can get bigger but it’s uncommon.

They are also slender which means that even a 4-foot-long milk snake will be quite a bit smaller than a similar length ball python.

Their smaller size makes them easy to house which means you don’t need a huge cage. Perhaps the biggest benefit of their size is that it makes them easy to handle even for children.

Easy to Handle

Along with their very manageable size milk snakes are naturally docile when being handled. They are not known to be aggressive in the least.

In addition, their size makes them more durable when handled by a new snake owner. Children can be taught to handle them without much concern for the snake’s safety. Or the child’s for that matter.

Are Active and Fun to Watch

Milk snakes are active during the day. This means they will not spend all of their time hiding. They will spend time exploring their habitat and this can be really cool and interesting to watch!

Come in Many Different Colors

There are several species of milk snakes available as pets. They are considered by some the most beautiful snake in the world. They have bright colors and because of how easy they are to breed they are available in many different colors and patterns.

Breeders select various snakes with specific genetic traits and put them together to produce offspring that exhibit those traits more vividly or look completely different than their parents.

There are even albino milk snakes available!

Considerations

Now that we’ve discussed many of the reasons milk snakes make excellent pet snakes for beginners let’s talk about some things you should consider before buying your new milk snake.

Can Sometimes Bite

Milk snakes are great eaters. This is one thing that makes them such great pet snakes because you don’t have to worry about them refusing to eat.

Because milk snakes have such a high energy feeding response anything that smells like food is fair game. For this reason, they sometimes bite when being handled.

This doesn’t happen very often. The good thing is that if they do bite, it is usually very insignificant.

Are Active

Milk snakes move around a lot and will move around when being handled. This can be exciting and enjoyable but for some it can be unnerving.

Some people don’t want an active snake. If you are one of those people then a ball python may be a better choice.

Eat Rodents

As mentioned above milk snakes eat mice. Some people have a hard time with this. This is part of the circle of life and if your snake is going to stay alive you are going to need to feed it.

If this is a challenge for you then a snake probably isn’t the best option. It might be better to consider a lizard or a turtle or tortoise.  

Conclusion

I’ve owned snakes for all of my life but I’ve never owned a milk snake. After learning more about how amazing they are I have to say I’m tempted. They are great for beginners or for anyone who wants a new pet snake!

If you are looking for a new pet snake or considering buying one for your son or daughter, a milk snake would make a great choice.  

We sincerely hope this information has helped.

If you are thinking about getting your first snake or if you are thinking about getting a pet snake for your son or daughter you may have heard about corn snakes. And you may be asking, “Are corn snakes good pets for beginners?”

As it turns out there is a good reason to consider a corn snake. There are actually many reasons. Corn snakes are considered by many people as, not only a good snake for beginners but the very best snake for beginners. They are easy to care for, usually very docile, and almost never bite. They also tend to be active, tame and easy to handle.

Let’s take a closer look at many of the reasons why they are often at the top of the list for the best beginner snake. We will also include some things to consider before buying your new corn snake.

Before we talk about why corn snakes make such great pets let’s learn a little more about them.

About Corn Snakes

Corn snakes are a north American snake usually found in the eastern United States. They range from New Jersey to Florida, Louisiana and Kentucky. They are actually a type of rat snake. Corn snakes are harmless nonvenomous colubrids that are sometimes mistaken for venomous copperhead snakes.

A natural colored corn snake has reddish colored scales with blotches of tan, brown, and orange, outlined in black. Their bellies have a corn like checkered pattern.

They are usually found in fields, pine and oak woodlands, rocky out crops, barns, abandoned buildings and wood piles. They are often found near human populations because the rodent populations also tend to be higher in those areas.

Some Interesting Facts About Corn Snakes

• How Did They Get Their Name?   Many believe the corn snake gets its name because they are often found in or near corn fields. Many also believe it’s because of the corn-like patterns on their belly.

• How Long Do They Live? Corn snakes live about 6-8 years in the wild but can live as long as 15 to even 20 years or more in captivity.

• How Big Do They Get? Corn snakes are a slender snake and usually get about 3-4 feet but some can reach a little over 5 feet.

• What Do They Eat? Corn snakes eat rodents. Usually mice or small rats. They are great for farms and populated areas because they help keep the rodent population down.

Why Corn Snakes Make Great Pets For Beginners

Now that we’ve learned a little about corn snakes lets take a look at why they make such great pet snakes, especially for beginners.

Corn Snakes Are:

• Easy to care for
• Active and fun to watch
• Easy to handle
• A very manageable size
• Almost never bite
• Easy to find
• Available in many colors
• Very affordable

Considerations:

• Can be a little nippy when young
• Can be more active
• They eat rodents

I’ve listed for you many of the reasons corn snakes make such great pet snakes as well as some considerations. Now let’s take a closer look at each one.

Easy To Care For

Corn snakes are very hardy snakes and can tolerate some mistakes when it comes to care. This is one reason they are a great pet for beginners who are just learning how to take care of a snake.

Having said this, it is still strongly recommended that you learn all you can about caring for your new snake. We will not discuss everything you need to know about how to care for a corn snake but will give you enough so you will at least have a good idea.

You Will Need:

• An Enclosure  
• A Heat Source
• Water Bowl
• Two hiding places
• Access to food

Corn snakes don’t get very big like other popular pet snakes such as boas and pythons. This is great because you don’t need a large enclosure.  You can keep a baby in a small 5-gallon tank and adults will only need a 20-gallon long sized terrarium.

Bigger is better but not required. Make sure you get an enclosure that is specifically made for keeping snakes. Snakes are very good at getting out so you want to make sure your snake can’t escape or you may never see her again. Books piled up on a screen top will not work.

Corn snakes do not have extreme heating requirements but they do need to be kept warm. They are a cold-blooded animal and rely on their environment for heat. It’s best to provide a temperature gradient in their cage with a warm area on one end and a cooler area on the other.

This will allow your snake to “thermal regulate” (move around until they find a temperature that is most comfortable).

This said they will need temperatures of around 70 degrees at night and 85 degrees during the day.

These temps are best achieved using an under-tank heating mat and a thermostat. Be sure to buy one that is specially made for reptiles. Don’t forget the thermostat.

Heating mats have been known to malfunction at times causing them to overheat and harm or possibly kill the snake they are designed to keep warm and healthy.

Even though these products are generally very safe and malfunctioning has become very rare due to better quality products, it is still a good idea to take the extra step to ensure it doesn’t happen.

You can also achieve a warm enough habitat for your snake by using an over the tank heat lamp or some combination of both. If you are planning on setting up a display tank then some kind of overhead light helps, so you can observe your snake as she explores her environment.

It’s a good idea to get a temperature reading device of some kind so you can ensure you are achieving the right temps.

All animals need water even camels. So be sure to provide a water dish for your snake. This is easy to do. Just put a medium sized sturdy bowl in their gage and keep it filled with fresh water. Be sure to change it regularly.

Snakes need a place to retreat to, just like we all do. Haven’t you ever felt like you just wanted to be alone with a little privacy, peace and quiet?  Snakes aren’t so different.

It’s important to provide places for your snake to hide because it helps them feel secure and contributes to their health. A stressed snake eventually becomes a sick snake and no one wants that.

Put a small “hide” in your corn snakes cage. It’s actually best to put one on the warm side and one on the cool side. This can be an upside-down shoe box with an opening cut into one side just big enough for your snake to crawl through.

If you don’t like the look of a shoe box, you can make one out of Tupperware or you can buy commercial hides online or at your local pet store.

You will also need convenient access to food. Corn snakes eat rodents. Fortunately, there are a lot of people who keep snakes as pets. Much more than when I first started. This means that rodents can be found more readily.

You will need to feed your corn snake about once a week or so. You can get “feeder” rodents (usually frozen mice) at your local pet store or online. If you are really ambitious you can raise them yourself though this really isn’t necessary.  I’ve kept snakes my whole life and still haven’t done that.

You can buy several at a time and just keep them in the freezer until it’s time to feed your snake. This eliminates the need to make several trips to the pet store and makes things much more convenient and hassle free.

Once again, the above information is not meant to be a comprehensive guide on how to take care of your new corn snake but I hope it gives you some idea of what to expect.

It might sound a little complicated but once you get the hang of it it’s really rather simple. When it comes to care corn snakes are one of the easiest if not, the easiest, snakes to take care of. This makes them great for beginners.

People have been keeping snakes as pets for many, many years and you can too. 

Active and Fun to Watch

At least one complaint about arguably the most popular pet snake, the ball python, is that they really don’t move around much.

They are active at night (nocturnal) when we are all sleeping. During the day they usually just hang out in their hiding place or lay still hour after hour. This can be frustrating or boring for some people especially children.

This is not he case with corn snakes. They are active during the day (diurnal) and will move around and explore their cage actively.  They will do their fair share of laying around, all snakes do, but they will be much more active at times when you want to watch and observe them.

They are fun and interesting to watch which is another reason they make great pet snakes for beginners and especially kids.

Easy to Handle

Corn snakes are easy to handle and generally speaking very docile. They don’t get very big like a boa or python and other large snakes. They are slender, active snakes that accept handling extremely well.

They move around a lot which makes them fun and interesting to handle. Children can usually be taught to handle a corn snake without any concerns for safety for them or for the snake.

A Very Manageable Size

Corn snakes don’t grow to very large sizes. Hatchlings are usually about 8 to 12 inches in length and adults usually reach about 4 or 5 feet.

They are slender, and even a 5-foot corn snake will be much smaller overall compared to a 5-foot ball python. This makes them great for handling as well as easy to house.

Almost Never Bite

One of the most often questions asked when considering a pet snake is, “Will they bite?”

All snakes can bite and some of them do very readily, but not corn snakes.

Once your corn snake is several months to a year old, she will almost never try to bite. Even if they do bite the effect is insignificant. This is not something to worry about in the least. This is also a great reason they make such great pet snakes.

Easy to Find

When I was a boy about 12 or 13 years old, I knew of another kid who was just a little older than I was, who already had a corn snake breeding business!

He was not alone. Corn snakes have been a big part of the reptile hobby for a long, long time. They are a joy to keep and easy to breed.

Because of this they are very available. You can usually find them in pet stores, reptile expos, online or from a local breeder. If there is a pet snake available for sale it will often be a corn snake.

We always recommend buying reptiles from a breeder. They usually start out like you and me just wanting to get a pet snake. The difference with a breeder is that their interest grows and grows to not just keeping their favorite snake but reproducing them as well.

This means they usually care much more about the animals they raise and offer to people, like you and me. In addition, they are usually far more knowledgeable about them than a local pet store, especially the very large chain variety.

If you want to buy a pet snake you will have not trouble at all finding a corn snake.

Available in Many Colors

Since corn snakes are so easy to breed and have been around for a long time, they are also available in a wide variety of colors.

Breeders select specific animals and breed them together so the offspring will visually express uniquely desired genetic traits.

As a result, there are many different colors and patterns available and they are all the same kind of snake. This can be fun and exciting to own something very unique!

Very Affordable

Corn snakes are not only available and easy to find, they are one of the most affordable snakes you can buy. The average prize for a normal looking “wild-type” corn snake is about $40-$50 U.S. dollars. This is extremely affordable for a pet snake.

If you are interested in one of the many colors and pattern variations you could spend $100-$300 dollars.  

This is still very affordable compared to color morphs of other popular snakes.

Considerations:

Are you thinking a corn snake is right for you? Before you rush out and buy one there are at least a few things to consider. Let’s take a look at those next.

Can be a Little Nippy When Young

As with most snakes when corn snakes have first hatched, they can be a little bit “nippy”. This means they may try to bite anything that moves. When you are as small as an oversized worm everything wants to eat you.

So, it’s only natural to be a little defensive. This is normal but really not something to worry about. They are so little they could bite you over and over again and you probably won’t even feel it.

With a little time and a little handling, they will calm right down, then you will have a pet snake friend for life.

Having said that this can still be a concern for some people and is something to be aware of.

Can be More Active

Corn snakes are active snakes and will always be exploring when you handle them. This means they will be constantly moving. This can be exciting and enjoyable for some snake owners but can be unnerving for others.

Some people don’t want an active snake. If you are one of those people then a ball python is probably a better choice. 

They Eat Rodents

Snakes eat other animals. Your corn snake will eat rodents. This is a natural part of the circle of life and corn snakes play a vital role in keeping rodent populations in check.

Still, some people just don’t want to see it. If you have a difficult time with this then a snake is really not the best choice for a pet.

If you still want a reptile of some kind you may consider a lizard that eats mostly plants like a uromastyx or one that eats very similar foods to us humans like a blue tonged skink. You could also consider a turtle or tortoise.

Conclusion

Are corn snakes good pet snakes for beginners? Many people believe very strongly that they are not only a good pet snake for beginners but the BEST pet snake for beginners or anyone.

If you are thinking of getting a snake as a pet corn snakes are a very good choice.

I’ve had a few garter snakes as pets and they are awesome. Garter snakes make great pet snakes, especially for children. They are active yet easy to handle, generally docile and usually won’t bite. They are also easy to take care of and don’t get too big.

Lately, I’ve thought more and more about garter snakes and have been considering getting another one. I learned a lot keeping them in the past but I wanted to do a little more research.

If you are thinking about getting a garter snake for your son or daughter or even for yourself, I hope you find this article helpful.

So, let’s learn more about garter snakes!

What is the Correct Name?

Is it “garter” snake or “garden” snake? Many people hear the name “garter” snake and think they are hearing “garden” snake and assume that is the correct term because…well it seems to make more sense.

Garter snake is the correct term used for this small, active harmless snake. The name came about because these snakes have stripes running a long their bodies that resembled that of an old-fashioned garter that used to be a very popular article of clothing for women.  

Where Do They Come From?

There are about 75 species and sub species of garter snakes. They have a very wide distribution and can be found across north America including Canada. They can be found from the southern most tip of Florida to the southern most part of Alaska.

How Big Do They Get?

Garter snakes are small slender snakes. Babies are quite small about 6-8 inches. Adults usually grow to around 2 to 3 feet in length but some have reached lengths of as much as 5 feet (though that is rare and depends on the specific species).

What Do They Eat?

In the wild Garter snakes eat a wide range of prey items including, earth worms, night crawlers, frogs, toads, salamanders, slugs, lizards, fish and small rodents. In captivity many have been kept on small mice but it’s a good idea to vary their diet at least a little.

Are Garter Snakes Dangerous?

Garter snakes are harmless. They are nonvenomous and rarely ever bite. When they do, if they do, it is not harmful in the least. So, if your son or daughter brings one home do not worry. They won’t hurt them. No one should ever fear a garter snake.

How Long Do They Live?

In captivity a garter snakes’ average lifespan is about 10 years but some have been known to live longer.

Are They a Good Choice For Beginners?

YES! Garter snakes are a great choice for beginners.

Where Can I Get One?

Depending on where you live, garter snakes are so common you might just go out and catch one. Check local laws for collecting wild life. This can be a fun, exciting and rewarding adventure.

You can sometimes find them in pet shops though they aren’t as available as they used to be. You can also find them online or purchase one from a breeder.

It is always better to buy captive bred animals. They are usually more accustomed to life in a terrarium and easier to feed.

What Makes Garter Snakes Good Pet Snakes?

Now that we’ve learned a little more about garter snakes let’s talk about all the reasons why they are a good choice for a pet snake.

Garter Snakes Are:

• Affordable
• Come in various color morphs
• Easy to care for
• Don’t get too big
• Easy to handle
• Harmless
• Fun to watch

Considerations

• Sometimes they musk
• Eat more often than other snakes
• They are incredible escape artists

Affordable

Garter Snakes are really quite affordable. The average price for a common natural looking garter snake can range from less than $10 U.S. dollars to $45 dollars depending on the species.

If you are more interested in a rare species or in one of the many available morphs you could pay as much as $300. This is still very affordable when compared to other popular snakes such as a ball python.

Come in Various Color and Pattern Variations.

Garter snakes are being bred to highlight and emphasize various colors and patterns. Breeders select specific animals and breed them together so the offspring will visually express uniquely desired genetic traits. This can be fun and exciting to own something very unique!

Special breeding projects aside, there is a great degree of variation just within the many different naturally occurring species of garter snakes.  You can find some that are jet black with vibrant yellow stripes to some that have blue stripes and others still with checkered red sides and red stripes.

This is another thing that makes garter snakes so interesting and cool!

Easy to Care For

Garter snakes are easy to care for. Because of their size they don’t require a large enclosure and due to their large distribution, they tend to very hardy animals. This is great because you can make some minor husbandry mistakes and not kill them.

This article is not intending to be a comprehensive guide on how to care for your garter snake but we hope it will give you some idea of what to expect.

Babies can be kept in a small 10-gallon terrarium or even smaller. As they grow you will need about a 30-40-gallon sized enclosure for adults. Be sure to find one that has a very secure top. Look for one that is specifically made to house snakes.

Garter snakes are very active and if there is a way to get out (even if you don’t think there is) they will find it and escape.  Then you will likely never see them again.

Garter snakes do not have extreme temperature requirements like some snakes do. I lived in California when I owned my garter snakes.

I just kept them at room temperature with a mild bulb above their enclosure so I could watch them more easily. They did just fine.

Even though a heat source is not mandatory it will benefit your snake. This can be achieved by an under the tank heat mat or an over the tank light fixture with a heat bulb.

Temperatures should be in the low 70’s at night and in the mid 80’s during the day. (this is probably why my snakes did so well in California because that matched the average temps in our house very closely.

You will need to provide a sturdy water bowl. Garter snakes are semi aquatic and like to be around water. So, make sure it is continuously available and be sure to change it regularly. This will also help them shed.

It’s also fun to throw in a feeder fish or two and watch your snake chase them around. I have to say that was one of the most exciting things about owning a garter snake. Watching them eat!

Speaking of eating. In the wild garter snakes usually eat a wide variety food items that are available in their particular location.  In captivity you can feed them fish, earth worms or small mice (when they get older). All are easy to obtain and most pet stores.

Like most snakes it’s important to provide a suitable place for them to hide. This gives the snake a place to retreat to and feel secure. This is important for their overall mental health.

It helps them to stay calm and not stressed. A stressed animal can become a sick animal and nobody wants that.

Don’t Get Too Big

As outlined earlier garter snakes are not a very large snake. This makes them easier to house and easier to handle. It also makes them a great choice for a pet snake especially for children.

Easy to Handle

Garter Snakes are easy to handle and almost never bite. They are alert and active and fun to interact with. They do tend to move around a lot so you will need to let them crawl across your hands one after another. Never grip them tightly. Children can generally be taught to handle them with out hurting them.

Harmless

Despite some fears of snakes in general, garter snakes are harmless nonvenomous snakes that make good pets. They almost never bite and even when one does, they are much too small to do any real harm.

Fun to Watch

Garter snakes are active during the day and are often “on the go”. You will be able to watch your snake explore his cage often. Also, they are energetic eaters. As mentioned above one of my favorite things to do when I was younger was watch my garter snake eat.

My dad and I used to go to a near by pond and catch small frogs and toads then bring them home to watch the snake eat.

My “snake” who actually didn’t have an official name would chase those frogs around the cage and gobble them down. It was very exciting to watch.

These are great memories I have of spending time with my dad and I look back on them fondly.

Considerations

Sometimes They Musk

Garter snakes are not prone to biting, instead they release a foul-smelling discharge called “musk” (which is often accompanied by urine and feces) as a defensive measure.

This smell can get on your hands and clothing and is fairly difficult to get out. You will need to run your clothes through the washer and wash your hands a few times to get rid of it.

Wild caught garter snakes are more prone to do this than snakes that are captive bred and raised. Even wild caught garter snakes will usually stop “musking” once they have become more accustomed to handling.

Some people find this enough of a reason not to keep a garter snake as a pet. I personally don’t mind the smell. When I was younger, I thought it was just something that snakes did.

I got used to it and actually learned to associate it with part of the joy of keeping a snake as a pet. I learned later that not all snakes do this and my garter snakes even stopped doing it all together with time.

Eat More Often Than Other Snakes

Garter snakes are active and voracious eaters and that’s one thing that makes them good pet snakes. That said, when they are young you will need to feed them about once every 3 or 4 days and about once a week as adults.  

This is more often than some snakes like boas and ball pythons but still less often than nearly all lizards.

This can either be viewed as a plus because you get to watch your snake eat more often, or a minus because you need to feed your snake more often (at least until they get older).

They Are Incredible Escape Artists

I kept my favorite garter snake (the snake with no official name) for about three years until one day I came home to an empty cage. I thought I had an escape proof enclosure. I was wrong.

I looked everywhere for that snake, but never saw it again. Garter snakes are great at escaping and this should be a big point of consideration for you.

Not so you can worry but so you can take the necessary precautions to house your snake in an enclosure made specifically for snakes.

One with a snug fitting door and preferably a latch of some kind. If you do this you should have no problems keeping your snake in it’s enclosure.

Conclusion

A garter snake was my first pet snake and they will always have a special place in my heart. They make excellent pets. They are harmless, active, curious snakes that are easy to care for, fun to watch and easy to handle.

This makes them a great pet snake for children or anyone. My daughter and I created Blue Dragon Pets because we love reptiles and want to learn more about them. We hope to share our enthusiasm and what we learn with others.

If you are considering a garter snake as a pet, we sincerely hope this article is helpful.