5 Friendliest Pet Snakes You Can Own

Snakes can make fantastic pets, and the right species can bring peace, beauty, and even comfort into your home.

While some people may feel nervous about snakes, many species are surprisingly gentle, curious, and low-maintenance.

If you’re considering a snake as a pet, there are some species that are particularly known for their friendly temperament and easy care routines.

This guide will explore 5 of the friendliest pet snakes that are great for first-time snake owners or anyone looking for a calm and interactive companion.

Choosing the right snake is essential, and by selecting one of these species, you’ll be well on your way to building a long-lasting bond with a fascinating reptile.

Whether you’re new to reptiles or a seasoned pet owner, these snakes offer the perfect combination of ease and companionship.

1. Boa Constrictor: The Calm Giant

Temperament and Behavior

The Boa Constrictor is one of the most gentle and non-aggressive snakes, making it an ideal choice for pet owners who want a larger snake.

While they can grow up to 13 feet long, Boa Constrictors tend to be calm and curious.

These snakes are not typically aggressive, especially if they are handled regularly from a young age. They do well in homes with families and are known for their affectionate nature when properly cared for.

Boa Constrictors are active snakes, but they are not overly excitable and will often spend time relaxing in their enclosure. They do not bite easily, and they are generally very tolerant of handling.

Detailed Care Requirements

• Temperature Range:

  • Basking Area: 32-35°C (90-95°F)

  • Cool End: 24-27°C (75-80°F)

• Humidity: Keep the humidity around 60-70%. Ensure a humidity gauge is used to monitor it.

• Terrarium Size: As an adult, a 120-150 cm (4-5 feet) long terrarium is needed. Boas require space to move around and often enjoy climbing.

• Feeding: Typically, they are fed rats or rabbits once every 7-10 days. Smaller boas may feed on mice or chicks.

Handling and Interaction

Boa Constrictors are often calm and can handle gentle interaction. They’re not as jumpy as some other species, making them easier to handle.

Regular interaction can help them become more comfortable with human contact, and they generally enjoy being handled once they feel secure.

Health and Lifespan

Boa Constrictors can live up to 30 years in captivity with proper care.

It's important to provide them with regular vet check-ups, and to maintain their environment at the proper temperature and humidity to prevent respiratory infections.

2. Corn Snake: The Gentle and Beautiful Companion

Temperament and Behavior

The Corn Snake is often regarded as one of the most friendly and easy-going pet snakes. These snakes are not only calm but also very sociable and enjoy interaction with their owners.

They are relatively small, reaching about 4-5 feet, making them manageable for those with limited space.

Corn snakes are generally non-aggressive, and with regular handling, they can become very comfortable around humans.

They are curious and active, which makes them fun to watch as they explore their environment. They are perfect for beginners due to their docile nature and ease of care.

Detailed Care Requirements

• Temperature Range:

  • Basking Area: 29-32°C (85-90°F)

  • Cool End: 21-24°C (70-75°F)

• Humidity: Corn snakes need moderate humidity at around 40-50%. A humid hide should be provided, especially during shedding.

• Terrarium Size: A 90-120 cm (3-4 feet) long tank is sufficient. Corn snakes need plenty of space to move and hide.

• Feeding: Feed them small rodents, like mice or small rats, every 7-10 days.

Handling and Interaction

Corn snakes are gentle and enjoy handling, making them an excellent choice for families or first-time snake owners.

They are also easy to train to tolerate regular human interaction. Their calm demeanor and small size make them great for those who want a snake that is easy to manage.

Health and Lifespan

Corn snakes can live up to 20 years or more with proper care. They are generally healthy, but like all reptiles, they should be kept in a properly maintained environment to avoid stress and illness.

3. Sand Boa: The Subtle and Relaxed Snake

Temperament and Behavior

Sand Boas are known for their quiet and calm demeanor. They are smaller snakes, typically growing to around 2-3 feet, and are excellent for owners who want a low-maintenance pet.

Sand Boas are non-aggressive and spend most of their time burrowed in the substrate, which makes them less active than other snakes but still highly manageable.

They are very gentle and are rarely stressed out by handling, making them a good choice for those who may not have time to interact with their snake daily.

Detailed Care Requirements

• Temperature Range:

  • Basking Area: 30-32°C (85-90°F)

  • Cool End: 24-27°C (75-80°F)

• Humidity: Sand Boas do well in lower humidity levels, around 40-50%.

• Terrarium Size: A 90 cm (3 feet) long terrarium is suitable for an adult.

• Feeding: Sand Boas typically eat small rodents, and feed about every 7-10 days.

Handling and Interaction

Sand Boas are generally easy to handle. While they spend most of their time in burrows, they will happily accept gentle handling when taken out of their enclosure. They rarely bite and are known for being relaxed.

Health and Lifespan

With proper care, Sand Boas can live up to 20 years. They are resilient snakes that thrive on minimal care but should still have regular health check-ups, particularly for shedding issues and potential skin conditions.

4. Albino Corn Snake: A Vibrant and Easygoing Snake

Temperament and Behavior

The Albino Corn Snake shares the same calm and affectionate nature as the regular corn snake but stands out due to its bright, striking coloration.

These snakes are very gentle, and while they are a bit more visually stimulating due to their appearance, they still maintain a very friendly and interactive disposition.

Detailed Care Requirements

• Temperature Range:

  • Basking Area: 29-32°C (85-90°F)

  • Cool End: 21-24°C (70-75°F)

• Humidity: They thrive at 40-50% humidity, similar to the regular corn snake.

• Terrarium Size: An 90-120 cm (3-4 feet) long terrarium is sufficient for adult albino corn snakes.

• Feeding: Feed them small rodents such as mice, typically every 7-10 days.

Handling and Interaction

Albino Corn Snakes are just as affectionate and calm as their regular counterparts.

They make great pets for families and are easy to handle because they are not easily stressed and tend to stay active but not overly energetic.

Health and Lifespan

These snakes can live up to 20-25 years in captivity with the proper care. Their beautiful appearance and easy temperament make them a favorite among many pet owners.

5. Ball Python: The Popular and Calm Python

Temperament and Behavior

The Ball Python is a top contender for one of the most popular pet snakes in the world. These snakes are known for their calm, gentle nature, and small size.

They are not as active as some other species and are shy, often curling into a ball when feeling insecure.

However, once they become accustomed to their environment, they can become very affectionate and are relatively easy to handle.

Detailed Care Requirements

• Temperature Range:

  • Basking Area: 32-35°C (90-95°F)

  • Cool End: 24-27°C (75-80°F)

• Humidity: They require 50-60% humidity. Providing a humid hide can help during shedding.

• Terrarium Size: A 90-120 cm (3-4 feet) long tank is ideal.

• Feeding: Ball Pythons eat medium rodents, typically rats, every 10-14 days.

Handling and Interaction

Ball Pythons are gentle and calm snakes. They are often shy at first, but once they get accustomed to their surroundings and their handler, they are very affectionate and easy to handle.

Health and Lifespan

Ball Pythons can live between 20 and 30 years with proper care. Regular health checks, appropriate diet, and maintaining their temperature and humidity are key to their long lifespan.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Snake for Your Home

When it comes to choosing a snake as a pet, it's important to pick one that not only fits your lifestyle but also meets its own specific care needs.

The Boa Constrictor, Corn Snake, Sand Boa, Albino Corn Snake, and Ball Python are all great choices for beginners and experienced snake owners alike.

These snakes offer the perfect blend of friendly personalities, easy care, and fascinating behavior.

Before you bring home your new pet snake, make sure you have the proper equipment and understand its habitat requirements.

With the right care and environment, your pet snake will thrive and bring a unique and rewarding companionship into your home.

Enjoy This Video Tutorial About Snakes

Source: Wickens Wicked Reptiles

Did you find this post useful or inspiring? Save THIS PIN to your Pets Board on Pinterest! 😊