They are unique and attractive snakes but require a bit more experience on the part of the owner to keep the snakes healthy and the owner safe. If your kid wants a colorful snake pet, they will love Corn Snakes. Ball pythons are known for their tendency to stop eating for periods of time, especially the winter, as well as during shedding. There is much more to know before getting a snake as a pet. False water cobras are the most sexually dimorphic of the snakes covered so far. They do not possess the needed emotions for being friendly. In return for this your benefit is that there is less chance that you will get bitten than a random stranger picking up the snake. Their stunning red and orange coloring is highly variable as a result of breeding. Corn snakes are also generally very relaxed and are amenable to being handled. Snakes in captivity are slightly different but will still try to avoid human contact. The California king snake is one of the most popular snakes kept as pets. Check out our ongoing selection of reptiles and exotic animals ranging from Bearded Dragons, Amphibians, Lizards, Turtles, Snakes and more. Kenyan Sand Boa, and very small, great starter snake! Water snakes vary greatly in coloration and patterning based on subspecies, but they can range from black and red to orange, brown, and even greyish-silver. When handling a snake, it is crucial to wash hands thoroughly and not handle the snake within 2 days of feeding or shedding. 15 years. 15 years. Western hognose also stay small as pet snakes go, which can be an appealing feature for some snake owners. The pet snake will want you to keep it warm, secure and very well fed. Why Does My Leopard Gecko Never Come Out? They may not have the best reputation thanks to Hollywood, but snakes are actually docile, rewarding pets that are a great fit for families who are looking for something a little different. False water cobras are shy snakes, and are recommended only for experienced snake handlers and owners. Both Garter snake and Smaller dogs like a chihuahua, Jack Russell terrier, and Maltese, can be found in our houses as pets. Black rat snakes are among the most popular pet snakes, and for good reason. These snakes feature stunning, unique brown, black, and tan coloration. Sometimes referred to as red rat snakes, Corn snakes are native to the southeastern U.S., and are an excellent choice as a pet. They may well recognise you from your smell as they have a highly tuned sense of smell. Despite their rare … Asian vine snakes, also known as whip snakes, have a unique, streamlined appearance that is designed to help them blend in with tropical vines. The extra time and care is well worth it! I would say that it fair to sum up this article by saying that when it comes to pet snakes they do not really appreciate affection. Can Pet Snakes Be Friendly And Affectionate? ReptileAdvisor.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Do snakes like contact with humans? This is normal but is one of many reasons that ball pythons must be carefully monitored. They may only eat live prey depending upon the individual python, which can sometimes be a challenge for less experienced snake owners as well. This is a question even I had myself so I did a load of research so that I could give you the best possible answer. These boas are definitely not recommended for beginners, for a few reasons. They're a little shy but they handle captivity well, come in a large variety of colors and they are a small size (for a Python, that is.) They are not your typical cuddly pet, but as snake owners will tell you, their pets recognize them and respond to their voices. Here are our 16 favorite snake species for reptile lovers interested in a new and interesting pet: Milk and king snakes are very popular snakes to keep as pets due to their small size and bright, beautiful coloration. While these snakes may mimic the venomous and aggressive coral snakes, here is what these friendly little reptiles are really like. My name is Andy Baines and I am the owner and writer here at Super Crazy Pets. This helps to prevent aggressive behavior and striking when removing the snake to be handled. You can read more about my story by visiting the about me page. They make good first time snakes for beginners due to the calm temperament and the vast amounts of information there is available on this snake. Friendly Pets at Friendly Center is a local, family-owned pet shop that has puppies, kittens, fish, small animals, birds, reptiles and exotics, pet foods, treats and toys, and other pet supplies Black rat snakes are swimmers and climbers, and therefore need habitats which are designed to keep them safely inside to accommodate their escapist habits! Best Pet Snake Species for Children and Beginners - PetHelpful Gopher and bull snakes are two different subsets of the same snake species, with bull snakes being the largest of the group. Be aware though, that natural instinct to strike and defend itself will always be there if you do not treat it like it wants to be treat. Snakes can make great pets. While this may be true of reticulated pythons in the wild, breeding in captivity has allowed the true nature of these pythons to shine. Friendly Pets has a large selection of reptiles. This means more frequent cleaning and use of specific bedding to prevent infection and unwarranted moisture in the enclosure. It should be noted that these snakes have been known to prey on other snakes, so they should be housed individually. Instead you can think of it as your snake being hostile or not hostile towards you. It’s a beautiful species to boot and can become a showstopper in your collection. The Reasons May Suprise You. Reticulated pythons are extremely intelligent reptiles with general good temperaments and relatively straightforward care, which makes them excellent pets for more advanced owners. The green morph is the most common, but these pythons come in a variety of colors due to natural and selective breeding. However a snake can learn to trust you and with this it may let you handle it from time to time without any issues. They thrive when they have a large, interesting environment to explore. Why Does My Leopard Gecko Never Shed Its Skin? Reptiles Unlimited. A pet snake will never be friendly with you. they are shy but friendly, and actually thrive in captivity. Looking for something specific? More experienced owners. A few of the most notable examples include: House snakes; Ringneck snakes; Green snakes; Brown snakes; Sand boas; Garter snakes; For a variety of reasons, small snakes generally make better pets than large snakes do. Red-tail boas are one of the more famous boa constrictors, named for the bright red coloration on the end of their tails. Western Hognose snakes are becoming increasingly popular as pets, and they are readily available in captivity, and there is a variety of morphs available. Well it is still best to try and handle and have physical contact with your pet snake as little as possible. Milk and king snakes may take some time to settle down initially after introducing them to your home, and it may take several handling sessions before they start to grow accustomed to being held. These beautiful pythons have earned their namesake for the amount of time they like to spend coiled up in trees. Artbroom CC By-SA 2.0 Via Flickr They do not require large habitats, though they do need securely fastened lids, or they will nudge the lids off and escape! The second question of can a snake show you affection has pretty much the same answer as the last on. There are many different types of rosy … They should not be thawed in the microwave, but should also not be provided while still cold. Snakes’ diet also varies based on species, but most snakes eat frozen rodents that have been thawed out fully prior to feeding. Instead you can think of it as your snake being hostile or not hostile towards you. These pythons have highly patterned, iridescent scales and muscular bodies which is fascinating to observe and makes them pleasant to handle as well. Generally speaking, snakes require the same basic care as all reptiles: water, food, a heating source, appropriate enclosure and substrate, and (depending on species) a UV light. They cannot feel love towards you, they will not care about you and they certainly won’t be affectionate towards you. The guide can be found here. They can be secretive or outgoing, depending on the individual snake and the species, and some of them are easy to care for. No snakes do not like human contact. Gopher and bull snakes can be handled and held but they can be active and might squirm, even after they get used to being handled. Your garter snake whether bought from a pet shop or caught from the wild, sometimes can never fully adapt to your home environment Most snakes require a substrate which will not irritate their scales, and a heating setup that will not cause burns but will help regulate the humidity in the enclosure. I think most of us know that unless we are highly trained and are doing it for a specific reason. Reptacular Animals zoo facilities and animal care have been inspected and approved by … This question is the opposite to a snake giving you affection. Garter snakes are the pets for you! Western Hognose snakes are perhaps better snakes for handlers with some snake experience, as they have been known to hiss and strike unexpectedly, which may not be ideal for novices or young children. Live up … Buckle up because this is going to have some pretty cool information inside! They require at least 8-10 feet of habitat space to be able to uncoil and explore without being too cramped. Feeding Snakes: Pre-Killed vs. Live Prey Feeding pre-killed prey is recommended since a live rodent can inflict some serious wounds on a snake in self-defense (plus it is more convenient to keep a supply of frozen prey in your freezer than raising or buying live animals for feeding). Because of this they cannot be friendly. Their gorgeous colors and availability at most pet shops make them popular, too. This way you will get get on the receiving end of a bite. These constrictors are non-venomous and make great pets due to their minimal requirements which are easy for beginners to provide. But what about snakes in captivity? ReptileAdvisor.com does not provide veterinary advice. Although the popular snake plant is only mildly toxic to pets, it does contain saponins—a natural chemical produced by the plant to protect it from insects, microbes, and fungi. No, a pet snake cannot show you affection. The snakes may wiggle and try to get free at first but will become more docile with time. Perhaps you’re thinking you’d like a legless friend instead of a lizard—look no further than the beginner-friendly corn snake!. They are docile, friendly, and easy to care for. I created this website to share my knowledge of looking after pets with other fellow owners. They will then associate that smell with the thing that provides them with food when they are hungry. Pine snakes may not be as common to find in pet stores, but they are very unique snakes that lend themselves well to being in captivity. They are known for their large size and contrasting coloration. However, if the snakes are introduced to the home when they are young and they are handled often and properly, they are a good choice for pets. These are the 5 best pet snakes for beginners in my opinion! As snakes only need to eat once every few days to once a month, they have many advantages over ‘traditional’ pets. Rosy Boa. They are very keen on exploring their environments, and definitely need enclosures designed to prevent them from escaping! They do not posses complex emotions such as happiness, sadness or empathy or anything like that. They also like to test the limits of their enclosure and will push at the tank lid with their nose, meaning they need a very secure habitat so they don’t escape! As I mentioned earlier and just like in the last question, a snake does not have a brain that is complex enough to use the deeper emotions. There are a number of snake species that usually remain relatively small (less than 3 feet in length). They are arboreal snakes and need vertical enclosures with plenty of branches and places for climbing as well as hide boxes at multiple levels in the enclosure. These constrictors grow up to 5 feet long, but can be shorter depending on the breeder/breed. 2 feet, 8 inches. Many snakes are comfortable being handled, and their care requirements are straightforward enough for beginners to manage easily. I'd have to say that the Ball Python is probably the most popular choice for a snake lover to make. Rosy Boa. Our animals include our famous Zebra and Camel, mini-horses, donkeys, ponies, farm animals, bunnies, snakes, lizards, bugs, turtles, tortoises, frogs, parrots, pigeons, chinchillas, and so many more! Unfortunately this is not the case at all. The title of this article represents a couple of questions that I have seen asked so many times. General Pet Snake Information for Beginners . aThe great part is that corn snakes are also reluctant to bite which is totally safe for beginners. Well the simple answer to this is no. Kenyan Sand Boa (Eryx c. loveridgei) We highly recommend Kenyan sand boas (AKA East African sand boas) as pet snakes because of their small, manageable size. Pine snakes need to be handled often when they are young in order to get them used to humans, or else they can become antisocial and defensive. Temperament of Kingsnakes. Well the simple answer to this is no. My works and articles have been shared on many online publications including The Spruce Pets. Although they are snakes, Corn Snakes are docile and don’t mind being handled. After time your pet snake may come to realise and remember that you are the one who keeps bringing it food and as such see you as not a threat. Leos That Hide. Snakes are wild animals, even those that have been brought up by humans from birth. Do pet snakes like affection from their owners? We publish weekly informational guides with easy-to-understand graphics to help you in your reptile-keeping journey. Pet Reptiles Choose from a variety of pet reptiles for sale including snakes, lizards, turtles and more. They are best kept as display snakes rather than pets to be handled, as they are known to become defensive, though they can be handled by experienced snake parents. Ball pythons get their name from the ball-shape that they curl into when they feel threatened. Garter snake is considered one of the best pet snakes for kids because of its small size and calm nature. Just being able to look after them and watch them is more than enough enjoyment. It is always going to be a bad idea to try to and handle or make contact with a wild snake in the outdoors. All species of garter snake make great pets, including the aquatic variant. As far as handling, reticulated pythons may expect food whenever their cage is opened and must be “trained” to know that it is not being fed prior to handling. It is crucial to do research and provide proper care for all snakes, and pythons are easy to care for but still require some education. Black rat snakes are sometimes mistaken for rattlesnakes due to their behaviors, but they are not venomous or aggressive. Buy Snakes … If you want a “cuddly” snake, Backwater Reptiles has many ball python morphs for sale. So yes, a bond is possible with your pet snake but it will not be a bond where you can get cuddly with your snake, sorry all. Additionally, their diet should consist of a combination of fish, insects, and occasionally small rodents to replicate the variety of prey found in their natural environments. It can actually cause your pet to get stressed and panicked which is not a good place to be at. Snakes — most people love them or fear them. Another consideration with red-tail boas is their habitat and diet needs. They are easy to care for and breed and are happy to be regularly handled. They are known for their bright red, black, and yellow/white striping, though some variants are almost solid red with blotches of black or white. Potential owners or even new owners of pet snakes often wonder: “Can pet snakes show their owners affection?”. I am obsessed with reptiles and have been keeping them my entire life. They love water and are fun to watch, and can be handled as long as they are conditioned with regular handling from a young age. Rosy boas are excellent snakes for committed beginners. Read more about my experience. They also do not have a brain that is complex enough to be able to process the emotions such as love. In this article we will cover the basics of caring for pet snakes, as well as a list of many of the best types of snakes that can be kept as pets! This may take some time, and it is recommended to have another handler present whenever the python is being handled to avoid accidental striking due to nervousness. There are 3,000 species of snakes in the world, and it’s estimated that over a million snakes are kept captive as “pets” in the U.S. Can pet snakes form a bond with a human owner? The video below is one that I found on YouTube, it is designed to show you how to get a pet snake off that is latched on in a bite. Kenyan sand boas may not be as popular as other breeds, but they are quickly gaining a following as they make excellent pets! Do snakes like to get affection from you? Caring for ball pythons is fairly straightforward. This can in turn lead to the snake allowing you to hold and sometimes handle it, as long as you are gentle with it. This is especially so in the wild and you should not try to make contact with a wild snake. They stay relatively small and are easy to care for. Length & Weight California Kingsnake—most grow to 30-40 inches / 75-100cm and weigh 6-800g / 1-1.5 lbs. If you follow the tips in my guide to safe handling it will teach you how to handle a snake. While they are generally docile snakes, they require a slightly higher level of care, more specific habitat features, and a more complex diet than many other snakes. Corn Snakes. I know that most people who ask it are hoping for a certain answer and that answer is “yes, a snake can form a bond with you were it likes cuddles and handling.”. These snakes are lovely, challenging creatures to keep, but they certainly require more experience and care than some other species. These snakes feature striking tan and brown patterning which helps them blend into their natural environment, and are famous for their bold and curious temperaments. So can a pet snake be friendly? They tend to be very large as adults, and require a great deal of space in their habitat to keep them happy and healthy. We hope to be your home for pet purchases with our mobile and tablet friendly site that offers a safe and a secure online shopping experience to our customers. First-time owners. The “rosy” name comes from the pearl and coral coloration that is typical of these boas, though many variants are now available. The Pawmenade is a pet store that sells all sorts of brand-name, premium pet foods, treats, bowls and boutique items. Water snakes can be handled but must be handled from a young age or they may become nervous and strike; however if they are accustomed to normal handling they are very calm snakes to keep. Right off the bat we are going to answer this question that so many people ask. Small Snake #3: Kenyan Sand Boa (Gongylophis colubrinus) Kenyan sand boas are native to Northern Africa. The chances are that it will not be hostile to you at this point but it certainly will not be your friend. Well this article is going to answer those questions and a few other ones as well. Small Pet Snakes That Stay Small. This chemical can cause gastrointestinal upset in pets. However, if you have the patience and experience, these beautiful snakes can be kept as very rewarding pets! Also, Corn Snakes live long under ideal conditions, roughly around 15 to 20 years. Note: the legality of owning some snake species varies by state; check your local laws before adopting any reptile. They do not possess the needed emotions for being friendly. They are docile and stay relatively small, making them a great beginner snake. Experts believe that more than 70% of snakes and other exotic animals in the pet trade die before they even reach stores. Unlike many other animals, snakes only need to eat every several days-weeks (depending upon species). If you liked this article please share it :). It may seem harsh but it is completely true, they really do live up to their cold blooded name. As their name implies, they spend most of their time burrowed in the sand. They grow up to just 3 feet in size. Peaceful and easy to care for, the rosy boa is one of the best pet snakes you can get (especially if you’re a beginner).