Small Snakes for Pets that Stay Small –If you’re interested in taking a snake home as a pet, but not as interested in dealing with a pet that can grow to enormous sizes, there may be some compromises to make. While larger snakes can be difficult to keep for a number of reasons—for one thing, feeding and housing them can be quite a task—snakes that are smaller can make great pets.
When it comes to choosing the right pet snake for beginners, the options abound, and they all have one thing in common – they are small, friendly, and easy to care for. Here, we present to you a list of 10 small snakes that are not only ideal for snake-keeping beginners, but also remain small throughout life, making them manageable and enjoyable companions.
10 Small snakes for Pets that stay small
Ringneck Snakes (Diadophis punctatus)
- Size: Up to 15 inches
- Temperament: Shy and docile
Ringneck snakes are pint-sized wonders with a distinct ring around their necks. They prefer a cool and moist environment and a diet consisting of worms, slugs, or small lizards. Although mildly venomous, their venom poses no threat to humans, and they rarely bite.
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Bimini Blind Snakes (Ramphotyphlops braminus)
- Size: Up to 6 inches
- Temperament: Curious and docile
These tiny snakes resemble earthworms and thrive in a warm and dry setting. Their diet includes termites, ants, or larvae. While they’re not venomous or aggressive, they can emit a foul-smelling musk when feeling threatened.
Barbados Threadsnakes (Leptotyphlops carlae)
- Size: Up to 4 inches
- Temperament: Shy and gentle
The smallest known snake species globally, Barbados threadsnakes, require a warm and humid environment and a diet of insect eggs or larvae. They are not venomous or aggressive, but their fragility calls for careful handling.
Western Hognose Snakes (Heterodon nasicus)
- Size: Up to 3 feet
- Temperament: Curious and playful
These cute snakes boast an upturned snout that aids in digging. They enjoy a warm and dry habitat and dine on rodents or amphibians. Their mild venom poses no threat to humans, and they rarely bite.
Garter Snakes (Thamnophis spp.)
- Size: Up to 3 feet
- Temperament: Not aggressive and enjoy being handled
Active and lively, garter snakes can be kept in groups. They prefer a cool and dry environment and have a diverse diet comprising fish, worms, frogs, or mice. While they’re not venomous, they can emit a musky odor when feeling threatened.
Rosy Boas (Lichanura trivirgata)
- Size: Up to 4 feet
- Temperament: Calm and gentle
These small boas sport a rosy or orange coloration on their backs. They thrive in a warm and dry habitat and feast on rodents or birds. While not venomous or aggressive, they can constrict their prey.
Sand Boas (Eryx spp.)
- Size: Up to 3 feet
- Temperament: Shy and docile
These small boas, with a cylindrical body shape, excel at burrowing in the sand. They favor a warm and dry environment and prey on rodents or lizards. While not venomous or aggressive, they can constrict their prey.
Ball Pythons (Python regius)
- Size: Up to 5 feet
- Temperament: Relaxed and gentle
Ball pythons have a unique defense mechanism – they curl into a ball when stressed. They require a warm and humid habitat and feed on rodents or birds. Their non-venomous nature and gentle disposition make them a popular choice.
Corn Snakes (Pantherophis guttatus)
- Size: Up to 5 feet
- Temperament: Tolerate frequent handling well
Known for their vibrant colors, corn snakes are gentle and hardy. They thrive in moderate temperature and humidity conditions and dine on mice or rats. They’re not venomous or constrictors and are comfortable with regular handling.
California King Snakes (Lampropeltis californiae)
- Size: Up to 4 feet
- Temperament: Easy to handle and rarely bite
Attractive, docile, and adaptable, California king snakes are another common choice. They prefer a warm and dry environment and feast on rodents, lizards, or birds. While not venomous, they can constrict their prey.
In conclusion, choosing a pet snake that remains small and suits beginners offers a variety of fantastic options. Each of these snake species brings its unique charm and characteristics to the table, making them exceptional choices for novice snake owners. Remember to delve into the specific care requirements of your chosen snake species to ensure a happy and healthy life for your new reptilian companion.
