Popular Pet Snakes

Although many people are afraid of snakes, most snakes make really good pets.

Some of the popular snakes people get as pets are:

Corn Snake:
The Corn Snake gets its name from the fact that it is commonly found in corn fields, usually looking for rodents to prey on. They are quite docile by nature, non-venomous, and reluctant to bite. They are relatively easy to care for. Adult sizes usually range from 4-6 feet. They can live up to 15-25 years in captivity. These snakes are very good at escaping so it's important to have a proper enclosure to prevent this. Housing for an adult Corn Snake should be at least a 20 to 40 gallon tank to allow the snake to move. Also, Corn Snakes can become stressed out in too large a cage. For the snake will feel safe it is a good idea to use plants and hiding places in a large tank. Like other reptiles Corn Snakes, cannot generate internal body heat, so it is extremely crucial to have proper heating. Under-tank heating pads and heat lamps can be used for heating. The temperature in the tank area should be about 80-85°F (27-29°C). For bedding you can use newspaper or paper towels. Aspen or cypress shavings also make good bedding. Corn snakes are carnivores and baby Corn snakes can be fed newborn pinkie mice followed by small to large mice for adults.

Ball Python:
The name ball python got it's name from how they have tendency to curl into a ball when stressed or frightened. Being the smallest of the African pythons it is non-venomous. Because of their smaller size compared to other pythons and generally docile temperament, the Ball Python's have become popular pets. They can live up to 20-40 years years in captivity. Adults usually do not grow to more than 90-120 cm (3-4 feet) in length. Their diet consists mostly of domestic rats and mice. Managing accurate temperatures is necessary to keeping your Ball Python healthy. Under tank heat is recommended because they are not very sensitive to dangerous heat levels and can easily burn themselves. Housing for your pet Ball Python can be either a glass tank, plastic tub, or build it yourself enclosure. For young Ball Pythons a 10 gallon tank is adequate. For adults it should be a 25-30 gallon tank.

King Snake:
King snakes have relatively docile dispositions that make great pets. They come in a variety of colors and patterns. They can live up to 20 years in captivity, with most reaching about six feet in length. King Snakes feed on rodents, as well as other snakes. Housing for your pet King Snake should be approximately 3/4 the length of the snake. The enclosure should have a secure mesh top lid, under the tank heating pad, newspaper, paper towels, or Aspen or Cypress shavings for the bottom of the tank, water dish, temperature, and humidity gauge.

Red Tailed Boa:
Red Tailed Boas are among peoples favorite pet snakes for their docile temperament, relatively easy to care for, and can become quite tame. These snakes can grow up to thirteen feet in length and weigh over 70lbs. They can live up to 20 to 30 years old in captivity. The boa constrictor's diet consists of small rodents, lizards, large birds, bats. For young Boas a 20 gallon tank is a good size to start with, but as the snake grows your tank has to grow too.. Keeping proper temperature is essential in keeping your snake healthy. The temperture should be maintained between 82-90 F (28-32 C).

Like any other pet, it is important to do research and find out all you can about the different species of snakes and which ones would better suit you.