Snakes that are commonly kept as pets

Snakes that are commonly kept as pets

Snakes of Various Species Kept as Pets

There are over 3,000 different snake species discovered around the world. And that number is always changing as new discoveries are made.

However, not all snakes are kept as pets. Snakes of the families Boidae, Pythonidae, and Colubridae are the most widely maintained. Although practically any type of snake may be obtained at a reptile show or online, the most widely kept pet snake species from these families are mentioned below. Many different types of snakes are maintained as pets.

Red-Tail Boa

The red-tail boa is a kind of boa constrictor that is commonly encountered in the pet trade. Red-tails may reach lengths of 15 feet and can grow to be approximately 10 feet long. They are not suitable as pets for individuals who are unable to commit to caring for a snake that consumes huge rodents or rabbits and may survive in captivity for 30 years or more.

Kenyan Sand Boa

These unusual burrowing snakes may grow to be around a foot and a half long. They are typically benign snakes that burrow their entire body into the sand, leaving just their small head visible to attack passing food. They have wonderful golden and brown designs on them.

Ball Python

The ball python, possibly the most popular pet snake, is a friendly snake with a calm demeanor. They only reach 3-5 feet in length but may live in captivity for up to 35 years. They get their name from the tight ball form they curl into when they're threatened. These snakes don't require much in the way of heating or lighting and make great first snake pets, but they do have certain unique requirements in order to remain healthy. More information is available here.

Burmese Python

These are huge snakes, yet they are still commonly kept as pets. Burmese are normally very gentle but a little more active than your little ball python, growing to reach 15-20 feet long (and occasionally much longer). Feeding these beasts is not for anyone who is afraid of handling dead rats or other bigger prey items. Burmese pythons may be better suited to adult snake owners due to their substantial weight and great length when fully grown.

Green Tree Python

Arboreal snakes give some variety to a standard snake exhibit. Green tree pythons enjoy curling up in an attractive cluster and clinging to a small tree branch. As adults, they reach lengths of around 5 feet and are very bright green (occasionally with yellow or blue spots). They are sometimes mistaken with the emerald tree boa.

Blood Python

Arboreal snakes give some variety to a standard snake exhibit. Green tree pythons enjoy curling up in an attractive cluster and clinging to a small tree branch. As adults, they reach lengths of around 5 feet and are very bright green (occasionally with yellow or blue spots). They are sometimes mistaken with the emerald tree boa.

King Snake

Kingsnakes, which are related to milk snakes, grow to be approximately 5-7 feet long, making them a smaller pet snake. They received their name because they would quickly consume other snakes, thus they should be kept alone. Because king snakes are native to North America and breed often in captivity, acquiring a captive-bred pet should be simple.

Milk Snake

The milk snake, which is a kind of king snake and is most usually found in the pet trade, closely replicates the color patterns of the deadly coral snake (known as Batesian mimicry). "Red on yellow will kill a fellow, but red on black is a buddy of Jack," as the adage goes, alludes to the band patterns observed on coral and milk snakes. Coral snakes have red bands that are adjacent to yellow bands, whereas milk snakes have red bands that are adjacent to black bands.

Black Rat Snake

The rat snake, one of the plainer-looking snakes, makes up for his lack of sparkle with his athletic ability. This is an energetic snake that can swim and climb trees. When startled or scared, they may wrinkle their bodies to resemble a rattlesnake and even shake the ends of their tails. The rat snake, which is endemic to the central and eastern United States, constricts its victim before consuming it.

Corn Snake

The corn snake, a kind of rat snake, is a popular starting snake because to its tiny size, but it is also a favorite of expert keepers due to its varied color patterns. Corn snakes, like many snakes, may grow to be around 5 feet long and are adept escape artists. They are not known to bite and are peaceful snakes.