There are over 3000 different snake species worldwide. As members of the wilderness, they play essential roles in environments by keeping some animals in check. While many snakes have threatened features or are venomous, some are harmless, make good pets, or look goofy. This article will take you through everything you need to know about having a snake as a pet, including a list of cute snakes!
Table of Contents
What Makes a Snake “Cute”
Something about a snake’s stare can be incredibly engaging. Their eyes are like delicate beads that seem to glisten with curiosity about the world. Some snakes have human-like eyes – it’s like they’re the windows to a scaled soul.
Top Small and Adorable Snake Species
Below are some of the smallest snakes you can keep as a pet!
- Corn Snake: The corn snake, sometimes called a red rat snake, is a Northern American rat snake species. The species beat its small prey by squeezing. Though superficially similar to the venomous copperhead and often killed as a result of its mistaken identity, the corn snake is harmless and lacks functional venom. They control the population of wild rodent pets that damage crops and spread diseases.
- Ball Python: The ball python, also known as the royal python, is a nontoxic species native to West and Central Africa. It lives in grasslands, shrublands, and open forests. This miniature African python grows to a reasonable length of 182cm. The name ‘ball python’ refers to its tendency to curl into a ball when stressed or frightened.
- Western Hognose Snake: Western hognose snake is an endemic North American species in the family Colubridae. Three valid subspecies, including the nominotypical subspecies., are recognized.
- Rosy Boa: Desert rosy boa is a species of snake in the family Boidae. It is local to Mexico’s American Southwest, Baja California, and Sonora. The desert rosy Boa is one of four species in the boa family local to the continental United States. The other three are the coastal rosy boa and the two species of rubber boas.
Care Considerations for Small Pet Snakes
Here are some of the care considerations of a small pet snake you should know about.
Habitat and Enclosure
The cage type must suit this species’ needs. Smaller species or young snakes often do well in a 10-20 gallon aquarium or a Rubbermaid container with holes in the top for air circulation.
Diets
Most pet snake diets involve rats and mice. Regardless of the type of snake, it is recommended that dead prey be fed rather than live feed. This is because it’s more humane and keeps your pet snake safe. Some prey can scratch and even try to bite them.
Handling and Interaction
Snakes should be handled at least 1-2 times a week, not more than once daily. Snakes don’t require social relationships for their mental health, but handling helps them stay domestic and can be a good exercise opportunity.
Benefits of Owning Small and Cute Snakes
Let’s discuss the benefits of owning a small and cute snake. Listed below are the pros and cons of owning one.
Pros
- Snakes are easy to care for. They don’t need to be walked, they don’t shed, and they are primarily kept in their cages. That makes them ideal apartment pets or pets for someone who cannot handle the demanding schedule of a more common pet.
- Though a ball python looks calm and threatening, it’s tame. The most popular pet snake breeds are usually relaxed as pets. They can range in friendliness, but they are generally happy to just hang out in their tanks, and they respond well to being handled as long as you start them from a young age. You don’t need to train them.
- Snakes need a cozy place to break down their food, sleep, and shed. It is relatively easy to keep them happy. Just remember that they need enough heat, which is about 10-12 hours a day. Snakes are cold-blooded and need extra heat and light to stay healthy.
Cons
With all things considered, there are some downsides to owning a pet snake. Ironically, some benefits are also the things that you should look out for when owning a snake. Let’s have a look at the cons of owning a snake as a pet down below!
- Terrarium Cost: To own a snake, you must buy a terrarium. Your snake will be in that terrarium for 90% of the time, so it’s very important to choose one that fits your snake well which can be costly.
- It’s Too Quiet: While it is nice that snakes are quiet, it can also be concerning. Unlike cats or dogs, it’s difficult to tell if your pet snake is sick or injured. You can’t quickly tell what your snake is feeling, either.
- Mice Feed: Snakes are carnivores, and they hunt prey for food. This means that you are required to feed your snake meat. It’s not always pleasant for owners to feed things like mice and other animals to their snake.
- Different Variations: As mentioned earlier, different snakes have different needs. Before purchasing a snake, you must know your snake’s needs. While this can be very time-consuming, it is also necessary. Be responsible! Snakes are living creatures, too.
- Not Pet Beginner Friendly: With all that has been said, snakes aren’t exactly a good first pet choice. It’s unsafe for the snake, not because it’s dangerous for you! It may be fatal for your snake if you don’t have the proper knowledge.
Common Misconceptions About Pet Snakes
Many misconceptions surround snakes, but it’s time to debunk them. Take a look down below!
All Snakes Are Dangerous
According to the World Health Organization, 600 of the 3000 known snake species are venomous. Some venom is potent enough to kill an individual within minutes, while others might cause permanent disability in just an hour or so, but this is not true for all snakes. Many snakes can be kept as pets that don’t pose a threat.
Snakes Are Difficult to Care For
This is not true! Snakes make perfect pets because they are easy to care for, quiet, clean, and don’t require much interaction.
Snakes Lack Personality
Although no research has been conducted on snakes and personality, previous research on other animals, including reptiles, suggests that snakes have great personalities.
Conclusion
Having a snake as a pet can be a unique and rewarding experience for most people. However, it is important to understand the challenges and benefits of owning a pet snake before getting one. One of the main benefits of having a pet snake is they have low maintenance requirements. Unlike other pets, snakes don’t require daily walks or grooming. They also don’t need to be fed as often as other pets because they go for weeks without eating, especially when hibernating.
Ready to welcome cute snakes into your life? While it may be scary at first because of unfamiliarity – they can make wonderful pets. Start doing research today and explore which snake pet is perfect for you!