10 Amazing Non-Venomous Snake Species That Make Excellent Pets for Reptile Lovers

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

Snake in a Terrarium
Anrita1705/PixaBay

While snakes may not be the top pick for a pet, they can be intriguing and fulfilling companions for those who love reptiles. Non-venomous snakes are great pets because they are calm, easy to handle, and require straightforward care. If you’re new to snake ownership or considering adding another reptile to your collection, this list features 10 amazing non-venomous snake species that are sure to captivate you with their charm and adaptability. Let’s jump in and discover these amazing scaly companions that are ideal for reptile lovers.

1. Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus)

Corn Snakes
Gliciafernandaalmeida/Pixabay

Corn snakes are a top choice for beginners and experienced owners due to their calm temperament and striking patterns. These snakes typically grow to 3-5 feet, making them easy to house in medium-sized enclosures. Additionally, they thrive on simple care requirements like appropriate heat, a secure tank, and a diet of small rodents. Corn snakes are naturally curious and easy to handle, which makes them enjoyable pets for reptile enthusiasts of all levels. Their vibrant color variations, combined with their low-maintenance care, make them an excellent option for anyone seeking a friendly and manageable non-venomous pet snake.

2. Ball Python (Python regius)

ball python
die_sonja/pixabay

Ball Pythons are loved for their gentle disposition and mesmerizing variety of morphs. These snakes are small, usually growing to 3-4 feet, which makes them easy to manage and care for. They are known for curling into a ball when they feel stressed—a charming trait that many owners adore. Ball pythons require basic heating, proper humidity, and regular feeding of appropriately sized rodents. Moreover, their stunning patterns, ranging from earthy browns to unique designer morphs, make them a visual treat. With regular handling and proper care, ball pythons are calm, friendly companions perfect for any reptile enthusiast.

3. California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae)

A California Kingsnake
By Caudatejake, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons

The California kingsnake is a visually striking species, recognized for its bold black-and-white banding. These non-venomous snakes are friendly when handled often and grow to a manageable 3-4 feet in length. They are hardy and adaptable, thriving with simple care like proper heating, humidity, and a secure enclosure to prevent escapes. Additionally, their curious and active nature makes them a joy to watch as they explore. California kingsnakes are excellent escape artists, so ensuring a secure tank is essential. Their combination of beauty, resilience, and lively personality makes them an interactive and rewarding pet for snake enthusiasts.

4. Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum)

milk snake
dmitry-kharitonov/pexels

Milk snakes are known for their vibrant, coral snake-mimicking colors, but they’re completely harmless and non-venomous. These snakes usually grow 2-4 feet long, making them a manageable size for most homes. They are highly adaptable, thrive in a range of conditions, and require basic care, including appropriate heating and secure housing. Their active and curious behavior adds to their charm, as they are enjoyable to watch and interact with. Additionally, milk snakes are relatively low maintenance, making them a fantastic choice for beginner and experienced reptile owners alike. Their bold colors and easy care make them irresistible pets.

5. Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata)

Closeup of a Rosy Boa
gayleenfroese2/PixaBay

Rosy boas are a gentle and relaxed species, ideal for those new to snake ownership. These snakes grow up to 4 feet, and their slow-moving, calm behavior makes them easy to handle. They feature smooth, rosy-tinted scales that create a unique and appealing look. Rosy boas require minimal care, thriving in enclosures with proper heating and occasional feedings of appropriately sized rodents. Furthermore, their hardy nature ensures they adapt well to captive environments. Their calm demeanor and simple care need to make Rosy Boas an excellent choice for families and beginners seeking a friendly and easy-to-care-for snake companion.

6. Garter Snake (Thamnophis spp.)

garter snake
rob-n/pexels

Garter snakes are active, curious, and easy to care for, making them a wonderful pet option. They usually grow 2-3 feet long and are slim, which makes them manageable even for new snake owners. Garter snakes have a unique diet compared to many other snakes, often eating small fish and amphibians instead of rodents. Additionally, they are lively explorers, so providing a stimulating environment enhances their quality of life. Their low-maintenance requirements, including moderate heating and secure housing, make them beginner-friendly. With their playful personalities and manageable care, garter snakes are a delightful choice for reptile enthusiasts.

7. Western Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicus)

hognose-snake
snibl111/pixabay

The Western hognose snake is adored for its playful antics and distinctive upturned snout. These small snakes, rarely exceeding 2 feet in length, have a unique defensive behavior where they mimic venomous snakes by puffing up or flattening their heads. However, they are completely harmless and known for their calm and friendly nature. Hognose snakes thrive in simple enclosures with moderate heat and regular feedings of appropriately sized rodents. Additionally, their manageable size and captivating appearance make them a favorite among snake enthusiasts. Their fun personality and unique traits make the Western hognose an excellent pet for all levels.

8. Children’s Python (Antaresia childreni)

Childrens_Python_(Antaresia_childreni)
Matt from Melbourne, CC BY 2.0,/Wikimedia Commons

Children’s pythons are small, reaching around 3 feet, and are ideal for those who prefer smaller pet snakes. These pythons are gentle and friendly when handled regularly, making them approachable for beginners. They require minimal care, thriving in basic enclosures with proper heating and humidity. Additionally, their speckled patterns make them visually appealing, adding a unique charm to their appearance. Despite their smaller size, they display the same allure as larger python species but with easier management. With proper care and interaction, children’s pythons are a wonderful and low-maintenance choice for anyone interested in keeping a python.

9. Eastern Rat Snake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis)

Eastern Rat Snake
John Mikesell, CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikimedia Commons

Eastern rat snakes, also known as black rat snakes, are calm and easy to handle despite their larger size. These snakes can grow up to 6 feet, but their slender build ensures they remain manageable for most owners. They are hardy and adaptable, thriving in a variety of environments with minimal care. Additionally, their climbing ability adds an interesting dynamic to their behavior, making them fascinating to watch. With proper heating, a secure enclosure, and a diet of rodents, Eastern rat snakes are straightforward to care for. Their calm temperament and striking appearance make them excellent reptile pets.

10. Burmese Python (Python bivittatus)

Burmese Python
danportman/Pixabay

The Burmese python is a majestic and calm snake best suited for experienced owners due to its impressive size. These snakes can grow over 12 feet long and require a large, secure enclosure to accommodate their needs. Despite their size, Burmese pythons are gentle and can be affectionate with proper socialization. Additionally, their striking appearance and regal demeanor make them a captivating pet for dedicated snake enthusiasts. They thrive with proper heating, humidity, and regular feeding of large prey. If you’re ready for the responsibility, the Burmese python is an unforgettable companion that will impress any reptile lover.

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