10 Friendliest Snakes to Have as Companions

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
mauricio-vanegas/pexels

Snakes may not be the first animals that come to mind when you think of friendly pets, but many species are docile, low-maintenance, and even enjoy gentle handling. With their unique beauty and fascinating behavior, they’ve charmed pet enthusiasts worldwide. If you’re considering adding a snake to your family, choosing a friendly and manageable species is key. Here are ten snakes known for their calm temperaments and suitability as companions.

1. Corn Snake

corn snake
gliciafernandaalmeida-/pixabay

Corn snakes are among the most popular pet snakes, and for good reason. They are mild-mannered, adaptable, and easy to handle, making them ideal for beginners and experienced owners alike. Their striking colors and patterns add to their charm, ranging from classic orange and red hues to vibrant morphs. Corn snakes are non-venomous and generally tolerant of handling, rarely showing signs of stress or aggression. They’re also relatively small, typically growing to about 3 to 5 feet, which makes them manageable for most households. As a bonus, they’re excellent escape artists, so keeping their enclosure secure adds an extra layer of fun to snake ownership!

2. Ball Python

ball python
beachbumxotics/pixabay

Ball pythons are affectionately known as “the gentle giants” of the snake world. Despite their intimidating name, these snakes are known for their docile nature and slow movements, making them a top choice for families or individuals new to reptiles. Ball pythons are small to medium-sized snakes, growing to about 3 to 5 feet long. Their name comes from their tendency to curl into a ball when they feel threatened—a behavior that emphasizes their shy and non-aggressive personality. With stunning patterns and a range of colors, ball pythons are both beautiful and easy to care for, thriving in a well-maintained habitat with minimal fuss.

3. Rosy Boa

rosy boa
gayleenfroese2/pixabay

The rosy boa is a charming and low-maintenance snake that makes an excellent pet for those looking for a small, friendly companion. These snakes are known for their calm demeanor and willingness to be handled, often curling around your hand or arm in a relaxed manner. Rosy boas are relatively small, typically reaching about 2 to 4 feet in length, and their slow-moving nature makes them easy to interact with. Their beautiful striped patterns, which often include shades of pink, orange, and gray, add to their appeal. With simple care requirements and a sweet temperament, the rosy boa is a great choice for beginners.

4. California Kingsnake

california kingsnake
hhaa-25083818/pexels

California kingsnakes are a stunning and versatile species known for their striking patterns and manageable size. They grow to about 3 to 4 feet in length and are non-venomous, making them a safe and enjoyable pet. Kingsnakes are curious by nature and tend to explore their surroundings, which can make handling them an engaging experience. While they’re generally friendly, they do have a bit of a playful side, sometimes squirming as they adjust to being handled. Once accustomed to their owner, they settle into a calm and relaxed demeanor. Their adaptability and beautiful appearance make them a popular choice for snake enthusiasts.

5. Garter Snake

garter snake
rob-n/pexels

Garter snakes are small, slender, and incredibly friendly, making them one of the easiest snakes to care for. These active and curious creatures are known for their bright, colorful stripes and manageable size, rarely exceeding 3 feet in length. Garter snakes are non-venomous and thrive in a simple habitat, often eating a diet of fish or worms rather than rodents. Their gentle nature makes them a great choice for families, as they tolerate handling well and rarely bite. Garter snakes are also quite social for reptiles, often showing interest in their owners’ movements, which adds an interactive element to their care.

6. Milk Snake

milk snake
dmitry-kharitonov/pexels

Milk snakes are beautiful and calm, often mistaken for their more dangerous cousin, the coral snake, due to their similar red, black, and yellow banding. Despite their intimidating appearance, milk snakes are harmless and make fantastic pets for beginners and seasoned snake enthusiasts alike. They’re generally docile and tolerant of handling, though they may be a bit shy at first. Growing to an average length of 2 to 4 feet, milk snakes are easy to manage and adapt well to captivity. Their vibrant colors, paired with their sweet temperament, make them a favorite for those looking to add a splash of personality to their reptile collection.

7. Hognose Snake

hognose-snake
snibl111/pixabay

The hognose snake is a charming little reptile with a unique upturned snout and a personality that’s hard to resist. Known for their playful defensive displays—like puffing up and pretending to be more intimidating than they are—hognose snakes are harmless and incredibly friendly. They grow to a manageable size, averaging about 2 to 3 feet, and their varied colors and patterns make them visually appealing pets. Hognose snakes are easy to care for and enjoy exploring their surroundings, making them a joy to observe and interact with. Their quirky behavior and calm temperament have made them increasingly popular among snake lovers.

8. Rat Snake

rat snake
pete weiler/pexels

Rat snakes are versatile and adaptable, often considered one of the best snakes for beginners due to their calm nature and ease of care. These snakes can grow quite large, ranging from 4 to 6 feet, but their slender build and docile personality make them manageable. Rat snakes come in a variety of colors, from black and yellow to vibrant orange morphs, offering something for everyone. They’re active but not aggressive, often enjoying gentle handling once they’ve gotten used to their owner. With their ability to adapt to various environments and their low-maintenance lifestyle, rat snakes are a fantastic companion for anyone.

9. Children’s Python

Childrens_Python_(Antaresia_childreni)
By Matt from Melbourne, Uploaded by SunOfErat, CC BY 2.0,/Wikimedia Commons

Despite the name, Children’s Pythons weren’t named for their suitability for kids, but they certainly lived up to it. These small, manageable pythons are native to Australia and typically reach only 3 to 4 feet in length. Known for their calm and non-aggressive nature, they are easy to handle and make a great choice for anyone new to snake ownership. Their simple care requirements and gentle temperament make them particularly appealing to families. Children’s Pythons have subtle, beautiful markings and a smooth, shiny appearance, adding to their charm. They’re a perfect mix of beauty, size, and temperament for a beginner-friendly snake.

10. Kenyan Sand Boa

kenyan sand boa
By The Reptilarium – CC BY-SA 2.0,/Wikimedia Commons

The Kenyan sand boa is a small, burrowing snake with a personality as delightful as its appearance. Growing to just 2 feet in length, this snake is easy to handle and requires minimal space, making it an ideal pet for those with limited room. Kenyan sand boas are known for their calm demeanor and unique behavior, often burrowing into their substrate and peeking out like a hidden treasure. Their coloration, ranging from sandy browns to bright oranges, adds to their appeal. With their docile nature and fascinating habits, Kenyan sand boas are a fun and friendly addition to any reptile-loving household.

Related Posts

Explore 8 top pet snake species and 5 wild, dangerous snakes that are never fit for captivity.
Considering a Tegu lizard as a pet? While intelligent and affectionate, they require proper handling and a suitable environment. Here are 12 pros and cons to help you decide if a Tegu is right for you.
Discover 10 ideal land turtles for pet owners, from the adaptable Eastern box turtle to the rare diamondback terrapin, with detailed care needs
Discover 10 reptile species that look like mini dinosaurs and learn about their care and permit requirements.
Snapping turtles are fascinating but challenging pets, with aggression, high care needs, and ethical concerns."
Discover the risks of exotic pet ownership! Learn about 10 dangerous animals people keep as pets and why they may be unsuitable.
Discover 10 small reptiles perfect as pets, from geckos to snakes. Learn care tips and find your ideal low-maintenance companion.
Discover 8 reptiles perfect for handling and 4 independent species that thrive in solitude, catering to all pet owners' needs.
Not all reptiles make good pets! Discover 15 challenging species to avoid and 5 friendly reptiles perfect for your home.

Leave a Comment