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What is the best pet snake?
Ah, the age-old question: what is the best pet snake?
The honest answer? It depends on whether you want a calm noodle, an inquisitive explorer, or something with just a hint of dramatic flair.
Here’s our top 5—each excellent in its own way, and each bringing something slightly different to the table (er…. vivarium).
The royal protagonists
The Royal python (also known as the ball python) is often considered the gold standard for beginner snake keepers.
- Calm and easy to handle
- Manageable size (usually under 6 feet)
- Famous for curling into a ball when nervous (basically saying “no thanks” politely)
They also come in thousands of morphs, ranging from subtle patterns to “did someone spill highlighter ink on this snake?”
Their heat-sensing pits allow them to detect tiny temperature changes—so yes, they can probably tell exactly where your warmest spot on the sofa is.
Best for: beginners, calm handling, and anyone who wants a relaxed, low-drama snake
A bit corny
The Corn snake is one of the most popular pet snakes in the world—and for good reason.
- Active and curious
- Very handleable (once used to being handled)
- Hardy and adaptable
They’re the explorers of the snake world—always on the move, always investigating, occasionally plotting an escape that almost works.
Best for: interactive pets and first-time keepers who want something a bit more lively
The king of kings
The California kingsnake is bold, beautiful, and always hungry.
- Striking patterns
- Confident, inquisitive behaviour
- Known for eating… well, almost anything
Kingsnakes are famously immune to many snake venoms and will happily eat other snakes in the wild—so maybe don’t introduce them to your other pets.
They’re great to handle—as long as they don’t mistake you for lunch (wash your hands after handling food!).
Best for: keepers who want an active, entertaining snake with a big personality
This little piggy…
The Western hognose snake is the drama queen of the reptile world.
- Small and manageable
- Burrowing specialist
- Comes with built-in theatrical performances
Expect:
- Hissing
- Hooding up like a tiny cobra
- Bluff strikes
- Playing dead (And the award goes to…..)
Despite all the attitude, they rarely bite. It’s all bluff—like a very committed actor in a one-snake play.
Best for: smaller setups and people who enjoy personality over calmness
A common dilemma
The Boa constrictor is for those who want something a bit more… substantial.
- Large, powerful, and impressive
- Generally calm when handled properly
- Eats like it means business
These snakes can reach impressive sizes and require more space, more food, and more respect. Think less “starter pet” and more “long-term commitment with muscles.”
Best for: experienced keepers or those ready for a bigger responsibility
So, what’s the best pet snake?
Here’s the quick breakdown:
- Best for beginners: Royal python
- Best all-rounder: Corn snake
- Most entertaining: Hognose snake
- Most striking and bold: Kingsnake
- Best large snake: Boa constrictor
Final thought
There isn’t one “best” snake—only the one that fits your lifestyle, experience, and expectations.
Some people want calm and cuddly (well… as cuddly as a snake gets).
Others want active and curious.
And some want a tiny drama noodle that pretends to die when mildly inconvenienced.
Whichever you choose, one thing is certain:
you’ll spend a surprising amount of time watching a creature that spends most of its day doing absolutely nothing—and somehow still find it fascinating.
For some tips and tricks check out our YouTube channel we have some fun videos with our animals and herptile care!