If you’ve never owned a snake before, you may want to start with a corn snake, a ball python, or a kingsnake. These snakes have the best temperaments, least amount of feeding issues, highest level of hardiness and healthiness, and come in a variety of colors. [1] X Research source
Look for a small-scale breeder, rather than someone who mass produces reptiles. [2] X Research source Read reviews about the seller or breeder to see find out if others have had good experiences. Good breeders and sellers know about the animal they are selling to you and should be willing to answer questions that you may have.
Ask the snake’s previous owner about the animal’s history. This is an important step to ensure you are getting a healthy snake; ask if the snake has had any issues eating, drinking, moving around, or shedding its skin. [4] X Research source You also need to know what it eats and how often as well as the date and quality of its last shed (a well-shed skin comes off all in one piece, if the snake sheds in bits and pieces it may be unhealthy). [5] X Research source
You can choose a plastic enclosure, a cage made of wood, or a glass terrarium. [7] X Research source Don’t pick a cage with mesh screens, as they don’t hold heat well, plus the snake may injure its snout by rubbing on the screen, or wear a hole through it and escape. [8] X Research source Snakes are escape artists, so you need to have a very secure lid on your tank to ensure the snake does not get out.
Make sure your hiding place is just large enough for your snake. The snake should be able to hide completely out of view in a snug, secure place. You can also provide rocks, branches, and vines for your snake to climb on. If you choose living vines or plants, ensure they are compatible with, and not poisonous, to your snake species.
You can also purchase aspen or cypress shavings for your snake’s bedding. Avoid using fragrant wood shavings, such as cedar or pine. [10] X Research source Don’t use aquarium gravel, as the snake could cut itself on the sharp edges of the rocks. [11] X Research source
You should also provide a thermal gradient in the snake’s home; a warm basking area at one end and a cool area at the other end allows the snake to move around depending on its needs. [12] X Research source Though heated rocks may look nice, they can burn a snake’s sensitive skin, so do not use them. Snakes tend to take in heat through their belly, so you may want to provide a heating pad instead. You will also need thermometers and hygrometer (humidity gauge) for your snake’s cage to ensure it is the right temperature and humidity. [13] X Research source
Some snakes are nocturnal while others are diurnal. Be sure to find out which type your specific snake species is and use timers on your lights if you won’t be home or awake when the lights need to turn on or off.
The best snake food is pre-killed prey: you buy the prey frozen, thaw it out at home, and feed it to the snake. Be aware of the risks of feeding your snake live prey. Live mice and rats can carry diseases and parasites, and they can bite and struggle, possibly injuring your pet.
Do not take your snake to a regular small animal veterinarian. Working with reptiles is a specialty, so small animal vets may not be knowledgeable enough to provide proper care. During the visit, the vet will likely also provide information on how to properly feed, house, and care for your pet snake. Take your snake to the vet at least annually for check-ups.
In general, young corn snakes should be fed one small mouse every seven days, while adult corn snakes can eat two small mice every week. Both young and adult kingsnakes should be fed a large mouse or rat every seven days. [19] X Research source Great care should be taken around the feeding times of all snakes, as this is when they are most aggressive. Never handle your snake when it is hungry. Do not handle them directly after feeding either, as this may cause them to regurgitate their food.
All reptiles can carry salmonella bacteria. After handling your snake, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly. Don’t let children under age 6 handle snakes. Never clean the cage or its components in your kitchen sink, and keep the snake away from human food and dishes.
