If you’re considering adopting a pet snake, there are many different reasons why you might want to choose a small one. Maybe you have limited space, or perhaps you’re looking for a low-maintenance companion that won’t take up too much of your time or money.
Pet snakes are fascinating, but not all are suitable for small spaces. Here are 18 types of small pet snakes, including Kenyan Sand Boas, Ball Pythons, and Rosy Boas. Other options include Western Hognose, Rough Green, and Garter Snakes. These snakes range from 2-6 feet in length, making them great pets for limited spaces.
1. Kenyan Sand Boa
The Kenyan Sand Boa is a popular choice among snake enthusiasts who prefer their pets on the smaller side. This particular snake has a unique look and is known for its sandy beige and brown coloring. They are native to, as their name implies, Kenya, Tanzania, and the surrounding areas.
One of the most interesting things about this type of boa is their feeding habits. They are known to be absolute ambush predators, meaning they burrow themselves into the sand and lie in wait for prey to come along.
Despite their small size, the Kenyan Sand Boa has a relatively docile temperament, making them a great choice for first-time snake owners. They also don’t require a large space to live, which is ideal for those with limited space.
2. Ball Python
Ball Pythons are one of the most popular choices for pet snakes and are a great option for those looking for a snake that stays small. These beautiful creatures can grow up to 3-5 feet in length and have a variety of striking patterns and colors.
They are known for their docile temperament and make great pets for beginners and experienced snake owners alike. Ball Pythons are also relatively easy to care for, requiring a simple diet of mice or rats and a warm, humid environment.
3. Rosy Boa
The Rosy Boa is a popular choice among snake enthusiasts, especially those who prefer their pets to stay on the small side. This species can reach a length of around four feet, which makes them easy to handle and adapt well to captivity.
Rosy Boas are known for their docile, friendly nature and make great pets for beginners. With their distinctive rosy-colored saddle markings, they are also visually stunning.
These boas thrive on a diet of rodents and require specific temperature and humidity levels to stay healthy. If you’re looking for a snake that’s small in size but big in personality, the Rosy Boa might be the perfect pet for you.
4. Corn Snake
The Corn Snake is a popular choice among snake enthusiasts due to its gentle nature and manageable size. Averaging between 3-5 feet in length, they make great pets for those seeking a smaller companion.
They also come in a variety of colors, ranging from bright reds to muted browns, making them a visually appealing addition to any home. Corn Snakes are relatively easy to care for and only require a diet of mice or rats, a properly sized enclosure, and regular cleanings.
5. Children’s Python
The Children’s python is a great option for those looking for a small pet snake. This particular species typically only grow to be around 3-4 feet long and has a docile temperament, making it a wonderful choice for families or first-time snake owners.
Their attractive pattern and ease of care make them a popular choice among reptile enthusiasts. With proper care and handling, they can live up to 20 years in captivity.
While they may not be as showy or exotic as some other snakes on the market, their unique look and manageable size make them a solid option for those looking for a new scaly friend.
6. Western Hognose Snake
The Western Hognose Snake is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a small and low-maintenance pet snake. This species is known for its unique nose shape – a pointed snout that resembles a hog’s nose – and its docile temperament.
They typically grow to be around 20-30 inches in length and are native to North America. Western Hognose Snakes also come in a variety of colors and patterns, from pale yellows to dark browns, making them all the more captivating.
They are primarily insectivores, which means that they mostly eat insects like crickets and mealworms, and can easily be accommodated in a 20-gallon tank. These snakes are easy to handle and do not require as much attention or upkeep as other types of pet snakes, making them ideal for beginners.
7. Rough Green Snake
The Rough Green Snake is a fascinating choice for those looking for a pet snake that stays small. This slender creature is typically around 2-3 feet in length and known for its bright green scales and large eyes.
Despite its name, the Rough Green Snake is not actually rough at all – its smooth skin and gentle nature makes it a popular choice for first-time snake owners. These snakes are non-venomous and primarily eat insects and other small prey, making them relatively low-maintenance pets.
With proper care and attention, a Rough Green Snake can live up to 10 years in captivity. Overall, this species is a great option for those seeking a colorful and easy-to-care-for pet snake.
8. Mexican Black Kingsnake
The Mexican Black Kingsnake is one of the most popular pet snakes on the market for those looking for a smaller snake. These snakes usually only grow to reach around three to five feet in length, making them far more manageable than some of the larger snake breeds.
They are also known for their striking black scales and bold white markings, which make them a visually appealing addition to any collection. Mexican Black Kingsnakes are known for their docile and friendly nature, which makes them a great choice for novice snake owners.
They are relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a range of different living arrangements, making them a versatile option for a variety of situations.
9. Spotted Python
Are you considering getting a pet snake, but worried about their size? Look no further than the Spotted Python. This species is one of the most popular pet snakes, known for its diminutive size and docile temperament.
Spotted Pythons reach a maximum length of just three to four feet, making them a great option for those who want a snake they can comfortably handle without feeling overwhelmed.
They are also easy to care for, with a diet consisting of appropriately sized rodents and a simple setup for their enclosure.
10. Bumblebee Ball Python
The Bumblebee Ball Python is a popular choice among pet snake enthusiasts as they are not only strikingly beautiful, but they also stay relatively small in size. These snakes can grow up to 4 feet in length, which makes them an ideal choice for those who live in smaller spaces.
Additionally, they are docile and easily handled, which makes them great for beginners who are looking to start a collection of snakes. The Bumblebee Ball Python is known for their unique coloration, with stunning black and bright yellow stripes that resemble a bumblebee.
They are low-maintenance pets that feed on mice and can be kept in a secure enclosure with suitable heat lamps and a substrate for climbing and burrowing.
11. Hog Island Boa
The Hog Island Boa is a species of snake that is known for its small size and docile nature, making it a popular pet choice. They are native to a small island in the Bahamas called Hog Island, which explains their name, and can grow up to six feet in length.
However, these snakes are known to be on the smaller side for boa constrictors, making them a great option for pet owners who want a snake that stays small. They are relatively easy to care for and have a calm demeanor, making them great for beginners or those looking for a low-maintenance pet.
If you’re looking for a pet snake that is small in size and gentle in nature, the Hog Island Boa may be the perfect choice for you.
12. Brazilian Rainbow Boa
The Brazilian Rainbow Boa is a stunning addition to any collection of pet snakes. Known for its iridescent scales that shimmer in the light, this species originates from the rich tropical forests of South America.
Despite its bold colors, the Brazilian Rainbow Boa does not grow to be very large, making it a great choice for those seeking a low-maintenance pet snake. These snakes are generally well-tempered and easy to handle, making them a popular choice among snake enthusiasts.
13. Dwarf Burmese Python
The Dwarf Burmese Python is a popular choice for snake enthusiasts who want a pet snake that stays small. This python can reach up to 5 feet in length, which is small compared to other python species.
Despite their size, Dwarf Burmese Pythons are known for their impressive strength and ability to take down prey much larger than themselves. These snakes are native to Southeast Asia and require a warm, humid environment to thrive in captivity.
14. House Snake
The House Snake, also known as the Lamprophis fuliginosus, is a popular choice for pet owners who prefer a smaller snake. This snake typically only grows to be around two feet long and has a distinctive charcoal-colored body with light-colored stripes.
Interestingly, House Snakes are nocturnal creatures, which means that they are active at night and sleep during the day. Although these snakes are not venomous, they can be feisty and are known to bite if they feel threatened.
However, with proper care and handling, House Snakes can make great pets for experienced snake owners.
15. Olive Python
The Olive Python is a top choice for those searching for a small pet snake. Reaching an average length of 6-8 feet, it may seem like a large snake, but in comparison to other pythons, it is considered a smaller species.
Native to Australia, the Olive Python is known for its beautiful olive-green coloration and handsome patterns. These snakes are generally docile and can make great pets with proper care and handling.
However, it is important to note that they require a relatively large living space and a warm habitat to thrive.
16. Rubber Boa
Rubber Boa is a popular choice for those who are looking for a small pet snake. With an average length of just two feet, they are known for their docile nature and lack of aggression.
They have a unique ability to contort their bodies, which makes them excellent climbers and allows them to squeeze through tight spaces. Rubber Boas are also easy to care for and typically live for 20 years in captivity.
They are native to North America and can be found in a variety of habitats including forests and deserts. Overall, if you are looking for a low-maintenance and gentle pet snake, a Rubber Boa may be the perfect choice for you.
17. White-Lipped Python
Among the many choices of pet snakes that remain small, the White-Lipped Python stands out for its unique appearance and manageable size. These serpents hail from Indonesia and can grow up to six feet in length, but most individuals measure closer to four.
Their striking white lips, which are set against glossy black scales, give them a distinguished look that draws the eye. Though they require specific temperatures and humidity levels in their enclosures, White-Lipped Pythons are relatively low-maintenance pets.
These snakes are not venomous and do not pose a threat to humans, making them an excellent option for those seeking an exotic pet that is also safe to handle. For those looking to add a statement piece to their reptile collection, the White-Lipped Python is an excellent choice.
18. Garter Snake
The Garter Snake may be one of the most common types of pet snake that stays small, but don’t let its ubiquity fool you. This sleek, slender serpent is an excellent choice for beginner herpetologists and veteran snake owners alike.
With a maximum length of around four feet, the Garter Snake is easy to handle and requires minimal space. These snakes are also quite hardy, making them a great choice for those who want a low-maintenance pet.
Furthermore, Garter Snakes are known for their docile nature, and they rarely bite humans or other animals.
In conclusion
Keeping a small pet snake can be a rewarding experience for those who are up for the challenge. The 18 types that we have discussed offer a range of options to suit every preference, from the colorful corn snake to the docile hognose. However, it is important to remember that these animals should be treated with respect and care, as they are living creatures with specific needs.
