Best Snake Pets: what are your opinions?

[bronxzoofrank]

What snakes would you pick as the “best” to keep as pets? This article covers my choices for the 5 “Best Snake Pets”, with care & natural history information The Best Snake Pets - 5 Top Choices for Snake Keepers That Reptile Blog (http://bitly.com/Yce4oa)

[dinosaurdammit]

I personally love boas, because, well, BOAS! Lots of cool morphs and nice demeanors.

[bronxzoofrank]

I personally love boas, because, well, BOAS! Lots of cool morphs and nice demeanors.

"...well, Boas!" - well said! Thanks, Best, Frank

[BryanB]

Well i would say that Boas are the best

[CK SandBoas]

I personally love Kenyan Sand Boas. They stay small, like a Rosy Boa, are very docile and easy to handle, very easy to care for, and honestly, they have the cutest faces of any snakes around. :D

Also, they have so many interesting morphs now available, and even the Normals are beautiful in their variation of color and tipping.

[Aaron_S]

Corns. There is no other best "pet".

[dinosaurdammit]

Corns. There is no other best "pet".

Boas... are we going to have to fist-a-cuff?

[poison123]

Corns. There is no other best "pet".

This.

Im a boa fan but i love corns as well.

[TragicTaste]

Im gonna have to second the kenyan's!

[EmbraceCalamity]

I'm so biased because I've only ever owned corns, but I do love them.

~Maggot

[zippopunk1]

i love my carpets but with all the talk of boas mayb ill try one out

[Wyldrose]

Corns are the easiest pet and one of the best :) I love them!

[rmfsnakes32]

My boas by far my two favorites columbian red tail and my peruvian long tail. Best snakes I have, I use them for teaching demos at my kids school

[iBaman]

Retic! Owner recognition FTW! ;p

[Ridge Runner_20]

My two faves are boas and kingsnakes, hands down. IMHO, most boa constrictor (ssp.) tend to be slightly more docile than the average getula (ssp.) king, however, the thought of a 6'+, 20 lb.+ animal can be a bit daunting to some. For the above reasons, I've really come to love the mexicana complex kings, the thayeri ssp. (variable, Neuvo Leon) in particular. Beautifully colored, small in size (3' max), generally good feeders, and sweet tempered, I really believe this is one of the most underrated snakes in the pet trade. Great little snakes!

RR_20 (Mike)

[EmbraceCalamity]

My two faves are boas and kingsnakes, hands down. IMHO, most boa constrictor (ssp.) tend to be slightly more docile than the average getula (ssp.) king, however, the thought of a 6'+, 20 lb.+ animal can be a bit daunting to some. For the above reasons, I've really come to love the mexicana complex kings, the thayeri ssp. (variable, Neuvo Leon) in particular. Beautifully colored, small in size (3' max), generally good feeders, and sweet tempered, I really believe this is one of the most underrated snakes in the pet trade. Great little snakes!

RR_20 (Mike)I'm sorry to ask - I'm sure this is obvious to snake people - but what does "ssp." mean?

~Maggot

[Donnie]

I'm sorry to ask - I'm sure this is obvious to snake people - but what does "ssp." mean?

~Maggot

Subspecies

[EmbraceCalamity]

SubspeciesOh, thank you. :)

~Maggot

[SnakeyJay]

Corns and boa's are better "pets"... But if its a hobbie to you as we'll as pets then the best snake is whichever interests/fascinates you the most.

[Gungirl]

No such thing as a best pet... It truly depends on the persons money,space, time and interests.

[infernalis]

No such thing as a best pet... It truly depends on the persons money,space, time and interests.


^^^^^^^^^^this^^^^^^^^^^^

I prefer Natricine snakes myself. (I keep Thamnophis, Nerodia, Storeria & Natrix)

[Terranaut]

Carpet pythons all the way baby!!!

[StudentoReptile]

No such thing as a best pet... It truly depends on the persons money,space, time and interests.

Ditto.

Although when I think of "pet," I think of the conventional definition and the "pet store" customer demographic; something easy to care for and easy to handle. Even with that criteria, there are still a lot of species to choose from.

Obviously, arboreal boas/pythons (Ex: GTPs and ATBs), Asian ratsnakes, etc. probably aren't the best "pets."

[MoreliAddict]

Carpet pythons all the way baby!!!
This!

I didn't think that there was a "best" either, until Spot came into my life. :smug:

[infernalis]

Actually, I shall clarify...

My dogs and cats are my pets.

My reptiles are captive specimens.

[StudentoReptile]

Actually, I shall clarify...

My dogs and cats are my pets.

My reptiles are captive specimens.

There ya go! :cool:

[Lankyrob]

Asking best pet is like asking hat is the best car, there are just too many personal variables to take in to consideration to be able to answer.

To me GTP's are my best snake pet and i would love more - but i have the knowledge and experience to keep them at this point in time.

For me the BEST car is one that has space not only to fit my large frame into easily but also that will fit my wheelchair too, for others it is a mni as they are easy to get around town in and for others it would be a ferrari as they are sporty and help you show off. :)

[UwabamiReptiles]

Carpet pythons have my vote.

[Corey209]

Aren't hognose snakes pretty low maintenance?

[Pareeeee]

I'm glad you put Rosy Boa in the #1 spot. I would say more specifically, male rosies, because they are even calmer than the females (I've heard from other rosy owners that the females are (sometimes) nippy during shed, breeding season, etc.) In my opinion rosies are one of the most underrated snakes out there.

Also glad Ball Pythons are on the list, definitely belong there. They are one of the most popular snakes for a reason.

My list would go like this: Rosy, Corn, Garter and BP. ;)

[SnakeyJay]

Aren't hognose snakes pretty low maintenance?

No more so than most other colubrids.. Plus you have the added problem of some babies being hard to get feeding on mice apparently.

[MoreliAddict]

Actually, I shall clarify...

My dogs and cats are my pets.

My reptiles are captive specimens.
As long as my snakies trust that I'm not trying to eat them, and killing me isn't their primary motive, I consider them my pets.

"pet: any domesticated or tamed animal that is kept as a companion and cared for affectionately"

[Sophia'sSophia]

For my lifestyle the best choice is water snakes.
They can eat deli meats (Low budget, 1.50$ feeds two adults for a month), perfectly suited to my (Floridian) humidity, low activity level, small to medium sized (fat at 3-6 feet depending on species), small heat requirement, environmentally safe (in case of escape), ridiculously friendly (cb) and easy to tame (wc).

annnd a pic of a baby, just for fun :)

[infernalis]

"pet: any domesticated or tamed animal that is kept as a companion and cared for affectionately"

Ok then..... ;)

[MoreliAddict]

Ok then..... ;)
So do you think that in general, wild carpet pythons are as tame or reluctant to bite as their captive counterparts? If not, then we have tamed them in some way or another...

[Corey209]

Ok then..... ;)

So do you think that in general, wild carpet pythons are as tame or reluctant to bite as their captive counterparts? If not, then we have tamed them in some way or another...

Yeah but wild carpet pythons experience real world threats in their daily lives, they have a reason to bite and be defensive. If you were to take wild caught eggs and hatch them in a captive environment they'd probably be the same as the hatchlings from your captive bred. I personally think that reptiles aren't necessarily pets and they will always rely on instinct.

[infernalis]

So do you think that in general, wild carpet pythons are as tame or reluctant to bite as their captive counterparts? If not, then we have tamed them in some way or another...

See, this is where I cannot wrap my head around this.

I never said reptiles lacked intelligence, Quite to opposite actually.

When you say "tame" it immediatly makes me think of a dog or a cat who will claw or bark at the front door to be let in.

Can't think of one documented case in history where any reptile begged to be let back in the house.

I would love nothing more than to place a neonate carpet python in a 20x20 foot room, heated to an average of 100 degrees, with a HOT basking spot and see how a carpet python behaves when given a captive environment that 100% mimics it's natural environment.

I think you will find that it's behaviour would be more in "tune" with the wild counterpart.

[dinosaurdammit]

See, this is where I cannot wrap my head around this.

I never said reptiles lacked intelligence, Quite to opposite actually.

When you say "tame" it immediatly makes me think of a dog or a cat who will claw or bark at the front door to be let in.

Can't think of one documented case in history where any reptile begged to be let back in the house.

I would love nothing more than to place a neonate carpet python in a 20x20 foot room, heated to an average of 100 degrees, with a HOT basking spot and see how a carpet python behaves when given a captive environment that 100% mimics it's natural environment.

I think you will find that it's behaviour would be more in "tune" with the wild counterpart.

My monitor goes back to his enclosure and tripods to get my attention so I can open the door. I dunno if thats him being smart or just normal.

[Corey209]

My monitor goes back to his enclosure and tripods to get my attention so I can open the door. I dunno if thats him being smart or just normal.

Maybe it's just an instinctive routine? That does seem pretty smart though.

[KORBIN5895]

For my lifestyle the best choice is water snakes.
They can eat deli meats (Low budget, 1.50$ feeds two adults for a month), perfectly suited to my (Floridian) humidity, low activity level, small to medium sized (fat at 3-6 feet depending on species), small heat requirement, environmentally safe (in case of escape), ridiculously friendly (cb) and easy to tame (wc).

annnd a pic of a baby, just for fun :)

What kind of deli meat are you using?

[infernalis]

My monitor goes back to his enclosure and tripods to get my attention so I can open the door. I dunno if thats him being smart or just normal.

That is smart AND instinctive, your monitor knows when it needs to return to it's optimal environment.

Think of it as a built in "alarm system" that warn when conditions need to change one way ot the other.

I would wager to say from my own personal observations that most reptiles can sense barometric conditions as well, and will behave accordingly.

Certain animals recognise rainfall as feeding opportunity, and know when a weather shift is taking place.

[dinosaurdammit]

That is smart AND instinctive, your monitor knows when it needs to return to it's optimal environment.

Think of it as a built in "alarm system" that warn when conditions need to change one way ot the other.

I would wager to say from my own personal observations that most reptiles can sense barometric conditions as well, and will behave accordingly.

Certain animals recognise rainfall as feeding opportunity, and know when a weather shift is taking place.

I have concluded that he is not only smart but he can plan. He plans things out many steps in advance. Which shocks the hell out of me. I like to put a bit of turkey hearts tied to a string and "fish" for monitor activity. He watches it, and as i dart it around he will race after it and its like he already has the whole room's lay out so if it ducks one way he is already headed to cut it off. Its like raptors just came alive again.

[Aaron_S]

What kind of deli meat are you using?

I just want to ask this question again...

Do you supplement the meat with anything? Something like calcium?

[Terranaut]

I consider my snakes pets. Very much so. I don't consider however that they could ever think of me as master/owner. So the difference between a pet and a specimen lies wholey with the mindset of the keeper and is not defineable by a single opinion. 2 people could own the same animal and it will be a pet for one and a specimen to the other. All IMHO of course.

[EmbraceCalamity]

I have to agree with Terranaut. I consider my reptiles my pets; it can be a pet without cuddling and kissing it. That's just me though.

~Maggot

[red ink]

So do you think that in general, wild carpet pythons are as tame or reluctant to bite as their captive counterparts? If not, then we have tamed them in some way or another...

Yes they are just as reluctant to bite as their caged counterparts... As with both sides there are exceptions and extremes of the spectrum.

I moved this guy from the road with the same ease as I do my own...

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn214/Red-Ink-Buldogs/TinarooJCP4.jpg

I did the same for this 3m beasty with no hassles...

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn214/Red-Ink-Buldogs/FNQ%20to%20Outback/a9becb8c.jpg

I get the same stories from mates that live in QLD and have their backyards regularly raided by CPs of all sizes and no bite marks when they're relocated.

[limey]

The best snake is the one that gives it's owner most pleasure. Some snakes seem to have more personality than others. I like animals with personality, with character - therefore that is something that would please me. What pleases other people might be different. Like Rob said, too many variables.

I suspect "easy to care for" might be a common criteria though.

[bronxzoofrank]

My two faves are boas and kingsnakes, hands down. IMHO, most boa constrictor (ssp.) tend to be slightly more docile than the average getula (ssp.) king, however, the thought of a 6'+, 20 lb.+ animal can be a bit daunting to some. For the above reasons, I've really come to love the mexicana complex kings, the thayeri ssp. (variable, Neuvo Leon) in particular. Beautifully colored, small in size (3' max), generally good feeders, and sweet tempered, I really believe this is one of the most underrated snakes in the pet trade. Great little snakes!

RR_20 (Mike)


Thanks for mentioning thayeri spp, I agree, very underated, Frank

[bronxzoofrank]

The best snake is the one that gives it's owner most pleasure. Some snakes seem to have more personality than others. I like animals with personality, with character - therefore that is something that would please me. What pleases other people might be different. Like Rob said, too many variables.

I suspect "easy to care for" might be a common criteria though.

Character/habits is a good point, thanks. Those snakes that actively forage, and use a wide variety of habitats, are quite different than ambush predators, and this definitely affects keepers' choices. The same can be said for those large zoo exhibits I've cared for...visitors flock to see the giant constrictors, rattlers, etc., but often spend a great deal of time watching garters, watersnakes, indigos and similar species in well-planted enclosures...Best, Frank

[infernalis]

Character/habits is a good point, thanks. Those snakes that actively forage, and use a wide variety of habitats, are quite different than ambush predators, and this definitely affects keepers' choices. The same can be said for those large zoo exhibits I've cared for...visitors flock to see the giant constrictors, rattlers, etc., but often spend a great deal of time watching garters, watersnakes, indigos and similar species in well-planted enclosures...Best, Frank

This is exactly why I keep a couple Garter snakes in my livingroom on display.

[bronxzoofrank]

This is exactly why I keep a couple Garter snakes in my livingroom on display.

Same here...I've worked with snakes in zoos for 30+ years, kept garters way before that, but they remain a great favorite; what species do you keep? Best, Frank

[Pareeeee]

I'm thinking of maybe getting a garter at some point, but don't know of anywhere in Ontario where I could buy one. I could catch one and keep it, but I'm worried about parasites/diseases transferring to my snakes.

[infernalis]

I'm thinking of maybe getting a garter at some point, but don't know of anywhere in Ontario where I could buy one. I could catch one and keep it, but I'm worried about parasites/diseases transferring to my snakes.

That is not a huge concern unless you plan on feeding the garter to your other snakes.;)

I would still quarantine any new arrivals, but a W/C snake will not introduce any parasites to your current snakes by simply keeping it in your home.

Internal parasites have life cycles requiring hosts to perpetuate the parasitic species.

Below is just one example of what I am talking about.

(I use this example a lot, Garter snakes go feed crazy over Frogs and Tadpoles.)

http://www.varanus.us/parasites/flatworm.jpg

[infernalis]

Same here...I've worked with snakes in zoos for 30+ years, kept garters way before that, but they remain a great favorite; what species do you keep? Best, Frank

Hi Frank.

Captive specimens, I keep Thamnophis Radix, Thamnophis parietalis, Thamnophis Sirtalis Infernalis, T.s. Sirtalis, Thamnophis melanogaster and a trio of Thamnophis cyrtopsis.

I also maintain a "40 acre vivarium" where I tend to my wild specimens, I can't count them all, But the species that I have observed in my wetlands are all T.s.Sirtalis, there are some Nerodia, Storeria, Lampropeltis Triangulum & Occasionally I encounter a Opheodrys vernalis (smooth green snake)

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/general-discussion/84805-building-massive-herp-habitat.html

That details some of what I have going on out back.

http://www.thamnophis.us/herp/sign.jpg

[charlesc84]

Same here...I've worked with snakes in zoos for 30+ years, kept garters way before that, but they remain a great favorite; what species do you keep? Best, Frank

Exactly how big is the African Rock Python at the Bronx Zoo? I saw it a few times in the summer, it's gigantic.

[bronxzoofrank]

I'm thinking of maybe getting a garter at some point, but don't know of anywhere in Ontario where I could buy one. I could catch one and keep it, but I'm worried about parasites/diseases transferring to my snakes.

Wild caught garters rarely exhibit any parasite problems when taken into captivity, even if untreated; most are likely self-limiting (as described by Infernalis). You might try kingsnake.com, a few garter snake breeders there (I'd wait until after the Ontario winter passes before shipping snakes there..or visiting...sorry!) Best, Frank

[bronxzoofrank]

Hi Frank.

Captive specimens, I keep Thamnophis Radix, Thamnophis parietalis, Thamnophis Sirtalis Infernalis, T.s. Sirtalis, Thamnophis melanogaster and a trio of Thamnophis cyrtopsis.

I also maintain a "40 acre vivarium" where I tend to my wild specimens, I can't count them all, But the species that I have observed in my wetlands are all T.s.Sirtalis, there are some Nerodia, Storeria, Lampropeltis Triangulum & Occasionally I encounter a Opheodrys vernalis (smooth green snake)

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/general-discussion/84805-building-massive-herp-habitat.html


That details some of what I have going on out back.

http://www.thamnophis.us/herp/sign.jpg
Wonderful info and work, thank you! Nice to hear smooth greens are still there, very scarce here in much of southern NY, n. NJ. even where found in years past

[infernalis]

Wonderful info and work, thank you! Nice to hear smooth greens are still there, very scarce here in much of southern NY, n. NJ. even where found in years past

In the last 2 years, I have documented exactly 2 snakes, Considering I live in the middle of nowhere, that's a sad number.

I have to take my son to his friends, When I return I will direct you to my herp photography sessions. (wild specimens only)

I seldom touch the wild snakes, However I do give in and intervene when they are ill or in mortal danger. (from MAN, I do not interfere with predators, such is the circle of life... so I won't be shooting any snake eating creatures for doing what nature intended them to do.)

I have rehabilitated a few sick snakes that I found, and it's very rewarding when they heal.

[bronxzoofrank]

Exactly how big is the African Rock Python at the Bronx Zoo? I saw it a few times in the summer, it's gigantic.

Hi Charles,

I've recently retired but just spoke with one of the keepers there; unfortunately, the snake has not been weighed or measured in several years; her best guess was 14-15 feet and 200-225 lbs. I've not seen that snake for some time, but will take a look next time I'm there.

You might enjoy this on some record-breaking giant snake meals Big Snake Meals | That Reptile Blog That Reptile Blog (http://bitly.com/PNA9a9)

Best, Frank

[bronxzoofrank]

In the last 2 years, I have documented exactly 2 snakes, Considering I live in the middle of nowhere, that's a sad number.

I have to take my son to his friends, When I return I will direct you to my herp photography sessions. (wild specimens only)

I seldom touch the wild snakes, However I do give in and intervene when they are ill or in mortal danger. (from MAN, I do not interfere with predators, such is the circle of life... so I won't be shooting any snake eating creatures for doing what nature intended them to do.)

I have rehabilitated a few sick snakes that I found, and it's very rewarding when they heal.


Thanks...I look forward to seeing your photos. Insecticides have been blamed for the apparent decline in these and similar species, but no real studies/research as far as I know; I will keep an eye out for journal articles, etc. Best, Frank

[infernalis]

2012 was a drought summer, not much to photograph, here is 2010 & 2011...

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/field-herping/83250-snake-sightings-2010-saw-another.html

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/field-herping/86729-wayne-s-2011-field-pics-new-pics.html

[bronxzoofrank]

2012 was a drought summer, not much to photograph, here is 2010 & 2011...

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/field-herping/83250-snake-sightings-2010-saw-another.html

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/field-herping/86729-wayne-s-2011-field-pics-new-pics.html

Thanks very much for the great photos...I;m yearning for spring more than usual now!

Best, Frank