Bringing home your first pet snake can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming. I remember when I first started researching snakes, I had a mix of curiosity and hesitation—“Which one is safe? Which one is low-maintenance? And honestly… what if it bites?”
If you’ve been asking yourself “what is the best snake for beginners?” you’re not alone. With so many different snake species out there, it can be tough to know where to start. The good news is that there are a handful of snake species that are well-suited for beginners—they’re generally calm, easy to care for, and forgiving of minor mistakes that new snake keepers sometimes make.
In this guide, I’ll share my own research, experiences, and comparisons of the best snake pets for beginners. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which snake could be the perfect fit for you.
Why Choose a Snake as a Pet?
Before we dive into specific species, let’s take a step back. Why are snakes such popular pets in the first place?
- Low maintenance compared to other pets – Unlike dogs or cats, snakes don’t need daily walks or constant attention.
- Feeding schedule is relaxed – Many snakes eat only once a week (some even less frequently).
- Fascinating behavior – Snakes are graceful, mysterious, and beautiful to observe.
- Compact housing – A proper enclosure for a beginner-friendly snake doesn’t take up much space.
- Quiet pets – No barking, meowing, or chewing furniture.
That said, snakes aren’t “hands-off” entirely—you still need to understand their care requirements, from heating and humidity to diet and handling. Choosing the right species will make your journey so much smoother.
Key Qualities of the Best Snake Pets for Beginners
Not every snake is suitable for a first-time keeper. When choosing your first pet snake, here are the qualities to look for:
- Docile temperament – Calm and unlikely to bite.
- Manageable size – Not too big or too small; easy to handle.
- Simple diet – Eats readily available prey like frozen-thawed mice.
- Hardiness – Forgiving of minor care mistakes.
- Affordable setup – Doesn’t require an overly complicated or expensive enclosure.
- Good availability – Easy to find at reptile shows, breeders, or pet shops.
With these qualities in mind, let’s go through the top contenders.
The Best Snakes for Beginners (With Comparisons)
Here are the snakes most often recommended for new snake owners:
- Corn Snake
- Ball Python
- California Kingsnake
- Rosy Boa
- Garter Snake
- Children’s Python
Below, I’ll give you a breakdown of each, followed by a comparison table.
1. Corn Snake – The Classic Beginner Snake
If you ask most reptile enthusiasts, “what is the best snake for beginners?” the corn snake is usually the first answer.
- Temperament: Corn snakes are known for being calm and tolerant of handling. They rarely bite unless extremely stressed.
- Size: Adults grow to around 3–5 feet, which is manageable for most people.
- Diet: Eats frozen-thawed mice without much fuss.
- Care needs: Pretty straightforward—moderate humidity, heat gradient, and a secure enclosure.
- Lifespan: 15–20 years with proper care.
- Colors/Morphs: Dozens of morphs (color variations) are available, from bright orange to snow white.
I personally think corn snakes make the best “first snake” because they’re hardy, inexpensive, and beginner-proof.
2. Ball Python – The Gentle Giant
Ball pythons are the second most popular beginner snake. They’re slightly larger than corn snakes but are famously docile. i described in my other blog post about why I chose Ball Python as my first one .
- Temperament: Extremely calm; they curl into a ball when stressed (hence the name). Rarely aggressive.
- Size: 3–5 feet long, thick-bodied but not overly heavy.
- Diet: Can be picky eaters—sometimes refuse food for weeks. But most adapt well to frozen-thawed prey.
- Care needs: Need proper humidity and consistent heat, slightly more demanding than corn snakes.
- Lifespan: 20–30 years (a long commitment).
- Colors/Morphs: Hundreds of stunning morphs—albinos, pastels, pieds, and more.
If you want a very chill snake that loves to hang out on your arm, a ball python is a great choice. Just be prepared for possible feeding challenges.
3. California Kingsnake – The Curious Explorer
Kingsnakes are energetic, curious, and fun to watch. They’re a little more active than corn snakes and ball pythons.
- Temperament: Generally docile, though some may be slightly more defensive when young.
- Size: 3–4 feet on average.
- Diet: Eats readily (sometimes too eagerly!). Will take frozen-thawed mice with no problem.
- Care needs: Simple, with similar requirements to corn snakes.
- Lifespan: 15–20 years.
- Colors/Morphs: Striking banded patterns, with plenty of morphs available.
Kingsnakes are hardy and fun but can be a bit squirmy when young. They calm down with regular handling.
4. Rosy Boa – The Low-Key Favorite
Not as common as corn snakes or ball pythons, but rosy boas are gentle and easy to care for.
- Temperament: Very docile, rarely bite.
- Size: Small—2–3 feet, making them one of the most manageable species.
- Diet: Eats small mice, not fussy.
- Care needs: Very simple, thrive in dry setups with minimal humidity.
- Lifespan: 20+ years.
- Colors/Morphs: Naturally striped, with regional color variations.
If you want a small, calm, and low-maintenance pet snake, rosy boas are an underrated gem.
5. Garter Snake – The Active Pet Snake
Unlike most snakes on this list, garter snakes are more active during the day, making them fun to watch.
- Temperament: Generally calm, though some may musk (release a smell) when handled.
- Size: 2–4 feet, slender-bodied.
- Diet: Can eat a variety of foods—small fish, worms, and mice. Frozen-thawed pinkies can work for larger ones.
- Care needs: Easy, though they may need slightly higher humidity.
- Lifespan: 10–15 years.
- Colors/Morphs: Many regional variations, often with striking stripes.
Garter snakes are perfect if you want an active pet that doesn’t just hide all day.
6. Children’s Python – The Beginner’s True Python
Despite the name, the Children’s python is not just for kids—it’s a small python species native to Australia.
- Temperament: Generally docile and calm.
- Size: 2–3 feet, making them much smaller than ball pythons.
- Diet: Eats frozen-thawed mice without much trouble.
- Care needs: Similar to ball pythons but less picky.
- Lifespan: 20+ years.
- Colors/Morphs: Mostly natural patterns, not as many morphs as ball pythons.
This species is harder to find outside of specialty breeders, but it’s an amazing beginner-friendly snake.
Comparison Table: Best Snake Pets for Beginners
| Snake Species | Temperament | Size (Adult) | Ease of Feeding | Lifespan | Care Difficulty | Best For… |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corn Snake | Very docile | 3–5 ft | Eats readily | 15–20 yrs | Easy | First-time owners who want reliability |
| Ball Python | Extremely calm | 3–5 ft | Can be picky | 20–30 yrs | Moderate | People who want a chill snake that doesn’t move much |
| California Kingsnake | Curious, sometimes squirmy | 3–4 ft | Eats readily | 15–20 yrs | Easy | Owners who want an active snake |
| Rosy Boa | Very docile | 2–3 ft | Eats readily | 20+ yrs | Easy | Those who want a small, low-maintenance pet |
| Garter Snake | Calm, active | 2–4 ft | Mixed diet | 10–15 yrs | Easy | Owners who want a lively snake to watch |
| Children’s Python | Docile | 2–3 ft | Eats readily | 20+ yrs | Moderate | Keepers who want a small python |
My Personal Recommendation
If you’re a complete beginner and feeling nervous, I would recommend starting with a corn snake. They’re affordable, easy to care for, and incredibly forgiving.
But if you want something a bit more unique and calm, a ball python or rosy boa could be a perfect fit.
Tips for First-Time Snake Owners
No matter which snake you choose, here are a few beginner-friendly tips:
- Buy from a reputable breeder – Avoid wild-caught snakes; captive-bred snakes are healthier and easier to tame.
- Start with frozen-thawed prey – It’s safer and more convenient than live feeding.
- Invest in a good enclosure – Secure lid, proper heating, and correct humidity are crucial.
- Handle gently and regularly – This helps your snake get used to you.
- Be patient – Snakes may hide a lot at first; give them time to adjust.
You can read my thoughts here : how I chose my pet snake.
Final Thoughts
So, what is the best snake for beginners? The answer depends on your preferences:
- Want reliability and ease? → Corn Snake
- Want calm and chill? → Ball Python
- Want small and low-maintenance? → Rosy Boa
- Want something active and fun to watch? → Garter Snake
- Want a classic python experience without the size? → Children’s Python
- Want curious energy? → California Kingsnake
Each of these snakes can make a fantastic first pet, as long as you’re willing to learn their care needs.
Owning a snake isn’t just about having a “cool” pet—it’s about building trust, observing fascinating behavior, and appreciating an animal that has been around for millions of years. If you start with one of the beginner-friendly species above, you’re setting yourself up for a smooth and rewarding journey into the world of reptile keeping.
Written by
Imtiaz Ivan
Chief Editor at Animal Ranger