Sara Nelson
Do you want a small pet that is easy to take care of and doesn’t require a lot of space? If so, then you should consider getting a small snake!
Snakes make great pets for people who have limited space or who are busy with work and other activities.
In this blog post, we will discuss 10 of the smallest pet snakes in the world.
These snakes are perfect for people who are just starting with snake ownership!
You can find snakes that will stay tiny forever, one to teach you a few things about responsibility and simple upkeep. Plus, it’s difficult to be afraid of a little slithering pet that fits in your palms. Snakes that are small in size make excellent pets. Continue reading to learn about some of them.
Top 10 Smallest Pet Snakes
1) Corn Snakes
Corn snakes are one of the most popular small pet snakes, especially among beginners.
Selective breeding allows breeders to breed virtually any color of these snakes, although they’ll usually be orange.
These little creatures are generally inexpensive, easy to maintain, and seldom have feeding difficulties in captivity.
Corn snakes are ground snakes that enjoy burrowing so they are slow-moving pets.
Species Overview
| Lifespan | 6 – 8 years |
| Size | 2 – 6 ft |
| Temperament | Docile, hardy flighty when young, hyperactive |
| Food | Mice, rats, lizards, snails, toads, birds, rabbits, foxes |
| Price | $20 – $50 |
Related: 14 Advantages Of Keeping Corn Snake In Home
2) Bimini Blindsnake
The Bimini Blindsnake is a relatively small snake, comparable in size to an earthworm.
These snakes are not the most sociable or engaging of reptile pets, but they are common in the pet world because of their size.
The reason why Bimini Blindsnakes have “blind” in their names is that their eyes are teeny tiny to be seen.
The Blindsnake can reach up to 6 inches in length and weigh approximately one gram.
Species Overview
| Lifespan | Unknown |
| Size | 6 inches |
| Temperament | Somewhat dull, docile |
| Food | Insects, reptiles, amphibians, mammals |
| Price | $30+ |
3) Children’s Python
Children’s Pythons aren’t well-known, however, they are one of the most demanded small pet snakes in pet shops.
These Australian snakes are relatively big, making them excellent pets for novices.
However, you might want to choose the juvenile or adult species instead of the youngster because young Children’s pythons are tough for novices to handle.
Species Overview
| Lifespan | 20 – 30 years |
| Size | 36 – 48 inches |
| Temperament | Friendly |
| Food | Mice, rats, lizards, snails, toads, birds, rabbits, foxes |
| Price | $125+ |
4) Western Hognose
Hognose snakes are popular because of their distinctive faces and sizes, which make them lovable.
Western Hognose snakes have a stout body with upturned snouts (nose), giving them a pig-like appearance.
When not in captivity, Western Hognose snakes feed on toads and amphibians.
This makes it difficult for a neonate Western Hognose snake to get interested in mice due to this diet. However, they can get used to it over time.
Species Overview
| Lifespan | 8 – 10 years |
| Size | 15 – 36 inches |
| Temperament | Squirmy, docile, defensive but rarely bite |
| Food | Mice, rats, lizards, snails, toads, birds, rabbits, foxes |
| Price | $300 and above |
5) Garter Snake
The garter snake is famous snake species to keep since they have mesmerizing colorations and morphs. Garter snakes are one of the easiest reptiles to care for.
They have fascinating features, including being active as well as docile, and also highly colorful.
Species Overview
| Lifespan | 5 – 10 years |
| Size | 24-36 inches |
| Temperament | Friendly |
| Food | Frogs, toads, earthworms, slugs, insects |
| Price | $30 |
6) Kenyan Sand Boa
The Kenyan Sand Boa is a fantastic choice for a snake keeper looking for a small snake that will remain both long and thin.
The Kenyan sand boa is also vibrant, and you can keep them in a tank as small as 10 gallons.
Although the Kenya sand boa baby requires live feeding, frozen food may be used to feed older snakes.
Species Overview
| Lifespan | 15 years |
| Size | 20 – 24 inches |
| Temperament | Flighty |
| Food | Mice, rats, lizards, snails, toads, birds, rabbits, foxes |
| Price | $120 |
7) Rosy Boa
Rosy boa snakes are often called “trivirgata” in Latin, which means “three stripes.”
The majority of these snakes have three stripes- orange, brown, and black -that run down their bodies which make them look cool.
However, depending on the region, you may still find them in different variations.
Rosy Boas are attractive, easy-to-care snakes that require only moderate care, except when maintaining their temperatures.
Unfortunately, high humidity in the enclosures can lead to respiratory and fungal problems.
Species Overview
| Lifespan | 15 – 30 years |
| Size | 17 – 44 inches |
| Temperament | Docile, gentle |
| Food | Mice, rats, lizards, snails, toads, birds, rabbits, foxes |
| Price | $30 – $40 |
8) House Snake
Another fascinating snake species from Africa is the House Snake, which can be kept as a pet.
It is a popular pet because it has no particular colors or designs, yet it has a pleasant nature and is simple to maintain.
The house snake is also a perfect snake for beginners who would like to try breeding snakes.
Species Overview
| Lifespan | 20 years |
| Size | 48-60 inches |
| Temperament | Docile, gentle |
| Food | Mice, rats, lizards, snails, toads, birds, rabbits, foxes |
| Price | $180 |
9) Water Snake
Water snakes are less popular than other pet snake species due to their complexity and ferocious temperaments.
However, water snakes are lovely, modest creatures that may be readily maintained.
Species Overview
| Lifespan | 9 years |
| Size | 24-54 inches |
| Temperament | Aggressive |
| Food | Fish, frogs, tadpoles, and aquatic invertebrates |
| Price | $20 |
10) Milk Snakes
Because of their beautiful coloration and pleasant dispositions, milk snakes are among the most popular small snake species in pet shops.
Some of these species have crimson, black, and yellow stripes that look like poisonous coral snakes. However, Milk snakes are not typically dangerous.
Species Overview
| Lifespan | 15 – 20 years |
| Size | 14 – 84 inches |
| Temperament | Calm, flighty, can bite |
| Food | Small rodents, such as mice and rats |
| Price | $99+ |
How To Take Care of Small Pet Snakes
Feeding
Ensure the health of your pet snake by feeding it frozen and thawed rodents once a week.
While some adults may not eat for several weeks, a general rule is to feed your snake once or twice weekly.
Certain species may be content with a monthly feeding schedule.
Habitat
Create a suitable living space for your pet snake by providing a terrarium with hiding spots and climbing branches.
Choose substrate bedding that allows for burrowing, such as aspen or cypress shavings.
Tailor the terrarium’s temperature, humidity, and lighting to meet the specific needs of your snake’s breed.
Health and hygiene
Maintain the cleanliness of the terrarium by spot cleaning at least once a week, and perform a thorough tank cleaning approximately once a month.
Ensure access to clean water for drinking and bathing.
Some snakes, like ball pythons, may benefit from a water-soaking opportunity.
Veterinary Care
Prioritize your pet snake’s well-being by finding a veterinarian with expertise in snake care.
Schedule regular check-ups and consult with the vet in case of any health concerns, ensuring a proactive approach to your snake’s overall health.
Final Thoughts
These are the smallest pet snakes that you can own. If you are looking for a small snake to be your pet, then one of these ten might be the perfect fit for you!
Snakes are low-maintenance pets that can provide you with hours of enjoyment. Choose your new pet snake wisely and do your research to make sure you are providing the best possible care for your new friend.
If you do have a new pet snake already, be sure to give it the best name possible. Check our blog post about the best pet snake names.
Do you have a favorite small snake? Let us know in the comments below!
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