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Pet finder

Pet snakes, from first snake to big boa

Every pet snake we cover, with the enclosure it grows into, the heat it needs, what it costs and how long you’re signing up for.

  1. 01Corn snakeTolerates brief handling · 48×24×24 in enclosureCorn snakes are native to Georgia, where state law generally prohibits keeping them as pets, and all snakes are illegal to keep in Hawaii. Check state and local wildlife regulations before acquiring one.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $569–$974
    Daily
    5–10 min
    Lives
    15–25 yr
  2. 02Ball pythonTolerates brief handling · 48×24×24 in enclosureSnakes, including ball pythons, are illegal to keep in Hawaii. Elsewhere, check state and municipal regulations, as some cities restrict keeping non-native constrictor snakes.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $626–$1,195
    Daily
    5–10 min
    Lives
    20–30 yr
  3. 03Milk snakeTolerates brief handling · 48×24×24 in enclosureAll snakes are illegal to keep in Hawaii. Some states protect their native milk snakes, so buy captive-bred and check state wildlife rules.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $637–$1,196
    Daily
    5–10 min
    Lives
    15–25 yr
  4. 04Hognose snakeTolerates brief handling · 36×18×18 in enclosureCaptive-bred western hognoses are legal to keep in most of the US, but some states where they are native protect them: Illinois lists them as threatened and requires a permit, and states such as Missouri and Iowa also restrict them. Never collect wild hognoses, and check your state wildlife agency before buying.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $521–$994
    Daily
    5–15 min
    Lives
    12–20 yr
  5. 05KingsnakeTolerates brief handling · 48×24×24 in enclosureAll snakes are illegal to keep in Hawaii. California kingsnakes are native to California, where only captive-bred animals from permitted breeders can be sold; check state wildlife rules elsewhere.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $621–$1,205
    Daily
    5–15 min
    Lives
    15–25 yr
  6. 06Boa constrictorTolerates brief handling · 72×36×36 in enclosureBoa constrictors are legal in most US states and are not on the federal injurious-species list, but some states, counties and cities restrict large constricting snakes or require a permit. Check your state wildlife agency and local ordinances before buying.
    Level
    Intermediate
    First year
    $1,212–$2,643
    Daily
    5–15 min
    Lives
    20–35 yr

What is the easiest snake for beginners?

Corn snake: rated beginner, about 5–10 minutes of care a day, and $569–$974 for the first year.

What is the cheapest snake to keep?

Corn snake, at $569–$974 for the first year including the setup. The animal itself is usually the smallest part of the cost.

Which snake lives the longest?

Boa constrictor, at 20–35 years. Before you buy a snake, plan for the whole of that.

How this list is built: Every snake we cover, beginner species first, then by daily care time. First year is the essential setup plus a year of food and supplies, at typical US prices; vet care is extra. Every number comes from the animal's own guide and its sources. How we make these guides.