4 Small Snakes That Make Great Pets

If you like snakes but don't have enough space in your home for a huge boa constrictor, you may figure you can't own a snake. However, this is not the case. They may not be as popular as the big guys, but there are several small snakes that make good pets. Take a look:

Tri-Color Milk Snakes

Ti-color milk snakes are one of the most beautiful small snakes you can own. Their skin is a stunning combination of bright red, cream, and black. These snakes only reach about three feet in length when mature, but they are very skinny, so they don't need a lot of space. Milk snakes eat small, frozen mice, making them easy to feed, too. The one thing to note about milk snakes is that they are very long-lived; they can live up to 22 years. So make sure you're ready for a long-term commitment if you buy one. 

Hognose Snakes

Hognose snakes are anywhere between one and three feet long when mature. Females tend to be smaller than males. These snakes are beige and brown in color, and some find their appearance a little boring. However, they have very vibrant personalities. They are squirmy and energetic when young, and they hiss quite often — although they are not aggressive. They prefer to eat frozen and thawed rodents, but most will even eat chunks of raw chicken from time to time.

Garter Snakes

Garter snakes are often found outdoors in gardens, and they are not that common as pets. However, they can make very good pets if you're able to find a breeder who sells them. Garter snakes are quite colorful; most have yellow and green stripes. Their diet can be a little tough to handle since they prefer to eat fish and worms, rather than rodents — so make sure you have a good source of food before purchasing a garter snake. When mature, these snakes are about two feet long.

Corn Snakes

Most corn snakes are orange with a black-and-white "saddle" on their backs, although they do come in other colors. These snakes are about three feet long when mature, and they are known for being very docile, making them a good choice for homes with kids. Corn snakes like to burrow in bedding, so make sure you put down plenty of shredded paper in their cage. They eat chicken and thawed rodents readily.

Each of these small snakes is a smart choice for a first-time owner with limited space. Contact a store that has reptiles for sale to learn more.