There is another group of pet owners, known as reptile lovers, in addition to cats, puppies, and furry rodent fans. Caretaking for pet snakes is a common choice among reptile lovers, who can also enjoy caring for lizards, iguanas, and geckos.
The reputation of snakes hasn’t always been favorable. People have good reason to fear them, thanks to how they are portrayed in scary stories and the Bible.
However, in recent years, we have observed a reduction in this fear, and people are gradually coming around to owning a snake. We have seen people teasing snakes, and they go unharmed.
But how amicable are our scaly companions? Do they like it when we pick them up and cuddle them?
Continue reading to find out if snake pets are friendly creatures.
Are Snakes Friendly to Humans?
A pet snake has a limited capacity for friendly behavior. Although snakes won’t express emotions as cats or dogs do, that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy being around people. Although most pet snakes will be amiable without expecting anything in return, they are shy animals.
If a pet snake behaves normally calmly and unhurriedly around you, eats and willingly explores when you are present, tends to come to the front of the cage when you are present, and is relaxed and calm when you handle it, then the snake is probably being friendly.
Do pet Snakes Like Their Owners?
Reptiles, in general, don’t show humans any affection, including snakes. They may grow more understanding of their owner, but they’ll remain emotionally enigmatic and difficult to read.
Actually, unlike birds and mammals, snakes lack the facial muscles necessary to express themselves and even lack eyelids. They are also unable to express affection or communication through body language.
So how can you tell if a snake likes you? All you need to do is pay attention to its body language. There’s a good chance your snake doesn’t want you if it’s attempting to flee, is immobile, or biting at you.
Do Pet Snakes Enjoy being Handled?
The species of snake you own will determine whether it likes to be petted. While some snakes are friendly and enjoy being handled by their owners, others are distant and actively try to avoid you.
You should never pick up a snake right after it has finished eating because it might turn hostile. It’s best to avoid your snake if it becomes aggressive because it might bite you.
If you want to handle your snake, try collecting it from its cage to get it accustomed to your scent first. It would be best if you didn’t handle snakes carelessly.
When taking them, ensure that you hold them by the middle to prevent their tail from being seen. A pet snake may bite in self-defense or become scared and try to flee if its tail is not restrained.
What Snake is the Friendliest?
1. Corn Snake Pet
These snakes are kept as pets and are laid back around people. The snake’s tail will vibrate and strike if it detects a threat. These snakes can escape or poke their heads out if there is a hole or crack in their enclosure.
2. California King Snakes
King snakes are popular pets because they are not dangerous. Due to its calm disposition and favorable attitude toward children, the California kingsnake is among the friendliest snakes. You can easily tame them with frequent handling due to their docile temperament.
However, the king snake you keep as a pet will act and behave differently depending on how often you interact with it.
3. Ball Python
Ball pythons make excellent pets, even for those who have never owned a snake. They are an ideal breed for anyone who wants to know more about snakes. Having this snake as a pet can serve as a stepping stone for dealing with more difficult snakes.
4. Hognose Snake
Hognose snakes are difficult to spot in the wild. They stand out because of their ridged (keeled) scales and pointed snouts. These snakes are more manageable and smaller, typically measuring less than 3 feet long. They are also strong and voracious eaters.
When they are scared, they mimic the rattlesnake’s hissing sound and the cobra’s “hood” when they hiss. They occasionally strike while keeping their mouths shut. They neither fight nor do they fight back, making them easy to handle.
5. Garter Snake
These snakes are among the most prevalent in North America.
Because they are so friendly and straightforward to manage, garter snakes make excellent pets. Wild garter snakes emit an unpleasant smell when handled, but captive-bred snakes are less smelly and can be trained with regular handling.
In a Nutshell
Snake owners frequently notice that their snake seems to like them. They often feel affection for their snakes and believe they also love them.
It can be much simpler to understand how a pet snake feels if they appear unsure of your presence. You can establish a strong bond with your pet snake by being patient and providing lots of positive reinforcement.
