Keeping reptiles as pets can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it’s important to know how much they cost before you bring home a new pet. If you want to know how much is a non venomous snake, read on!
Nonvenomous snakes can be purchased for anywhere from $100 to $700, with the cost of the snake being determined by several factors.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Understanding the costs associated with owning a non-venomous snake |
| Exploring the factors that influence the price of a pet snake |
| Considering the long-term expenses of snake ownership |
| Being aware of the necessary investments in habitat and equipment |
| Recognizing the value of proper care and maintenance for a healthy snake |
| Appreciating the unique experiences and joys of owning a non-venomous snake |
| Researching and selecting the right snake species based on personal preferences |
| Seeking guidance from experienced snake owners or reptile enthusiasts |
| Emphasizing the importance of responsible pet ownership |
| Building a supportive community of snake owners for advice and shared experiences |
1. Type Of Snake Body
If you have a friend who is a snake enthusiast, he or she will be able to identify the type of snake for you. If not, there are several ways to figure out which type of non-venomous snake your pet is. First and foremost, you need to determine the size of your pet.
How big is my snake?
Is it bigger than 1 foot in length? If so, it’s most likely a corn snake (Elaphe guttata) or milk snake (Lampropeltis triangulum).
Both species average around 2 feet long when fully grown but can measure up to 3 feet in length if they’re well fed and healthy.
Although these snakes aren’t very aggressive by nature (though they may bite if threatened), they do have fangs that can puncture human skin while trying to defend themselves from predators or capture prey—so keep them away from children!
Am I looking at something smaller than 12 inches long? Then you may be staring at an American emerald tree boa (Corallus hortulanus), which only grows up to about 4 feet long when fully developed; however these reptiles don’t live for more than 15 years under ideal conditions so if yours looks considerably older than its age then it may be a captive-bred specimen rather than wild caught!
Did you know that boa snakes can live for a surprisingly long time? Discover fascinating insights into the lifespan of boa snakes in our article on how long does a boa snake live for.
2. Size Of The Reptile
The size of a non-venomous snake is a very important factor, since it can be crucial to the animal’s life. If you are planning on buying a non-venomous snake, there are several things you should consider.
The first thing to look at is the length of your reptile. If your pet snake is not fed properly or if it is overfed, then it will grow too big for its enclosure and may not live as long as it could have otherwise lived had you taken care of its needs properly.
It may also grow larger than what you wanted if given an unsuitable environment: one where the temperature drops below 70 degrees Fahrenheit on average or rises above 85 degrees Fahrenheit on average day after day in summertime (or wintertime in places like Florida).
| Reptile | Average Size | Maximum Size |
|---|---|---|
| Green Anole | 5-8 inches | 8 inches |
| Leopard Gecko | 6-10 inches | 10 inches |
| Corn Snake | 4-6 feet | 6 feet |
| Ball Python | 3-5 feet | 5 feet |
| Bearded Dragon | 18-24 inches | 24 inches |
| Red-Eared Slider | 8-12 inches | 12 inches |
| Western Hognose Snake | 2-3 feet | 3 feet |
| Savannah Monitor | 3-4 feet | 4 feet |
| Green Iguana | 5-7 feet | 7 feet |
| Burmese Python | 12-18 feet | 18 feet |
3. Colors Of The Snake
The overall color of the snake can be a factor in its price. Snakes come in many colors and patterns, and these can range from bright and vibrant to dull or even totally black.
The color of your snake may not mean much to you if you plan on keeping it in a terrarium, but if you are going to be showing them off or finding them homes at events, it’s important that they look their best.
Even though one person might prefer bright orange snakes while another prefers yellow ones, all of these factors could affect whether or not someone buys them from you.
If you are looking for a certain kind of snake, be sure to do research on different types before purchasing one so that you know what type will work best for your needs (e.g., if someone wants an Albino Python then that may require more money than just getting any old Burmese Python).
This can also help ensure safety when interacting with other animals around the house too!
Is your corn snake experiencing digestive issues? Don’t worry, we have a vet’s answer to the question ‘Why is my corn snake not pooping?’ Find helpful advice and solutions in our informative article on corn snake digestive problems.
4. Location Where You Live
You also need to be aware of whether or not the location where you live is snake-friendly. A non-venomous snake may be legal in your state, city and neighborhood, but it may not be legal in your house or apartment.
Snakes are not allowed in all houses and apartments, because some people have a phobia of snakes and their landlord will refuse to let them move into an apartment with a pet snake.
You should know the rules regarding keeping pets before buying one. You should also check with your current landlord before buying any kind of pet snake, including non venomous ones.
5. The Breed Of The Snake
- The breed of the snake is important when you’re considering whether or not to buy it.
- If you want a certain breed, but don’t know where to find one, your best bet is usually to contact a breeder.
- You can also try searching for them on websites like Craigslist or Kijiji.
- Some people who are breeding snakes sell their offspring at local reptile shows (many of which happen every weekend).
| Breed | Average Length | Average Weight | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ball Python | 3-5 feet | 3-5 lbs | 20-30 years |
| Corn Snake | 3-6 feet | 1-2 lbs | 15-20 years |
| King Snake | 3-6 feet | 1-3 lbs | 15-20 years |
| Milk Snake | 2-5 feet | 1-2 lbs | 10-15 years |
| Boa Constrictor | 6-10 feet | 20-30 lbs | 20-30 years |
| Reticulated Python | 10-20 feet | 100-150 lbs | 20-30 years |
| Green Tree Python | 4-6 feet | 2-3 lbs | 15-20 years |
| Garter Snake | 1-3 feet | 0.5-1 lb | 5-10 years |
| Bullsnake | 4-6 feet | 2-4 lbs | 15-20 years |
| Hognose Snake | 1-3 feet | 0.5-1 lb | 10-18 years |
6. The Level Of Perceived Danger In Your Area
There is a direct relationship between the perceived danger a snake is and its cost. The more dangerous a snake is considered, the more expensive it will be.
For example, if you live in Florida and want to buy an eastern diamondback rattlesnake as a pet, then expect to pay $300 or more for this type of snake (depending on size).
If however you are living in Hawaii where there are no venomous snakes at all, then expect prices to drop significantly for non-venomous snakes such as ball pythons or corn snakes.
Having trouble getting your snake to eat? We’ve got you covered with practical tips and strategies. Learn what to do when your snake refuses food in our comprehensive guide on handling feeding issues in snakes.
7. Who Is Selling The Snake To You? An Individual, A Pet Store Or A Breeder?
When you’re buying your new snake, there are a few things to consider.
- Who is selling the snake to you? Is it an individual, a pet store or a breeder?
- Where have the snakes been kept before they were purchased by you? Do they have a history of being well cared for or mistreated in any way?
- What type of enclosure do these snakes need and what type of care do they require on a daily basis?
8. Is It Captive Bred Or Wild Caught?
Are you looking for a captive bred snake or a wild caught snake?
Captive bred snakes are raised in captivity and are more expensive than their wild caught counterparts. They tend to be healthier and friendlier, so the cost is worth it if you’re looking for the best experience with your new pet.
Wild caught snakes have been found in their natural habitat, which means they could have parasites or diseases that aren’t visible on first inspection. They can also be aggressive due to stress, having had no time to adapt since being removed from their habitat.
| Snake Species | Captive Bred | Wild Caught |
|---|---|---|
| Ball Python | Yes | No |
| Corn Snake | Yes | No |
| King Snake | Yes | No |
| Milk Snake | Yes | No |
| Boa Constrictor | Yes | Sometimes |
| Reticulated Python | Yes | Sometimes |
| Green Tree Python | Yes | No |
| Garter Snake | Yes | Yes |
| Bullsnake | Yes | Sometimes |
| Hognose Snake | Yes | Sometimes |
9. Where Is The Snake From? Local Or Exotic?
Local snakes are cheaper than exotic ones.
Exotic snakes have more specialized care requirements and are harder to find, so they’re going to be more expensive.
Some states have laws against owning certain kinds of snakes (like rattlesnakes), so you may need to check with your local government before purchasing one in order for it to be legal for you to own a particular species of snake.
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10. The Cost Of Keeping The Pet
If you are interested in keeping a non venomous snake as a pet, then you will need to spend around $200 on the initial setup costs.
You will need to buy a tank and heating lamp for your snake to live in, as well as substrate and decorations for the cage. If your snake needs veterinary care or specialized food (such as live mice), then those costs will incur further expenses.
If you’re just starting out with this hobby, it’s also good practice to invest in a book on how to care for snakes properly so that they don’t become ill or die while under your care.
11. How Rare Is The Snake?
The last thing you want to do is spend your money on an exotic pet that’s not even what you thought it was. This is why it pays to know exactly what kind of snake you want before buying one.
The price of a non venomous snake varies widely, depending on its rarity and location, as well as other factors such as how much time and effort has gone into raising the animal since birth.
In addition to the cost associated with caring for your non-venomous snake (which will be covered later), there are also some other reasons why prices vary by so much:
Location: Where you live can have a huge effect on how much money snakes are worth in general and thus how much yours would sell for if you were looking to sell one!
For example, a red rat snake may cost $50-$100 at one place but could go as high as $200-$300 at another store down the street due to supply-and-demand economics.
Curious about venomous snakes? Explore our article on the most venomous kinds of snakes to delve into the world of these fascinating creatures and discover which species possess the most potent venom.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are so many factors that go into how much a snake will cost you. If you want to know exactly how much it will cost before committing yourself to purchasing one then you need to take into account all of the above factors.
This is why we recommend doing some research beforehand so that when you go looking for one of these pets at your local pet store or breeder they can help guide you through this process
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on pet snakes:
20 Most Popular Pet Snakes: Explore a comprehensive list of the 20 most popular snake species kept as pets, including brief descriptions and key considerations for each one.
How Much Do Pet Snakes Cost to Buy, Own, and Care For?: Get insights into the financial aspects of owning a pet snake, including the initial costs, ongoing expenses, and care requirements.
Non-Venomous Snakes: Characteristics and Care: Learn about non-venomous snakes and their characteristics, care tips, and suitable species for beginners or experienced snake owners.
FAQs
How long do pet snakes typically live?
Pet snakes can have varying lifespans depending on the species. Some snakes can live for several decades, while others have shorter lifespans. It’s important to research the specific snake species you are interested in to understand their lifespan and long-term care requirements.
What is the average size of pet snakes?
The size of pet snakes can vary significantly depending on the species. Some snakes, like ball pythons, typically grow to around 3 to 5 feet in length, while others, like boa constrictors, can reach lengths of 6 to 10 feet or more. Understanding the size potential of a snake species is crucial for providing appropriate housing and care.
What do pet snakes eat?
Most pet snakes are carnivorous and primarily feed on rodents, such as mice or rats. The size and frequency of feedings depend on the snake’s age, size, and species. It’s important to provide a balanced diet and ensure that the prey items are appropriate in size for the snake.
How often do pet snakes shed their skin?
Snakes shed their skin periodically as they grow. The frequency of shedding can vary depending on factors such as age, species, and environmental conditions. Generally, younger snakes shed more frequently than older ones. Ensuring proper humidity levels and providing a suitable shedding environment is essential for a snake’s healthy skin shedding process.
What type of habitat do pet snakes require?
The specific habitat requirements for pet snakes vary based on the species. However, most snakes need an enclosure that provides adequate space, temperature gradients, hiding spots, and suitable substrates. Researching the natural habitat of the snake species you own is important to replicate those conditions as closely as possible in captivity.
I am Dr Hellen James a veterinarian, pet lover, and writer. I have many years of experience caring for pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and fish (and even axolotls!). I love spending time with the animals in my life, especially when they are sick or need love.