Thinking of Getting a Snake?
Snakes are pets like no other — fascinating, rewarding, and full of personality. But stepping (or slithering!) into the world of snake keeping can feel a little intimidating, especially when it comes to handling. Choosing a species that suits your confidence level and what you want from a pet makes all the difference.
While every snake has its own quirks, different species do have typical temperaments. Here’s a simple, practical guide to help you understand safe handling and pick the right snake for you.
How to Pick Up and Hold a Snake
When you lift your snake, support it from the middle of the body. Avoid grabbing the head or tail — this can make the snake feel threatened or unbalanced. Holding from the mid‑section helps your snake feel secure and reduces stress.
Once the snake is in your hands, let it settle. Corn snakes, for example, are natural climbers. In the wild they spend plenty of time in trees, and when you’re handling them… you become the tree. Stand calmly, allow the snake to explore your hands, and gently move your hands as it shifts so it always feels supported.
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Species That Are Great for Handling
As shown in our recent Instagram reel, some snakes are naturally easier to handle than others.
Corn Snakes – Our Top Pick
Corn snakes are our number‑one recommendation for anyone wanting a snake that enjoys interaction. They’re generally calm, tolerant of handling, and ideal for beginners.
Royal Pythons
Royal pythons are also very gentle and often curl up comfortably in your hands. They don’t take the top spot only because they can be sensitive to environmental changes and may prefer shorter handling sessions.
Species With a Bit More “Personality”
These snakes can be handled safely but may show behaviours that surprise new keepers.
Hognose Snakes
Hognoses love to put on a dramatic show — huffing, puffing, and pretending to be big and scary. It’s all bluff. Once picked up, they usually calm down quickly. Because of the theatrics, we recommend them for confident or experienced keepers.
King Snakes & Milk Snakes
These species may musk when first picked up. Musk is a natural defence mechanism and can be a bit smelly, which can put off first‑time keepers. Once they realise you’re not a threat, they settle well and become easy to handle. Most individuals grow out of musking as they mature and get used to regular handling.
Final Thoughts
This guide is only a starting point. Every snake — and every keeper — is different. If you already have a snake and want personalised advice, pop into our store. We’re always happy to chat and show you how we recommend safe, confident handling.