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According to latest figures there are around 700,000 pet snakes in the UK - that’s a snake in around 1.4 per cent of households.
They many not be about to overtake dogs, cats, fish and birds (in that order) as the most popular pets in Britain, but they still clearly have a huge fanbase.
Snakes tend to have a bad reputation and while some deserve it (you wouldn’t want a Rattlesnake draped around your neck while watching television) many are completely harmless - even affectionate - animals.
Far from being the cold and slimy creatures of legend, they are warm and smooth - eminently pattable in fact.
If you are looking to get a pet snake it’s first important to get all the equipment you need - we’re talking a fully-equpped vivarium enclosure, property secured, with a water dish, a heating element, thermostat, and lighting. You can ask your local pet shop for advice on exactly what you need.
Then you’re ready to welcome a snake into your life - here are 10 of the most popular.
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5. Milk Snake
The Milk Snake os actually a small variety of Kingsnake, known for its vivid colouration. They rarely grow to more than three feet in length and are as easy to care for at their larger relatives. Expect to pay £60-£150. | Canva/Getty Images
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6. Western Hognose Snake
Yet another popular pet snake native to the USA, the Western Hognose Snake get their name from their unusual and cute upturned noses. They thrive in captivity and are quite playful (at least in comparison to other snakes). For this snake with a quirky personality, which grows up to 3 feet long, expect to pay £120–£400. | Canva/Getty Images
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7. Kenyan Sand Boa
Native to northern and eastern Africa, the Kenyan Sand Boa is a diminuative, burrowing snake that only grows to around 2 feet long. They are very calm creatures, with unusually small heads and stout bodies. They tend to be sold for £80-£200. | Canva/Getty Images
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8. Children’s Python
An Australian species that are commonly captive-bred in Britain, the Children’s Python was named in honour of British Museum zoological curator John George Children. They are gentle, manageable, tolerate handling (see picture!) and grow to around 3–4 feet. Expect to pay £150–£300, sometimes more for rarer examples. | Canva/Getty Images