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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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9. Rosy Boa
Hardy and slow-moving, Rosy Boas are forgiving pets for beginners. Adults reach between 2–4 feet, are simple to house and even easier to handle. They typically cost £100–£250, depending on morph and breeder. | Canva/Getty Images
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10. Carpet Python
If you have plenty of room and want to 'go large' then a Carpet pythons could be the snake for you. They are beautiful, intelligent, and usually tolerant of handling - bit grown to up to 9 feet in length. That's a lot of snake! Prices range £150–£400, with rarer patterns costing much more - sometimes into the thousands. | Canva/Getty Images