Which pythons make the best pets? Expert guide 2025

Owning a python as a pet is a rewarding but serious commitment. It’s crucial to ensure you have the right reasons and knowledge before welcoming one into your home. Pythons are fascinating reptiles that require much more than just a vivarium to be a happy, healthy pet. They demand careful care, attention, and respect.

When choosing a python, the first step is to select a breed suited to your experience and living situation. Some breeds grow incredibly large and require specialised care and space that few can provide comfortably. Smaller, beginner-friendly breeds are often a better choice for novice reptile keepers.

Providing a suitable, secure, and well-prepared habitat is vital. Each python breed has specific needs for temperature, humidity, enclosure size, and hiding spots to mimic their natural environment and reduce stress. Feeding a correct diet, usually frozen-thawed rodents, is essential to their wellbeing.

Most first-time snake keepers tend to choose smaller breeds such as the corn snake because they are easier to manage and care for. However, among pythons, the Ball Python, also known as the Royal python, stands out as the best pet choice for beginners and experienced owners alike.

Why Ball Pythons are Ideal for Beginners

The Ball Python’s manageable size, gentle temperament, and adaptability make it a favourite among expert reptile keepers. They typically grow to around 1.2 metres and weigh approximately 2 kg, striking a balance between presence and practicality.

Gentle by nature, Ball Pythons are unlikely to bite and usually curl into a protective ball when frightened—hence their name. Many enjoy regular handling, sometimes even relaxing and dozing when held carefully. Importantly, reputable Ball Python breeders in the UK offer invaluable advice on care, diet, and health, supporting new owners long after purchase.

These snakes also boast impressive longevity, living up to 20-30 years with proper care. They are also generally more economical in terms of upkeep compared to larger python species.

Pythons to Avoid for Home Keeping

Some python breeds, due to their substantial size, strength, or care complexity, are unsuitable for most home environments. For example, Burmese pythons and Reticulated pythons can exceed 6 metres in length and weigh over 100 kg, requiring specialised enclosures and experienced handling. Their significant strength and quick movements can pose safety risks, especially for inexperienced owners.

Furthermore, imports of large exotic pythons that have not been bred domestically should be avoided due to increased risks such as disease, parasites, and behavioural problems resulting from poor acclimatisation.

Be aware that some python species, including Royal and Indian pythons, are protected under CITES regulations in the UK. This means sellers must provide valid certificates such as the Article 10 certificate issued by Defra to comply with legal requirements.

Responsible Ownership and Legal Considerations in the UK

In the UK, python owners must ensure their pets are securely housed to prevent escapes, which could impact local wildlife or cause safety issues. Importantly, releasing non-native pythons into the wild is illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and has led to police action in cases of abandonment.

Choosing a python should involve thorough research on housing, diet, health needs, and local legal restrictions. Purchasing from recognised breeders ensures your snake has been properly bred and cared for, rather than acquiring them through less reliable sources such as some pet shops.

Quarantine of new arrivals for at least three months is advisable to monitor and prevent disease transmission, considering respiratory infections like reptile nidovirus pose serious risks in captive snakes.

Practical Care Tips for Pet Pythons

• Habitat: Provide a vivarium that is secure, appropriately sized, and easy to clean. Include multiple hiding spots to reduce stress and replicate natural shelter.
• Temperature and Humidity: Maintain species-specific levels, with appropriate basking spots, to support digestion and health.
• Feeding: Offer a diet of appropriately sized frozen-thawed prey, avoiding live feed for safety.
• Handling: Only handle your python after it has settled and is feeding well. Gentle, regular handling can build trust.
• Health Monitoring: Regular vet check-ups and vigilance for signs of respiratory issues, mites, or parasites are important.
• Quarantine: Isolate new snakes on arrival to protect your existing collection and allow health checks.

Owning a python is a long-term commitment that should never be taken lightly. Treat your pet with care and respect, ensuring its environment and needs are met fully. With the right approach and selecting the correct breed, your python can be a fascinating and affectionate companion for many years.