7 Best Pet Snakes With No Teeth

Are There Really Snakes Without Teeth?

Here is the truth that might surprise you: technically, all snakes have some form of teeth. However, the teeth on many species are so tiny that a bite feels like nothing more than a gentle scratch. If you are looking for a pet snake that poses virtually no bite risk, there are several species with teeth so small and harmless that they might as well not have any at all.

Many first time snake owners worry about getting bitten, and that is completely understandable. The good news is that plenty of popular pet snakes are known for being gentle, rarely biting, and having teeth so small that even if they did nip you, it would barely leave a mark. Let’s look at the best options.

1. Egg Eating Snake

If you want the closest thing to a truly toothless snake, the egg eating snake is your best bet. These snakes have evolved to eat only bird eggs, so they have no real teeth at all. Instead, they have small bony ridges in their throat that crack open eggs. Even if an egg eating snake struck at you, it could not actually bite you in any meaningful way.

Egg eating snakes stay relatively small, usually around 24 to 30 inches, and are gentle by nature. The main challenge with keeping them is finding appropriately sized eggs for feeding. Quail eggs work well for most specimens, and finch eggs work for younger or smaller snakes. These snakes are not as commonly available as some other species, but they are worth seeking out if bite anxiety is your biggest concern.

2. Ball Python

Ball pythons are one of the most popular pet snakes in the world, and for good reason. While they do have small teeth, ball pythons are famous for being incredibly docile. Their first instinct when scared is to curl into a tight ball rather than strike, which is how they got their name.

Even in the rare event that a ball python does bite, their teeth are tiny and the bite is not much worse than a cat scratch. Most ball python owners go years without ever experiencing a bite. These snakes grow to about 3 to 5 feet long, eat frozen thawed rodents, and are available in hundreds of beautiful color morphs. They are an excellent choice for beginners who want a handleable snake with minimal bite risk.

3. Corn Snake

Corn snakes are another beginner favorite that rarely bites. They have tiny teeth that are barely noticeable, and most corn snakes are so used to being handled that biting just is not in their nature. These snakes are curious, active, and fun to watch as they explore their surroundings.

Growing to about 3 to 5 feet, corn snakes come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. They eat frozen thawed mice, are easy to care for, and tolerate handling very well. If a corn snake does happen to nip you during feeding time, it feels more like a pinch than an actual bite. If you are curious about other beginner friendly options, check out our guide to popular pet snake breeds.

4. Rubber Boa

Rubber boas might be the gentlest snakes on the planet. These small boas rarely exceed 2 feet in length and have an incredibly calm demeanor. They have tiny teeth and are known for almost never biting, even when they feel threatened. Instead of striking, a rubber boa will curl up and tuck its head under its body for protection.

Their smooth, rubbery skin gives them a unique texture that is pleasant to hold. Rubber boas prefer cooler temperatures than most snakes, doing best between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They eat small rodents and are not picky eaters. The only downside is that they can be harder to find in the pet trade since they are not bred as widely as some other species.

5. Rosy Boa

Rosy boas are small, slow moving snakes that are known for their gentle temperament. They grow to about 2 to 3 feet long and have tiny teeth that pose no real threat to humans. These snakes are beautifully patterned with three stripes running down their body in shades of orange, brown, or rose.

What makes rosy boas great for nervous beginners is how slow and deliberate their movements are. Unlike faster species that can be jumpy, rosy boas move calmly and are easy to handle. They eat small mice and do well in a relatively simple enclosure. Bites are extremely rare and barely noticeable when they do happen.

6. Children’s Python

Do not let the name fool you. Children’s pythons are not named because they are good pets for kids (though they certainly are). They were named after the scientist John George Children. These small pythons grow to about 2.5 to 4 feet and have a calm, easygoing temperament.

Children’s pythons have very small teeth and rarely bite. They are curious snakes that enjoy exploring during handling sessions, and they are hardy enough to forgive the occasional beginner mistake in their care. They eat small to medium mice and are active enough to be entertaining without being flighty or aggressive.

7. Kenyan Sand Boa

Kenyan sand boas are chunky little snakes that spend most of their time buried in their substrate with just their eyes poking out. They grow to about 15 to 24 inches for males and up to 2 feet for females. Their tiny teeth and docile nature make them a solid choice for anyone worried about bites.

These snakes are ambush predators in the wild, so they tend to be calm and sedentary in captivity. They eat small mice and are very easy to care for. The only time a Kenyan sand boa might nip is during feeding if they mistake your hand for food, and even then the bite barely registers. Their unique appearance and burrowing behavior make them a fun and unusual pet to keep.

Tips for Avoiding Snake Bites

Even with the gentlest snake species, there are a few things you can do to minimize any chance of being bitten. First, always wash your hands before handling your snake, especially after touching rodents or other food items. A snake that smells food on your hands might strike thinking you are offering dinner.

Second, avoid handling your snake for 24 to 48 hours after feeding. Snakes can be a bit defensive while they are digesting, and disturbing them during this time increases the chance of a defensive response. Also, approach your snake calmly and from the side rather than from above. Coming from above mimics a predator swooping down, which can startle even the most docile snake.

With any of the species on this list, bites are rare and harmless. Choose the one that fits your lifestyle and space, and enjoy the rewarding experience of keeping a pet snake.