Snakes make really interesting pets. Unfortunately, many people are turned off by the prospect because most species require feeding of mice, rats and even rabbits for sustain them. Luckily, some species do not eat rodents at all!

Snakes that Don’t Eat Mice

Ribbon snakes and garter snakes are two examples of beautiful, domesticated snakes that do not require mice or other rodents to live. These snakes are small and prefer to dwell in trees or bushes. Their favorite snacks are insects like crickets and small fish.

One of the best set ups for a garter or ribbon snake is an artificial tree overlooking a water feature. The bottom of the terrarium can be half solid ground and half water, for example. The water does not have to be too deep, but should be deep enough that it can house small goldfish or feeder fish. You can add crickets or feeder fish to the vivarium, and the snake will feed on them when she is good and ready.

Both ribbon snakes and garter snakes are simple looking but beautiful, and they come in a range of colors with stripes running lengthwise down their bodies. They may not be as exotic looking as a leucistic ball python or an amazon tree boa, but they are certainly quite attractive in their own way, especially when you consider that they will never be big enough to require eating rodents as prey, and are perfectly satisfied snacking on fish and insects instead for the rest of their lives.