Snakes may not be the most cuddly of pets, but for those with an interest they can still be a rewarding one. The three best options for pet snakes are the three most common species kept in homes - corn snakes, ball pythons and garter snakes.
Corn snakes, Master says, are probably the best option for a beginner, as they become docile and tolerant of frequent handling, are hardy, and a readily available captive-bred species. They are good eaters, can grow up to 1.9 metres long and are slightly heavier than the other two. Although ball pythons can become tame, as babies, they are shy and nervous.
"They also come in many different patterns, some of the more unusual colours costing tens of thousands of dollars," says Master.
While garter snakes are the smallest of the three, they have a tendency to musk - excrete an oily, smelly substance when stressed - more often than other species.
"They also tend to do better on a diet of fish, which can make feeding more difficult," Master says.