Exotic Pets – Snakes
Snakes are lithe and graceful in that way peculiar to animals bred for stealth and hunting, qualities that many owners find particularly attractive. While they’re never going to show the affection of a dog or a cat, snakes have a certain unique draw to them all their own. They are fascinating and mysterious, primordial even. But they can also be quite a handful (in the case of pythons, quite literally), and caring for them can be quite difficult if you’re new to snake ownership. If you’re interested in getting a pet snake, this short guide can help.
Choosing a Snake
Before you go to the store and purchase a new pet, you need to figure out what kind of snake you want to keep as a pet. There are many different options out there, but first-time users may want to keep things simple and stick to a few different species. But even before you do that, you need to find out if a snake is right for you. Some things to keep in mind:
* Some species of snakes live for a long time – sometimes upwards of twenty years. If you’re not ready for this kind of commitment, a snake may not be right for you.
* You will have to be comfortable feeding prey animals to your snake. Frozen prey is the best, but you’ll need to devote freezer space to dead rodents and such.
* Snakes are lithe and strong, and can be adept at escaping their tanks.
* If you don’t choose the right kind of snake, they can be quite dangerous.
If you’re comfortable with all of these, then you’re probably ready to invest in a snake. It’s better to get a snake bred in captivity than one that was captured in the wild, for obvious reasons. When you get your snake, you should ask to be shown the proper way to feed the snake, to familiarize yourself with the process. Some species are better as pets than others, with the following being recommended for beginners:
* Corn Snakes
* King Snakes
* Milk Snakes
* Ball Pythons
These are just the basics, and if you’re interested in learning more about snake ownership and how to best provide a good environment for your snake, you should consult with a veterinarian.
