How do I choose the right snake? Snakes are amazing creatures, and most of them can be kept as pets fairly subdued with regular handling. But obviously, not everyone is a good fit for a pet snake. They have particular needs, and the only people who should be taking care of them are individuals who are dedicated to meeting those needs. Find out what to think about and which species are the best for beginners if you're new to keeping snakes as pets.
Considerations Before Selecting a Pet Snake
Considerations Before Selecting a Pet Snake
Given that many snake species have 20+-year lifespans, choosing to keep a snake as a pet requires long-term dedication. You will likely need to set aside freezer space for frozen prey species (i.e., rats), and you have to be willing to feed your snake live prey animals (though previous frozen, pre-killed prey would be the safest choice).
Given that snakes are skilled escape artists, you must ensure that your enclosure is impenetrable. Snakes are determined to discover and squeeze through any openings, no matter how tiny. Despite their beauty, big, constricting, and poisonous snakes are not advised as pets because of safety issues. If at all feasible, purchase a captive-bred snake through a reliable breeder. Snakes captured in the wild are typically more agitated, more prone to parasites or illnesses, and more challenging to tame.
Obtain a Healthy Snake
Examine your snake quickly to look for any symptoms of disease, such as bubbles coming up of the nostrils, retained skin, closed eyelids, and mouth rot. To ensure that your new snake is eating well and accepting pre-killed prey, request a feeding demonstration. Considering that ball pythons are known to have feeding issues, this is a particularly smart move for them.
Suggested Snakes for Novices
All of these are manageable in size, require little maintenance, and are generally extremely calm as pets. Due to their popularity, these can also be easily found at a reptile exhibit or from a breeder.
1: Balls Python
2: Corn snakes
3: Hognose snake
4: Milk snakes or king snakes
Snakes: Things Novices Should Avoid
Beginners should stay away from big, constriction snakes, poisonous snakes, and snakes that demand extra upkeep, such as the following species of snakes:
1: Boa constrictors
2: Pythons and tree boas
3: Water snakes
4: Green snakes
5: Burmese pythons
It is advised for both novice and expert snake keepers to avoid keeping the following snakes as pets since they have the potential to be extremely hazardous (to their owners and people nearby):
1: Anacondas, reticulated pythons
2: Any snakes that are poisonous
Basic Information on Pet Snakes for Novices: Feeding Snakes with Pre-Killed Compared to Live Prey
Since a live rat can inflict serious wounds on a snake in self-defense, feeding pre-killed prey would be prudent. Additionally, keeping a supply of frozen food in your freezer is more convenient than rearing or purchasing live rodents for feeding.
How a Thermal Gradient Is Provided
Every snake has to be able to shift between locations that are warmer and colder in order to maintain a healthy body temperature. For your snake to remain healthy and be able to break down its food, you must provide a gradient and ensure that the warm side of the tank is sufficiently heated.
Whichever snake you choose, new owners need to understand how to take care of it properly, what to feed it, how it behaves, and how much work it takes to maintain it.
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