If you're looking for an unusual, eye-catching pet, it's hard to go wrong with a snake. They're exotic enough to catch people's interest, yet hardy enough to require minimal care. Nevertheless, uninformed first-time owners tend to make some basic mistakes, some of which can be quite costly. Here are some simple tips that can help ensure the health of the snake and prevent a lot of aggravation as well.
1.First, take note of how large your snake can grow to be. Most North American varieties only grown to be about four feet long, which is a reasonable size. Don't let a pet store employee talk you into buying a Burmese python, since these critters can grow to be over thirty feet long, and will require huge cages and tremendous amounts of food. (And before you ask... No, most zoos will not accept these as donations.)
2.Don't scrimp on cage size. A cage that is too small can be very stressful and unhealthy to your pet. Pet store clerks will sometimes try to sell you caging that is inadequate in size, so don't fall into this trap. For adequate comfort, the combined length and width of the cage should at least match the snake's length. Snakes can grow fairly quickly, so don't forget to take that into account as well!
3.Do find out how docile that particular specimen is. Most non-venomous North American snakes are fairly docile, but if you're a first-time keeper, you should probably make sure that your prospective pet can be handled easily.
4.Make sure that you select a pet with a hearty appetite. Ball pythons, for example, make great petsbut they are notoriously finicky eaters. Corn snakes make great starter pets because they are exceedingly docile and aren't picky about what they eat.
5.Snakesindeed, any reptilecan potentially spread salmonella. The risk involved is very small, but one should still play safe. This is especially true when young children or people with compromised immune systems are involved. Do read up on reptile hygiene and salmonella before purchasing your pet.
Obviously, these tips only constitute some basic advice. I recommend that all prospective owners should read up on snake care in general, as well as the specific needs of the species that they plan to purchase. A little bit of basic research can prevent a great deal of aggravation in the future.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Identifying snakes ,red racer garther with two ...
By: kcaj9977 | 01-09-2008
identifying snakes ,red racer garther with two yellow lines on the side and a red one down the top
What type of snake (alabama) is black with yellow ...
By: yittles2 | 01-09-2008
what type of snake (alabama) is black with yellow rings and yellow underneath with black spots?
What is the name of a brown striped snake 2 feet ...
By: Yolanda | 29-08-2008
What is the name of a brown striped snake 2 feet long in tidewater Virginia with a bright red tongue; it was in the grass about a hundred feet from the Mattaponi River.
Is this snake poisonous?
By: lemethinkhere | 25-08-2008
There is a black (or very dark color) and yellow banded snake in my yard. I see it about once per week. Does the description match any poisonous snake? San Antonio, Texas
Snakes in the tolet
By: bob | 24-08-2008
how do I control snakes that are coming up in the tolet. I have had 3 snakes at different times in the comode. there was 1 the first time and about a week later there was 2 at the same time. they were not agressive and shortly after I lifted the lid they went back into the sewer line. the first time I poured drain cleaner into the tolet and the last time I usef 5 gallons of clorx that seems to be working. any suggestions
Snake in Kitchen is scaring me Bad! Someone help please!
By: Betty McCarthy | 24-08-2008
I have a shiny dark snake in my kitchen and I'm scared of it.
Do king snakes have a white open mouth? This one does. I've about eliminated a cotton mouth by pics now.
Please send answer to: BJDJMAC@aol.com ASAP...............
Thank you very much.
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