Getting a Snake

So you want a pet snake, but how can you know for sure which snake is the right snake for you? There are many, many species of snakes in the world, and relatively few of them are kept as pets. However, there are several popular ones in the pet trade that you will need to decide between when purchasing your new pet. How will you make your decision? By narrowing your options ahead of time, you can make your decision an educated and easy one.

Are you looking for a small snake, a medium-sized snake, or a large snake? The answer to this question will be determined by several things, including the amount of space in your home you can allot to your snake’s enclosure. Can you spare a whole room for your snake to roam free in? Or will he need to be confined to a small cage? Also, keep in mind that all snakes are relatively small as juveniles, but some commonly kept adult snakes can grow to be over 12 feet long. Plan ahead by not purchasing a snake that you will be unable to house when he reaches his full length.

Do you want a constrictor snake? Many snakes feed by capturing their live prey and suffocating it before consuming. However, other snakes consume their food live, swallowing it whole. If constriction doesn’t appeal to you, you will need to find a snake that is not a constrictor. If you don’t mind it, you may want to consider constrictor snakes in addition to non-constrictors.

Is it important to you to be able to spend time holding your snake? Some snakes seem to enjoy being handled while others would rather remain in their cages. Also, some snakes grow so large that handling becomes nearly impossible and sometimes life-threatening under certain conditions. If spending time physically playing with your pet is something that is very important to you, you may want to choose a different pet altogether, as snakes require very gentle handling and should only be removed from their cages when they are willing.

Snakes are awesome, beautiful creatures that can make great pets. If you’ve decided that a snake is the right pet for you, take the time to learn more about different types of snakes before choosing a particular species. Make sure the snake you choose is suitable for your needs and lifestyle, and you should have many enjoyable years with your reptile pet. (AuthorPet Un.)