What you need to know

Snakes as Pets

 
Josie F. Turner
By Josie F. Turner, Journalist specialized in Animal Welfare. Updated: February 22, 2018
Snakes as Pets

When we hear "pets", we tend to associate the term with cats and dogs. Nowadays, however, this association has started to change, as many people choose to share their home with ferrets, fish, tortoises, squirrels, rabbits, rats, chinchillas, and all sorts of different species that were unthinkable as companions just some decades ago.

The world of pets has become so diverse that people even consider keeping a snake as a pet, which may seem strange at first, especially in some parts of the world. This AnimalWised article will tell you all about keeping snakes as a pets, including their basic requirements and some care tips to hopefully answer all your questions.

Contents

  1. Can a snake be a pet?
  2. Benefits of keeping a snake as a pet
  3. Caring for a snake: Things to take into account
  4. Before adopting a snake...
  5. Do you love snakes?

Can a snake be a pet?

The origin of snakes is not fully clear yet, but most scientists believe that snakes evolved from lizards, as some species have vestigial limbs. Their main characteristics include being legless and having forked tongues. There are literally thousands of different species of snakes, so they come in all sizes and colors. Some of them are venomous, but not all.

Snakes can fill people with fear, but there are also many people who are passionate about snakes, so much so that they want to share their home with them.

However, are snakes good pets?

A snake, like any other animal, provides you with company on a daily basis. However, if you want to create a mutual emotional bond, you should bear in mind that snakes don't show any attachment to their owners. This is not to say that the owner cannot develop a great affection for their pet snake, especially considering that a domestic snake can live up to 30 years.

While it's not right to say that they should never be pets, it's true that snakes are only suitable as pets for certain people. If you're looking for the loyalty of a dog or the warmth of a bunny, a snake is not a good choice.

Snakes as Pets - Can a snake be a pet?

Benefits of keeping a snake as a pet

If you're wondering about what you can get from having a pet snake, you should know that they offer many benefits for owners:

  • They don't need to be fed on a daily basis.
  • They don't cause allergies as they don't have fur or feathers.
  • They require a small living space adapted to their size, where they can feel comfortable.
  • They don't give off body odor.
  • They don't dirty your environment.
  • They don't cause any noise as they love silence and quiet.
  • They don't need daily walks.

If your personality and lifestyle suits the nature of a snake, they could no doubt be an exceptional pet for you. Pet snakes are ideal for modern everyday life where work can stop you from looking after pets the way you'd like to, especially when further care is necessary.

Of course, minimum care is still required, and as owner you have the responsibility of ensuring the full welfare and happiness of your pet.

Caring for a snake: Things to take into account

Although caring for a domestic snake is not too complicated, it is necessary, and there are some basic guidelines you should be familiar with. To be ready to have a snake in your home, you should be able to provide the following basic care:

  • The snake's habitat must be a large terrarium with good ventilation. It must be sufficiently closed off to prevent the animal from escaping.
  • The terrarium's substrate should be changed periodically to keep the snake's environment in the proper hygienic conditions.
  • Temperature is very important for the snake; you cannot place the terrarium in areas that reach a temperature below 25°C (77º F), although the exact temperature depends on the particular species.
  • A snake only needs to eat once a week or every fortnight. You can provide it with rats, fish, birds, or worms, although this all depends on the species.
  • Vitamin supplements are a must when feeding your snake.
  • It should always have a container of clean, fresh water available.
  • Snakes need an annual veterinary examination as they are susceptible to various diseases.
Snakes as Pets - Caring for a snake: Things to take into account

Before adopting a snake...

Before bringing a snake into your home, you should consider several factors. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision in order to fully appreciate your pet:

  • Stay away from large snakes and choose a manageable species. Learn about which species are most suitable for beginners. Of course, stay away from any poisonous species.
  • Contact an expert breeder and a specialized veterinarian.
  • You will need to have a local shop where you can purchase rodents and other small animals to feed your snake.
  • Your snake must undergo a veterinary check before you take it home for the first time.

Following these simple recommendations will make your snake's adoption totally successful.

Snakes as Pets - Before adopting a snake...

Do you love snakes?

If you love snakes, then why not read the following useful articles:

If you want to read similar articles to Snakes as Pets, we recommend you visit our What you need to know category.

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