How to Choose a Pet Snake

There are different species of snakes, and only a few of these are suitable as pets. It is important that you do your homework before you choose a pet snake. Certain species are dangerous to you and your family.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Visit a local pet shop or a snake breeder. Find out the different species of snake that are available from these sources.

2. Ask about the environment, habitat, diet and other requirements if you were to have one as a pet. Most importantly, find out how big each snake will grow. Keep in mind that the larger the snake, the more space it will require for housing. It will also require a lot more food and care.

3. Short-list a few snakes based on the information you gather. Get more detailed information online or from a veterinarian about the behavior of each species.

4. Take into account your lifestyle and the resources you have available to keep a pet snake, particularly the amount of space you have available.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that the snake you choose is not an endangered species, or else you will require special permission to have the snake as a pet. There may also be laws pertaining to certain species.
• King snakes, ball pythons or corn snakes are recommended for beginners, because they are docile, relatively small and easy to care for.
• It is important to buy your snake from a reputable source.
• Some of the snakes that are not recommended because of their large size and poor temperaments include reticulated pythons and anacondas. Venomous snakes must never be kept as pets.