How to Choose a Pet Snake

I'll tell you all the aspects to be considered when choosing a pet snake.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• an clear idea of what you want and what you need

1. So you are interested in herpetology. Well the next thing is to get a subject or a snake, after all that is what herpetology is, the study of snakes. Now it is best you don't run right out and get the first snake you see. There is a lot of things to keep in mind when you're shopping for a snake and the more you know the better you will be at choosing your new snake, and the better the sales staff at your pet store will be able to help you.

2. The number one most important thing is figure out how much space you have to accommodate your snake. I say this is number one most important because snakes range in size (when full grown) from as little as a foot long to over 20 feet long. A fully grown corn snake, with its beautiful colorful markings, will grow to about 3-5 feet and would be happy in a 30-50 gallon aquarium with just a heat rock and shelter. While a Burmese python who can reach up to 16-18 feet easily needs about 200 cubic feet of space to be happy and healthy, as well as be able to climb. So now you can see why space is so important.

3. Then we have to consider the type of enclosure to build for Mr. Scaly. Smaller snakes are quite content to explore a nicely made terrarium or a cage, but bigger snakes need much more. The size and strength of a Burmese python or boa constrictor dictate a much more sturdily built cage while still allowing the snake to move around inside freely. And you have the maintenance of the cage. A snake's environment must be kept clean at all times, as there are countless bacteria in the scat and skin sheds of a snake, any of which that can make your snake or you very sick.

4. That brings us to the diet of a snake. Snakes are "CARNIVORES" (they eat meat). And not so much what they eat but how they eat it. Snakes known as constrictors capture, kill and swallow their prey whole. They do this by striking at the victim, grabbing it in powerful jaws that have fish hook like teeth angled backwards to hold the prey then wrapping their coils (body) around the prey and start to squeeze. Every time the helpless rodent exhales the snake squeezes tighter not allowing the prey to inhale. The victim dies of asphyxiation. The snake positions it's mouth over the head of it's meal and unhinges it's jaws which work independently to pull the prey to the mouth while the snake literally slithers over the food source using powerful muscles in it's body to shove the meal into it's gut, where it is absorbed by the snake using enzymes in the gut to break down everything from flesh, bones, and hair. The scat of the snake can be very odoriferous and as I mentioned before full of harmful bacteria.

5. Now that you have your mind wrapped around a snake's eating habits, why not take a look at what they eat. As I said snakes are carnivorous. I make this point because, while it is possible to feed most snakes with frozen prepared food items, such as frozen pinkies (new born mice and rats), it is hard to get some snakes to take frozen food. Therefore these snakes must be fed live food, which from above this can be a gruesome spectacle. Also while on the subject of snake's food think into the future when deciding your choice of snake. A baby Burmese or Reticulated Python or baby Boa will thrive on pinkies or mice , or even small rats but in about 3 years will move up to small rabbits or chickens. And in about 5-6 years will be eating large rabbits or anything else 5-10 pounds. The larger the snake the larger the food item. The last Burmese I had was 17 feet long and was eating kid goats twice a month, needless to sat that ran into a little money.

6. OK, do you still want a snake? Well this is another thing you need to know. YOU CAN NOT DOMESTICATE A SNAKE. A snake can be handled and never have any problems, but a snake will never love you or seek out your attention. While it may be docile while well cared for a snake will always follow it's instincts to survive, that includes eating you mom's prize poodle. A snake will strike out when feeling threatened or is injured. When a pet snake is shedding, their eyesight is diminished dramatically and may strike at the slightest movement. It is best not to handle a snake while it is shedding unless absolutely necessary.

7. OK you got all that in mind and you're off to the pet store. This brings us to the final point. Always get your snake or any pet from a reputable pet store or breeder. There are places out there that are selling wild captured snakes, and to get one of these just adds to the worries of keeping a snake. Wild caught snakes are much harder to handle and more likely to bite. You can ask for the breeder' s name at the pet store and any information available on the breeder to ensure you are getting a captivity bred snake.

8. Well that's that now get out there and pick out your new snake and enjoy the journey through the world of herpetology.

Tips & Warnings

• never get a venomous snake
• never get a wils caught snake
• never use a snake to scare or intimidate
• check laws and ordinances in your area on keeping of snakes

[DianeD]

on 1/27/2009 I'll keep my pup but very interesting article and very detailed.

[Addonis]

on 1/24/2009 great work 5 stars