Is it smart to have a pet snake?

Snakes are not a traditional, cuddly choice of pet. They grow large, live a long time and require a certain exactness and even bravery from their owners, but the benefits of owning a snake are also rewarding. As with any pet, owning a snake is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly.

Is having a pet snake easy?

Most snakes sold as pets are easy to handle and are usually not aggressive. Although certain species of snakes commonly kept by serious reptile collectors have a naturally aggressive nature, these species tend not to show up often in the general pet trade, so they are not typically available in pet stores.

Do pet snakes like to be held?

Snakes won’t be receptive to your affection—they’re wary animals who don’t like being held, touched, petted, or passed around.

What is the easiest pet snake to take care of?

Best Beginner Pet Snake #1: The Corn Snake. Corn Snakes are often revered as the most commonly owned friendly pet snakes, and for many reasons. To start, they are widely accessible, not too expensive, and are very easy to maintain. That’s exactly why this breed is one of the best beginner pet snakes available.

What do you need to know about choosing a snake as a pet?

When choosing a snake as a pet, you are making a long-term commitment and many species can be expected to live over 20 years. You must be willing to feed prey animals to your snake (though previously frozen, pre-killed prey is the safest choice) and you will probably have to devote some freezer space to frozen prey items (i.e. rodents).

Can you handle a snake for the first time?

I would venture an unscientific guess that 98% of keepers were nervous about picking up their pet snakes for the first time, after bringing the animal home. So let’s begin this article by making one thing clear — it’s okay to be nervous when you handle your pet for the first time, or even the first few times. Most people are.

How long can a snake live as a pet?

When choosing a snake as a pet, realize you are making a long-term commitment because many species can be expected to live over 20 years.

How often should I take my snake to the vet?

Working with reptiles is a specialty, so small animal vets may not be knowledgeable enough to provide proper care. During the visit, the vet will likely also provide information on how to properly feed, house, and care for your pet snake. Take your snake to the vet at least annually for check-ups. Introduce your snake to its new environment.

When is the best time to look for a snake?

Go at the right time. Different snakes will be more or less active depending on the time of day. Some snakes are active during the day while other are nocturnal hunters. Depending on the type of snake you are looking for, make sure you are searching at the right time of day.

What kind of snake should I get for a first time pet?

They usually get up to 2-5 feet (0.6-1.5 m) in length which is also more manageable for most people. Usually a corn snake or a king snake is recommended for a first-time snake keeper. Food: Most snakes eat mice or rats; these can be purchased frozen or live at the pet store.

When is a snake most active at night?

1 Snakes may be more active at night during warmer months. 2 Most snakes won’t be very active during the hottest time of day. 3 Many snakes are nocturnal hunters and will be most active at night.

What kind of Snake do you like to play with?

Think about how much you want to play with your snake. Ball pythons, corn snakes, and many other types of snakes are great to handle while snakes like Green Tree Pythons may not ever want to be handled and will only be observation animals. Consider the place from which you purchase your pet snake.