Before you make that trip to the pet store, ask yourself “Why do I want a snake?” Is it because you try to impress your friends? Is it because you saw a killer anaconda in a popular movie and would like something like that to show people when they come over? Do you want to surprise or scare your parents and other family members during Christmas gatherings? Thanks to a near-ancestral role in mythology, folklore, religion, and more recently horror movies and music videos, snakes are in high demand as pets. Unfortunately, many people want a snake for the wrong reasons and don’t educate themselves properly on pet snake care before giving in to the urge to accept a snake from a friend or buy one from the store. A snake is not a fashion accessory, party trick, or joke. Snakes are very sensitive and, for the most part, wild creatures that should only be kept as pets for the sheer pleasure that a snake’s care and observation can bring. If you fit the profile of a true fancier snake, then you’ve undoubtedly done some research already. If you are still deciding whether a snake is your pet or not, learn more from the information below.
Snakes, like all pets, have their own requirements for temperature, housing, and dietary needs. The size of your snake’s enclosure depends, of course, on the size of the snake you plan to have. A good way to judge the amount of space your snake will need is to leave ½ square foot of floor space for each foot of snake, as long as the snake is less than 6 feet long. For snakes over 6 feet long, ¾ one square foot of floor space is sufficient. Snakes need to feel safe in their new home as they will spend a lot of time sunbathing or hiding. A good solution is to get a properly sized aquarium and secure the top with a pegboard to allow adequate ventilation. Mesh should not be used as a curious snake may rub its nose with such material. Furnishing a snake cage can be relatively straightforward. Cover the bottom of the cage with aspen shavings, reptile carpet (or Astro grass), or gravel. Add a hiding place like a pre-made “cave” or a DIY cave of rocks of various sizes to your pet’s care list along with a small potted plant, either fake or real, and a shallow dish of water. for soaking.
Since snakes are cold-blooded, their body temperature is directly dependent on the temperature of their surroundings. Snakes do not have automatic heating or cooling systems. They just go in and out of the heat. It is imperative, then, that you maintain a daytime temperature between 80 and 85 degrees and a night temperature between 65 and 75 degrees in your snake’s tank. An adhesive thermometer and a heat lamp or cage heater that go under the cage will help you accomplish these things. A snake that is even a few degrees below its optimal body temperature will often stop eating.
Speaking of eating, you should probably reconsider owning a snake unless you are 100% sure that you can feed your pet live or dead mammals. Smaller snakes will eat baby mice (called “pinkies”) and medium to large snakes will eat pinkies or adult mice. Larger snakes may require larger meals in the form of chicks or bunnies. Figuring out what your snake wants from its food may take some effort. Some snakes are terrified of live food and will only eat a mouse after its neck has been humanly broken (this kills the mouse instantly). Some snakes enjoy hunting and do not eat food that has already been killed, and some snakes do not mind in any way. While most snakes can live for weeks without food, it is best to feed an adult snake once a week or every ten days. Baby snakes must feed more frequently to support their growing bodies. Check with a specific care guide for your snake to find out how much food to offer your pet per feeding.
Once you’ve verified that your motivations for owning snakes are driven only by your love for these creatures, use your new patience to spend time searching for a variety of snakes to fit your budget and personality. Just buy a snake from a trusted source, and make sure you have an excellent book on pet snake care or an expert snake that stays well known that can address any questions you may have and help you on the path to happyness. owned by a snake.