| When people think of pets, most of the time "furry" | | | | The enclosure, or cage, for the snake needs to be |
| and "cuddly" are adjectives that come to mind. For | | | | first of all escape proof. Snakes are escape artists, |
| the owners of pet snakes, however, these words | | | | and don't need a very big opening in order to find a |
| don't really fit. Still, snakes make interesting pets, and | | | | way out. The cage also has to have a source of |
| can even be lovable - in their own way. | | | | heat. Because they are cold blooded, snakes must |
| Choosing to own a pet snake should not be a snap | | | | have a variety of temperatures to choose from. This |
| decision. Snakes can grow large, eat a lot, and require | | | | is how they regulate their body heat. For best |
| very specific conditions for staying healthy. Some | | | | results, the enclosure should be heated on one side |
| varieties can even be dangerous to humans. Providing | | | | only and thermometers used on both ends. Each |
| for their needs can be quite expensive. To top it all | | | | snake species has specific needs in terms of heat, |
| off, snakes tend to have a long lifespan. For the | | | | and you should find out these needs before getting a |
| sake of the snake, don't buy one without being sure | | | | snake. |
| you are ready to make the commitment. | | | | Other needs include a bowl of water, several places |
| All snakes are meat-eaters. Many snake owners keep | | | | to hide, and a floor lining. If you?re on a tight budget, |
| live mice or rats, which multiply rapidly, as food for | | | | newspaper works well for most snake varieties. It |
| their snakes. It is recommended that snakes be fed | | | | can easily be replaced when soiled. The water should |
| pre-killed prey animals instead of live ones. Especially if | | | | be kept clean, too. Any wastes or uneaten food |
| the snake is not real hungry, a live prey animal can | | | | should be removed quickly. The cage should be |
| inflict injuries to the snake. Many snake enthusiasts | | | | thoroughly cleaned and disinfected about once a |
| order frozen mice for their snakes. Others raise mice | | | | month. |
| and kill them as needed to feed their snakes. | | | | Keeping a pet snake is a responsibility that can also |
| The good part of feeding a snake is that most | | | | be an adventure. If you are a beginner, you should |
| shouldn't be fed more often than once a week and | | | | start with one of the easier snakes to keep. Do a |
| some can go for several weeks between feedings. | | | | little research, and you will find out that pet snake |
| The reason is that they don't have to expend any | | | | breeds are generally rated according to how hard |
| energy creating their own body heat. In fact, if the | | | | they are to keep. In time, you will learn the ins and |
| cage is not warm enough, a snake can't even digest | | | | outs of snake keeping, and can expand your |
| its food. | | | | collection to include some of the more exotic types. |