| Most people, when they hear the word snake, have | | | | smaller in size. Not matter what type or size of snake |
| feelings of fear. While most snakes are actually quite | | | | you choose for your pet, make sure you get a |
| gentle creatures, their features in horror books and | | | | secure enclosure. Snakes have an uncanny way of |
| film have given us an unreasonable view of these | | | | getting out cages. If you don't want to have to |
| reptiles. | | | | chase your snake around, make sure you get a cage |
| If you put aside the reputation they've gained and | | | | that latches securely. |
| take a look at them with an open mind, you will see | | | | When choosing your snake, choose a reputable |
| that many snakes can make wonderful pets. Though | | | | breeder and choose captive breeds over wild. |
| they aren't the right pets for everyone. Snakes have | | | | Captive-bred snakes are tamer, easier to handle, and |
| some very specific requirements with food, shelter, | | | | usually better eaters. They are also not prone to |
| temperature and handling and commitment. Before | | | | some of the illnesses you'll find a wild snake prone to. |
| purchasing a snake for a pet, it's a good idea to do | | | | Another consideration is feeding. Wild snakes will be |
| research on the type of pet snake you're looking for | | | | used to live prey, making it harder to get them to |
| and what care and commitment requirements they | | | | eat already killed prey. Captive-bred are usually |
| may have. If you are worried about getting a pet | | | | started on already killed prey so are less likely to |
| snake because of having to handle the snake itself, | | | | refuse to eat. Also, already killed prey means less |
| many snakes are quite tame with proper handling. | | | | chance of injury to your snake and can be bought |
| Out of the diverse variety of snakes, however, | | | | frozen. So you don't have to raise and kill your |
| there are only a few that will make good pets. | | | | snake's food yourself. |
| These excellent types of pet snake range from | | | | Of the snakes to choose from for pets, look at king |
| garter snakes to more exotic snakes like the ball | | | | snakes, corn snakes and ball pythons. The king |
| python. | | | | snakes and corn snakes usually live about 20 years. |
| Each species has its own unique needs and care | | | | So be ready for a commitment. They are also smaller |
| instructions. When deciding on the type of snake you | | | | in size. Ball pythons are small but live up to 40 years - |
| want, you need to consider these needs before | | | | again, be ready for a commitment. Larger snakes, |
| getting your snake as a pet. The things you might | | | | such as constrictors, should be avoided as pets. |
| want to consider are things like life span. How large | | | | Some forms of python will eventually require two |
| the snake that you choose will get. Some snakes can | | | | people to handle. Having a pet snake represents a |
| get very large, so if you don't have a lot of room, | | | | serious commitment to time and resources. Be sure |
| you may want to choose a pet snake that will stay | | | | to research the type you want before purchasing. |