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