Pet Snake Care

Before you make that trip to the pet store, ask yourself “Why do I want a snake?” Is it because you are trying 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 relatives during Christmas gatherings? Thanks to an almost ancient 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 all the wrong reasons and fail to properly educate themselves on pet snake care before giving in to the urge to accept a snake from a friend or purchase one at the store. A snake is not a fashion accessory, party trick or practical joke. Snakes are highly sensitive and for the most part wild creatures that should only be kept as pets for the sheer pleasure of caring for and observing a snake. If you fit the profile of a true snake aficionado, then you’ve no doubt already done some studying. If you’re still deciding whether or not a snake is the pet for you, learn more with the information below.

Snakes, like all pets, have their own unique set of requirements when it comes to temperature, housing, and dietary needs. The size of your snake’s enclosure depends, of course, on the size of the snake you plan to keep. A good way to judge how much space your snake will need is to allow ½ square foot of floor space for every foot of snake, as long as the snake is less than 6 feet long. For snakes over 6 feet long, ¾ of a square foot of floor space is adequate. Snakes need to feel secure in their new home, as they will spend a lot of time basking or hiding. A good solution is to get a suitable size aquarium and secure the top with a pegboard to allow proper ventilation. Mesh should not be used as a curious snake may rub its nose on the material. Furniture in a snake cage can be relatively simple. Line the bottom of the cage with aspen shavings, reptile mat (or Astro grass), or pea gravel. Add a hideout such as a pre-made “cave” or a do-it-yourself cave out of rocks of various sizes to your pet snake’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 self-cooling or heating systems. They just pop in and out of the heat. So, it is imperative that you maintain a day temperature of between 80 and 85 degrees and a night temperature of between 65 and 75 degrees in your snake’s tank. A stick-on thermometer and heat lamp or cage heater that sits under the cage will help you accomplish these things. A snake that is even a few degrees below its optimum body temperature will often stop eating.

Speaking of eating, you should probably reconsider getting a snake unless you are 100% sure you can feed your pet mammals live or dead. Smaller snakes will eat baby mice (called “pinky”) and medium to large snakes will eat adult or pinkie mice. Larger snakes may require larger meals in the form of chicks or rabbits. Figuring out what your snake wants from its food can take some work. Some snakes are terrified of live food and will only eat a mouse after their necks have been humanely broken (this kills the mouse instantly). Some snakes enjoy hunting and will not eat food that has already been killed, and some snakes don’t care at all. While most snakes can live for weeks without food, it’s best to feed an adult snake once a week or every ten days. Baby snakes need to feed more frequently to support their growing bodies. Check with a care guide specific to your snake to find out how much food to offer your pet per feeding.

Once you’ve made sure that your motivations for keeping snakes are driven solely by your love for these creatures, use your newfound patience to spend time searching for a variety of snakes that fits your budget and personality. Only buy a snake from a reputable source, and make sure you have a great book on keeping snakes as pets handy or a well-known snake care expert who can answer any questions you may have and help you on the path to snake ownership. a happy serpent