Millions of people all over the world love nature, whether it’s beautiful landscapes, sunny beaches, or animals and birds. Some people take a special interest in subjects like gardening or ornithology.
A person may have had a long term interest in snakes. It may be that they are considering having a new pet, and are wondering whether this might be a good choice. As with any animal, it’s important to read up well in advance and to make an informed decision. But is keeping a snake really such a good idea? Let’s find out now.
YES, WITH THE RIGHT HELP
If someone buys a snake, they shouldn’t do it alone. The first thing they should do is take it to the vets, so they can be checked for diseases and parasites.
Alongside veterinary assistance, people often benefit from specialist internet sites. There can be everything you need to know about snakes, including helpful blogs and articles. They may cover such subjects as whether snakes hibernate in houses, and whether they can be defanged. Other people may wish to know how many teeth snakes have, and whether they can recognize their owners.
YES, COMPARED TO SOME OTHER PETS
Some peoples’ homes smell because they have dogs. Provided a snake’s enclosure has been cleaned regularly, it should remain odor-free. Pets often need grooming and leave dander when they molt. In contrast, snakes simply shed their skins several times a year.
Unlike dogs that can be yappy and bark when there are visitors, snakes are quiet creatures.
YES, IN TERMS OF MAINTENANCE
Busy people will be relieved to know that snakes won’t take up a lot of your time.
They’ll need fresh water each day, and a daily check. Any feces would need to be removed using special gloves. A deep clean should be completed on a monthly basis.
YES, IN TERMS OF COSTS AND FOOD
The main expenses will be the initial ones of buying the reptile and its enclosure.
It’s true that snakes are carnivores (meat-eaters) and that they consume rodents such as mice or rats. Your pet may eat once every week (depending on the species), and not at all during the winter. The food needs to be served dead and can be bought pre-frozen from pet shops. Cost wise this should prove cheaper than buying food for a cat or dog.
Some snakes eat insects, and anyone not wanting vermin in the house could consider African or Indian Egg Eaters.
YES, IN TERMS OF ITS ENCLOSURE
It will be important to provide a regulated temperature and humidity level for the pet. This will help in terms of the snake maintaining a healthy body temperature, and its skin shedding process. Some snakes also require UV lighting to assist with their vitamin D production.
Once everything is set up, the snake should be set to flourish. The more authentic its environment, the better it will be. This would include the provision of a place to hide under small branches and vines, and space to climb.
YES, PROVIDED SAFETY PROTOCOLS ARE MAINTAINED
This will be true provided you don’t buy a venomous breed. Should a reptile such as a corn snake or king snake bite you, there will be no poison involved. Small snakes that are more suited for beginners will also not pose the danger of constriction (where they try to strangle their prey).
Having said that, it’s important to observe the handling requirements for your pet. Always use gloves when you come in contact. This is because snakes carry salmonella bacteria.
Snakes like to escape through small spaces, so always ensure the pet is retained in a sealed enclosure.
NO, IF YOU ARE IRRESPONSIBLE WITH IT
Snakes can grow to be several feet long. They, therefore, require plenty of room to stretch. They can live for between two and three decades, so be sure this purchase will not be just a brief interest. Don’t buy the reptile from a stranger, as they can carry diseases and parasites as we discussed earlier. If the snake doesn’t perform its skin shedding process when expected, be sure to take it to the vets.
If a snake license is required by your state, make sure you obtain this. If you rent a flat, get the landlord’s permission before you buy the pet.
Pets are like children and we need to be good stewards of them. Should the right choice be made, a snake could provide many years of enjoyment both for you and others.
