Pet Snakes: Owning Pet Snakes
Pet snakes have become increasingly popular exotic pets for those looking for a low-maintenance, fascinating companion. Whether you’re a first-time snake owner or considering adding another reptile to your collection, understanding the fundamentals of snake care is essential. This guide covers everything from choosing the right species to proper feeding and habitat setup.
Choosing the Right Snake Species
For beginners, several docile species make excellent first-time pets:
Ball Pythons
Ball pythons are among the most popular pet snakes due to their manageable size (typically 3-5 feet), docile temperament, and relatively simple care requirements. They’re known for being tolerant of handling and come in hundreds of different color morphs.
Corn Snakes
Corn snakes are colorful, slender snakes that rarely exceed 5 feet in length. They’re known for their gentle disposition and are excellent for beginners. Their care requirements are straightforward, making them low-maintenance pets.
King Snakes
King snakes are hardy, adaptable, and generally docile once acclimated to handling. They come in various colorful patterns and are known for being relatively easy to care for.
Initial Setup Costs
When considering a pet snake, it’s important to budget not just for the animal itself but for proper housing and equipment:
– Snake purchase: $30-300+ depending on species and morph
– Enclosure: $100-300 for an appropriate-sized terrarium
– Heating elements: $30-100 for heat mats, lamps, or radiant heat panels
– Thermostats: $30-100 (essential for regulating temperature)
– Substrate: $10-30
– Hides and décor: $20-100
– Water dish: $5-20
– Temperature/humidity gauges: $10-30
The initial setup typically costs between $200-600, with ongoing expenses for food, substrate replacement, and veterinary care.
Feeding Your Pet Snake
One of the most discussed aspects of snake ownership is their feeding requirements. Most pet snakes are carnivores that consume whole prey items.
Frozen vs. Live Prey
According to discussions in snake-keeping communities, frozen-thawed (F/T) prey is generally recommended over live feeding for several important reasons:
1. Safety: Live rodents can injure snakes by biting or scratching them when defending themselves
2. Convenience: Frozen prey can be purchased in bulk and stored
3. Humaneness: Pre-killed prey eliminates suffering
4. Practicality: As one Reddit user noted, “live is dangerous and really a pain in the ass if the snake figures it’s not hungry…now you have a rodent for a pet.”
Most reputable reptile keepers recommend transitioning snakes to accept pre-killed prey items.
Alternative Diets
While most common pet snakes eat rodents (mice and rats), some prospective owners seek alternatives. Options include:
– Garter snakes: Can be fed fish, worms, and amphibians
– Egg-eating snakes: Specialized species that consume only eggs
– Rough green snakes: Insectivorous species that eat crickets, worms, and other invertebrates
However, it’s important to note that these alternative-diet species often have more specialized care requirements and may not be ideal for beginners. As one snake enthusiast commented on Reddit, “Pinky mice, already frozen and readily available, are great to use and easily one of the best parts of a snake’s diet. Can be found at a pet [store].”
Housing Requirements
Proper housing is crucial for snake health and includes:
– Appropriately sized enclosure (generally allowing the snake to stretch out to about 2/3 of its length)
– Secure lid to prevent escape
– Proper temperature gradient (warm and cool sides)
– Adequate hiding spots (minimum of two)
– Appropriate substrate (depending on species)
– Clean water dish large enough for soaking
– Proper humidity levels (species-dependent)
The Emotional Connection with Snakes
A common question among potential snake owners concerns the emotional bond between snakes and their keepers. Unlike dogs or cats, snakes do not form emotional attachments to their owners in the traditional sense.
As noted in one discussion: “Definitely not. Snakes are cold-blooded creatures, and although it might seem that they like to snuggle with you, they’re actually just enjoying your body heat.”
While snakes may recognize their owners and become comfortable with handling, they don’t experience affection as mammals do. Instead, they may associate their owner with safety, food, or warmth. Many owners find satisfaction in providing excellent care and observing these fascinating animals, rather than expecting traditional pet affection.
Pros and Cons of Snake Ownership
Pros:
– Low maintenance compared to many pets
– No noise issues
– Infrequent feeding (most adult snakes eat every 1-2 weeks)
– No fur (good for allergy sufferers)
– Fascinating behavior and biology
– Long lifespan (many species live 15-30+ years)
Cons:
– Long-term commitment due to lifespan
– Specialized care requirements
– Feeding whole prey items is necessary
– Limited emotional connection
– May require exotic pet veterinarian
– Some species grow quite large
– Potential difficulty finding pet sitters
Conclusion
Pet snakes can be rewarding companions for the right owner. They offer a unique pet experience that differs significantly from traditional pets like cats and dogs. With proper research, preparation, and care, snakes can thrive in captivity for many years.
Before purchasing a snake, research thoroughly, connect with experienced keepers, and consider whether you’re prepared for the specialized care and long-term commitment. For those who appreciate these remarkable reptiles for what they are—rather than expecting mammal-like behavior—snake ownership can be an enriching experience.