Are Snakes Good Pets? – A Guide To Reptiles
Has it ever crossed your mind about owning a pet snake? It is not as simple as you think. Unlike dogs and cats, snakes aren’t known to be active pets. They won't greet you the same way dogs do, but it is still very interesting to have one. Surely, you keep on asking, “Are snakes good pets?” In this article, you will get ideas on how to handle snakes. I will give you some basic and helpful information to help you towards becoming a snake owner.
Basic Information About Snakes
Perhaps, you already know what snakes are and are snakes good pets. But there are some ideas that you might have missed. Check on this information to fully understand what snakes are.
- There are 3000 species of snakes, and about 600 species are poisonous.
- Most snakes live roughly around 15 to 30 years.
- Every month, snakes shed their skin once
- Snakes kill their prey by either swallowing them whole, biting them, or by suffocating them through constriction.
- Snakes can lower their metabolic rate by up to 72%, meaning they can go long without eating.
- Adult snakes can be fed 3 to 4 times a month. Baby/little snakes can be fed 2 to 3 times a week, depending on their size.
Reasons Why Snakes Can Be a Great Pet
You can’t deny the fact that whenever you see or hear about snakes, you just can’t help but get frightened. Well, worry no more because there are also a lot of reasons why they can be a good pet for us. To clearly understand about are snakes good pets, check on these reasons.
Snakes Identify Their Caretaker, At Least to Some Degree
At some point in time, snakes can get accustomed to your routines. Feeding them, changing their enclosure, or just plainly looking at them. Some snakes are smart, some are docile, and some just don't give a crap. Over the course, snakes recognize your face, and you may get a reaction from them, for some, they make it look like they are not interested.
You Can Bond with Your Pet Snake
Understanding how your snake thinks will greatly improve your ability to bond with your snake. However, this may need some time and experience too. After you’ve kept them for several months or a year, you may get accustomed to their habits, personalities, and preferences. This will help you get the idea of how to handle them in many ways.
Some may eat when you are there, and some may eat privately. Knowing their personality needs patience and perseverance. If you happen to get bitten, we highly advise not to take it personally and don’t punish them for biting you.
Snakes don’t perceive the idea of “punishment” the same as for dogs. It will just make things complicated. One good thing you should do is understand why you got bitten. In this way, you’ll avoid getting again and address the situation differently.
Snakes are Low-Maintenance Pets
Not only are they easy to care if you have gained plenty of experience from keeping one but also they are quite cheap to have. Snakes are very low maintenance pets. Some might even forget they have a pet snake in their house.
While snakes are low maintenance pets, they shouldn't be left in a corner for all their lives. Although you feed snakes once a week, they also need their water supply refilled every other day.
When your snake sees you every day, they will get accustomed to it. Once your presence settles in, handling them will play a major role for them to get “more” accustomed to their environment.
Inexpensive and Easy to Feed
Feeding them should be a breeze. In most cases, you’ll feed them rodents or mice, if possible frozen or thawed. They should be fed once a week, and most of their food is just in the freezer. Simply throw their food in their enclosure.
However, some cases may take time for your pet snake to get accustomed to its new environment and may not eat. But once they do, they won't end! When the snake gets accustomed and acclimated to its surroundings, they'll eat. You don't have to worry.
Frequently Asked Questions
I know there are many questions you have in mind about are snakes good pets. Here are the common questions that are being asked by curious people like you. This might help you to understand more about owning a snake.
Is There Any Specific Food for Snakes?
Naturally, snakes are carnivores, and they swallow their entire food in minutes. Some snakes love warm-blooded prey like gerbils, rodents, mice, hamsters, rabbits, etc. For other snakes, they prefer insects, frogs, earthworms, eggs, and other reptiles. This question depends on what type of snake you are getting.
When feeding your pet, as was the case for most owners, never feed your pet snake with a live rodent. It is advisable to have it frozen or thawed. They are typically the best food for pet snakes.
How Big Should Their Enclosure Be?
It also matters on the type of snake you have. If it is big, it may require 50 gallons or more, if it is small, below 20 gallons will do. This question solely depends on the snake you are getting. It is also important to note that having a pet snake means securing their enclosures. You wouldn't want to run in your enclosure opened, right?
How Are Snakes as Pets?
Snakes are solitary creatures, meaning they thrive on their own. They aren't the cuddly type of pets to have too. Unlike dogs, for instance, they do not feel love or faithfulness towards their owners. However, if you have kept them for long periods, they may get accustomed to you.
Also, snakes do not like loud noises, so it is best to keep them on enclosure far from the family’s eye. Always try to feed them routinely, this will also help them get acclimated to the place and life they will live in.
Are Snakes Trainable?
No, not really. Do not confuse snakes with dogs. They are at different levels. They cannot be trained similarly. Teaching or commanding snake to do specific tasks will not be imaginable as with dogs.
How Do You Feed a Snake?
This is the easiest part when owning a pet snake. You can simply drop their food off their enclosure and just slowly watch how they bite/constrict/swallow their food. It is fascinating to witness it. Most adult snakes require feeding 3 to 4 times a month, depending on their sizes.
Conclusion
Are snakes good pets? If you provide them with lots of TLC, they will be good for you eventually. But don’t expect them to treat you like dogs treat their owners. Owning a pet snake may not be as simple as you think, but it may not be as hard either. It is always up to you to take the challenge. Snakes are interesting pets to have.