The Truth About Snakes

Some people think of snakes as uniformly dangerous, while others think of them as exotic, interesting pets. While not all snakes are dangerous, you should consider carefully whether you can really handle having one as a pet. Here are some facts about snakes to help you make your decision.

FACT 1: Snakes are not easy to care for. Snakes need a reptile cage heated by a thermostat and ultraviolet lamps. They are cold-blooded animals, so temperature control is extremely important for their health. In addition to their environmental needs, they will have to be fed regularly using a hemostat. Finally, snakes can be large or aggressive, so you will need to use a snake hook to move them when you clean out their cage. These snake supplies may be expensive, especially food, so think carefully about whether you can afford to take proper care of a snake.

FACT 2: Snakes are 100% carnivorous. They do not eat anything other than small animals. You will either have to feed them live mice, fish, and insects or buy frozen varieties of these animals for them. If the idea of feeding one live animal to another bothers you, then snake ownership is not for you.

FACT 3: Snakes are prone to mites. These vermin are a nuisance and can make your snake uncomfortable or unhealthy. You may need the help of your veterinarian in order to protect your snake from mite infestation, which means more time and money spent taking care of the snake.

Do these facts mean you should not purchase a snake? Not necessarily. It depends upon whether you have the time and money to purchase snake supplies, the stomach to feed the snake what it needs, and the dedication to take care of it properly should it become sick or uncomfortable. As with any pet, snake ownership is a large responsibility, and it is not fair to the snake to bring it into your home if you are not willing to meet these responsibilities.

If, however, the idea of having an exotic pet appeals to you, you have the resources to make sure the snake is well cared for, and you believe you could love a snake even though it will not return your affections, there is no reason you should not purchase one. Different breeds have somewhat different needs, so make sure to do your research before adopting a particular type of snake. Above all, don’t forget to enjoy your snake as you take care of him.

By: SnakeEstate

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