Taking Care Of Snakes As Pets

This is a guest article from Paul.

Exotic pets are generally more exciting to have compared to most regular pets like dogs and cats that everyone has. Many are considering having exotic pets at home but do not really know the basics in taking care of these kinds of animals. A very good example of an exotic animal that can be made as a pet is the snake.

A snake is a reptile. A reptile is a cold-blooded animal and this means that these group animals have no internal thermal control, and they simply rely on the external environment for their heat source. In taking care of any reptile or specifically a snake it is important to provide a source of heat. A preferable heat source is an infrared basking lamp. This provides indirect heat without too much light that could distract a snake. Another tip in providing heat is to avoid using commercially-sold heating rock. This device provides direct heat that could cause your snake to have burns in its scales.

Food and water are an essential need of a snake. Most pet enthusiasts would say that you should feed your snake with live rodents. Although snakes would really prefer to eat fresh meat, snakes will also eat mice that are already dead or even frozen rodents. Another essential need that is sometimes overlooked is the water. Even though snakes are not really known to drink water like most animals, they do. Snakes get liquids from the food that they eat, yet it is not enough to sustain its daily hydration needs. To give a snake its water, just place water in a small container and leave it alone. The snake will only drink when left alone because its natural instinct dictates doing so in order to avoid harm.

Food, water, heat are the three basic necessities of a pet snake. Aside from these three, another aspect of care for this exotic pet is the shelter. The preferred shelter for a snake is a cage rather than an aquarium. The cage allows proper circulation of air allowing fresh air to go in and out of the cage, unlike an aquarium where ventilation is poor. When setting up its shelter you must consider the privacy of the snake. Snakes are very private animals, and they prefer to be in a place away from the view of anyone. This is the primary reason why snakes do not eat in full view of anyone. A stone under a few leaves will provide privacy and cool temperature during hot weather.

Although these tips are generally applicable for all snakes, you should still consult your vet for any special care for each different variety of snake.

“A rattlesnake that doesn’t bite teaches you nothing.” ~ Jessamyn West

More on snakes:

Snakes As Pets. Are They Right For You?

Snake, Rattle And Roll