Snakes As Pets – Are They Right For You?
April 7, 2010 by Elizabeth
Filed under Animal Talk
Snakes are fascinating and magnificent creatures, though they defy the general idea of a pet as something cute or cuddly. Here are some of the most common types of “pet” snakes.
Corn Snake
A truly handsome corn snake, Maize is up for adoption at this time on petfinder.com. (I had a beautiful, huge corn snake living in my garden in Florida some years ago, as rich in color as maize, and she was more than welcome. While neighbors were bothered with coral snakes and pygmy rattlers, they stayed away from my home and I always felt this was because of my marvelous guest.)
Known also as the red rat snake, this is perhaps the most common of pet snakes and, as far as snakes go, are quite tame especially when they are handled regularly. Their size is quite manageable also as they grow only about 5 or 6 feet in length. Corn snakes are not too picky in terms of what they eat and will enjoy thawed or frozen rodents such as mice. As long as their basic needs are provided for they can live a long life, up to 15 or 20 years. Corn snakes come in a variety of colors from snow to deep orange red and are good for the beginner owner.
King snake
A young California King Snake; he can be adopted through petfinder.com.
The king snake is another good choice for the budding herpetologist as it is both hardy and docile. However, king snakes can also live as long as 20 years so keep in mind that your reptile’s care is a long-term commitment. These snakes come in a variety of colors and patterns and may grow upwards of 6 or 7 feet, though around 4 feet is more common. Domesticated king snakes will thrive on a diet of pre-killed frozen mice however, when it comes to eating, they consider all small animals and birds to be fair game. That includes other snakes, so never keep more than one king snake per cage. And keep the budgie away from him, too.
Gopher snake
Want a snake without actually having to care for it? You can adopt this gopher snake at Coyote Point Museum. He’ll stay at the museum but your contribution will help provide his food, toys and medical care. In return you get photos of your pet, a certificate and a placard with your name on it, plus the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping a wonderful creature to live a happy, healthy life.
This is yet another snake that can make a good pet for novice snake keepers. The gopher snake will likely get bigger than the corn snake or king snake, growing to about 6 feet, but they are very tame and easily manageable. Gophers can be cream- colored to greenish-gray and will readily eat pre-killed prey.
Ball python
This is Little Bit, who can be adopted at this time from Exotic Animal Rescue of Henry County, Tennessee.
Now this snake can become more of a finicky eater and may have to be enticed to eat or even force-fed. Ball pythons are also rather more shy and nervous than the other reptiles mentioned above and require gentle handling and a little more patience. Typically they grow to about 4 feet, though can get bigger. They survive well in captivity and can even live up to 25 years or more.
Many people don’t realize how long their snake may live in captivity. Before taking on the responsibility of reptile ownership be sure you understand it is a very long-term commitment. And don’t ever assume that it’s OK to release your pet into the wild if you can no longer care for it. Find a rescue group or animal shelter that will help you.
“If you rattle a snake you must be prepared to be bitten by it”. ~ John Michuki
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