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

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

Other resources:

http://www.dmreptilerescue.com/favorite.htm