Choosing your first pet snake can be a complicated process. The fastest way to create a long and happy relationship with your new creepy friend is not just to choose the right snake, but also everything it takes to give him the right environment.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Choosing the Right Species
Step 1. You need to know what you are looking for in a snake
Here are some options to consider:
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There are small and large ones. The big ones can reach 10 meters, but most people prefer them small. The smaller the snake, the smaller the terrarium will be and therefore also the lower the need for food.
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Many snakes feed on mice, but you may prefer one that loves fish or snails or whatever. It's easier to have a snake eat frozen stuff than live stuff.
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Some snakes are simple to educate, others are not. Think about the play factor.
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Some are also poisonous. Well, most of us would never buy a rattlesnake or a cobra. It is also important to underline that Italian legislation prohibits the possession of poisonous animals.
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Step 2. Choose the simplest species so you don't have any problems with care
There are a couple for beginners that you should turn to when trying to breed a pet snake. They are snakes with a calm temperament and are easy to care for.
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Wheat snakes: they are perhaps the easiest to raise and tame. They are an active and curious species that loves to move and browse.
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You can also try garter, rat, royal, and milk snakes, which have similar personalities as members of the Colubrid family.
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If you want something less active, a great choice is the ball (or royal) python. They don't grow much and like to be curled up in their hands or around their necks.
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Step 3. Choose the snakes according to whether or not there are children in the house
In fact, they like species other than those loved by adults. The minimum age for a child who wants a snake is about 5 years old.
Wheat snakes and ball pythons are great choices for children as they are friendly, slow, and don't get too big or mighty
Step 4. Know the type of snake you will catch
If you don't buy it from a reputable seller you may think that snakes are all the same and have trouble distinguishing species without professional advice.
Step 5. Know which snakes are unsuitable for beginners
Anaconda, reticulated pythons, poisonous pythons and Burmese pythons can be dangerous if not kept safe. Better to leave them to those who are experienced. You will find that they have specific needs and that the smallest mistake can lead to catastrophic accidents!
Part 2 of 4: Be Sure You Want That Species
Step 1. Check the average lifespan of the snake breed you choose
Before you decide to buy it, remember that some species live over thirty years, so it becomes a long-term commitment that you will need to be 100% sure of.
Step 2. Make sure you are able to take care of it
Different snakes have different needs for location and nurturing. The more hard-working ones need monitoring of temperatures, humidity and complex nutrients that must always be considered. Researching is essential before buying your snake.
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Wheat snakes and ball pythons are friendly, but ball pythons do not tolerate temperatures below 24 ° C. If your home is cold you will need to put a heat source in the terrarium.
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Green vine snakes are quite interesting but they only eat lizards. Buying one implies being obliged to feed it strictly.
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Part 3 of 4: Choosing the Right Place to Buy the Snake
Step 1. Check the national and local laws regarding the snakes found
Sometimes children catch snakes outdoors and they may turn out to be critically endangered breeds! Check with the Ministry of Health and Agricultural Policy to find out local laws regarding this. to check.
Step 2. Choose a legal breeder or shop
The smuggling of exotic animals is big business that contributes to the extinction of some species.
Step 3. Look for signs of behavioral problems if you think the animal is contraband
Those caught in the wild and forced to travel in captivity may exhibit the following signs:
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Increased aggression. A captured snake will be stressed and unsure of the new confined environments. This can scare him and make him more aggressive.
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You may have trouble feeding it due to stress levels. Second, it may refuse to eat until it has adapted to captivity.
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It may have parasites carried by the environment in which it was captured, and therefore require expensive veterinary treatments.
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Step 4. Remember that it is always best to buy a captive-born snake from a conscientious breeder
Even when you get it from a friend you may not know how it was really treated, which creates long-term implications when it comes to snake care.
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Craigslist, for example, is full of people who want to get rid of their snakes, but for the aforementioned reasons it is one of the worst places to go to buy one. Yet very often you will also find free ones there.
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A fun and safe place to find them instead are exhibitions, and exhibitors are usually very knowledgeable on the subject, unlike those who work in pet shops. However, it is always difficult to decide who is a trustworthy breeder.
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Part 4 of 4: Taking Care of the New Snake
Step 1. Read all about the snake care you choose
There are many articles (also on wikiHow) regarding the snakes that we have mentioned. It is also best to talk to other amateurs who breed snakes and learn from them.
Step 2. Watch online videos
Step 3. Take care of your snake
Snakes are fabulous creatures if you love them and feed them properly, as well as handle them right. It is always better to do research - the more you know, the better your chances are that your snake will have a long and happy relationship with you.
Advice
- Ask other enthusiasts regarding the treatments and problems they may have had.
- Tame snakes like garter snakes, wheat snakes, and ball pythons are perfect for beginners, children, and adults alike.
- Use various sources such as publications, websites and forums to find all the information you need and to find out about breeders in the area where you live.
- If you like snakes, make the right choice when buying one. They are a big responsibility. Don't forget that many fear them. Be tolerant and respectful.
Warnings
- A snake is a long-term commitment and if you are unable to care for it for thirty years or so you shouldn't get one!
- Remember: anything that has a mouth bites. While there are docile species that probably never will, there is always a chance it will happen while eating. Use tongs when feeding your snake to keep your fingers away from its mouth. Always wash your hands after touching the rodents or birds and before catching the snake, or you will smell like food. It's possible your snake may smell and decide to bite you first and ask questions later!
