When you choose a pet snake from the many species of snakes available, it may be one of your exciting decisions or a large responsibility. A snake is an interesting and quiet pet (as long as it does not in turn live feed animals, then there’s nothing you can do about those feeding days where critters holler) but also that takes a lot of care and maintenance. Because there are so many different breeds to choose from, it is critical to select the one that will suit your lifestyle, attitude and nature. This guide will be able to assist newcomers getting the best pet snake they could ever have or help more experienced reptile enthusiasts.
How to Know Getting a Pet Snake Would Be Right For You
When deciding which snake species to choose, you need to take into account a few aspects that will determine your decision:
Experience Level
There are certainly snake breeds that are lower care than others. Ideal snakes for beginners are usually relatively passive, easy to take care of and less picky with food or living conditions. More advanced species: they may require a specific temperature/humidity, a diet that needs to be balanced or a certain experience in their manipulation
Easy: Get ones that will be easily handled and require minimal care.
Intermediate: Some preparations may be needed to dormitory, inhospital or for handling / care with more exotic species.
Advanced – Require clear environmental requirements and are difficult to maintainGetMapping started with snakes
Size
Some snakes are small and others can be quite large, the smallest species of snake get less than 3 feet but some snakes grow to over 10 feet in length! The size at which ever the snake is also a big factor, in terms of how much room it will take up and how maneuverable it(is hard to hold an 9foot python but is easy to do with an hatchling Python).
Small Snakes (Under 3 Feet): Easier to care for and beginner-friendly.
Medium Snakes (3-6 Feet): Need a bigger enclosure but are still doable for the average guy.
Large Snakes (Over 6 Feet): Take up more space and are difficult to handle, they are for experienced owners.
Temperament
These will differ based on the type of snake you have(substrate, lighting and food). While many are very calm and can be handled rather easily some can develop their own behavior such as being a bit more defensive or nervous.
Docile Snakes: Easier for handling (Less likely to bite) and recommended for beginners
Active/Nervous Snakes: May not like to be handled too much and they may need more space.
Habitat Requirements
Species of snakes have differing environmental requirements according to the type of environment in which they would naturally be living. Others need a humid, tropical enclosure. This allows you to meet specific temperature, humidity and space conditions of your chosen individual.
Lifespan
Snakes have long life spans, some to 20 years or more. If you choose a pet snake, be ready to commit for the long haul.
Top Pet Snake Species And What Makes Them Great
Now we will discuss some of the most popular snake species for different types or experience levels to help you get started.
1. Corn Snake
Size: 3 to 5 feet
Behaviour: placid, easy to hold
Experience Level: Beginner
Habitat Needs: Basic w/ low humidity
Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
Why It’s Awesome: Corn snakes are peas, among the most prevalent of pet snakes, and particularly for novices. They are the most resilient, simple to care for and available in an assortment of tones and designs. They are docile and easy to handle, and their enclosure is not a lot of maintenance which makes them great for beginners.
2. Ball Python
Size: 4 to 5 feet
Temperament: Docile, shy
Level: Beginner — Intermediate
Humidity and Temp: Moderate Format: Temperature 12 — 17 ° C (53,6-62,6 Fahrenheit) Humidification moderate
Lifespan: 20 to 30 years
Ball Pythons (Why It’s Excellent: Ball pythons are another species good for novices that is known to be more gentle and traditionally less likely to bite.) They are not as high maintenance, however they require the right heat source and the specific humidities. They can be timid at times and may roll into a ball when scared — hence their namesake.
3. California Kingsnake
Size: 3 to 4 feet
Nature: Active, curious
Experience Level: Beginner
Habitat: Simple habitat with moderate temperatures and humidity
Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
Defining Moment: This species is a favorite among beginner and intermediate keepers. They are highly active and inquisitive yet tame down for handling. This is especially the case because they can be a little grumpy, and may take some getting use to human contact.
4. Garter Snake
Size: 2 to 4 feet
Temperament: Active, friendly
Experience Level: Novice to Intermediate
Habitat Must be a moist habitat with water source.
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Why Its Awesome: Garter snakes are gregarious and sociable. Low maintenance / easy to care for = small with wet habitatanimals need water, but many keepers do not provide a water dish. Garter Snakes: Ideal pet for owners who want a snake that moves around and is fun to watch.
5. Milk Snake
Size: 2 to 5 feet
Behavior: Quiet, shy.REACTIVITY
Skill Level: Easy to Intermediate
Habitat: Simple set up, feel free to post your pictures of a nice looking cage with moderate humidity.
Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
Why It Works: Despite their name and appearance, milk snakes are harmless serpents that mimic the look of a coral snake. Once accustomed to humans, they are usually pretty chill and laying. They are also able to thrive in a varying number of habitats.
6. Boa Constrictor
Size: 6 to 10 feet
Temperament: Calm, but strong
Experience Level: Advanced
Enclosure: Large, Temperature and Humidity Specific
Lifespan: 20 to 30 years
Humble and Appealing Boa constrictors are the best snake for a keeper who is serious about breeding. They are relatively docile and easy to handle (as long as they are used to being handled regularly), but they will need a bigger tank and you should already have experience in handling snakes.
Considerations When Choosing a Snake
Begin Small: If you are simply getting started, don’t go after some large snake like a reticulated python. They are straightforward to look after and usually very docile.
Research the specifics of Care: Be certain you completely understand what temperature, humidity and feeding and habitat requirements any species of snake you consider.
Space: Make sure there is space for a correct size enclosure Similarly, if you intend to keep a larger snake species, the bigger their size will determine the space they will require.
Lifespan Check: Select a snake species with an around long lifespan that you are ready to apply. Long-term, as certain snakes can live to be 30 years old_COMPILER
Requires Handling: If you want to be handling your animal, youll want a species that is tolerable toJSONHandle with care. Corn snakes and ball pythons are good for beginners that want a snake they can interact with.
Another source to consider is a conversation with experts whether at reptile stores or talking to those who have had the pleasure of owning snakes for several years. These people can provide you precious tips and information on selecting the right snake as a pet.
Conclusion
In the end, picking out a pet snake revolves around your experience level, space availability and want type of interaction with your new pet. While beginner species like corn snakes or ball pythons are great for those who are getting into reptile keeping, the more experienced keepers may enjoy some larger, more exotic species such as boa constrictors. Do your research and be prepared to provide it with the specific care that will allow you both to live a fulfilling life of good companionship together. You can find more help and advice on how to look after your pets at Petsfunzone.com!
