An Introductory Guide to Owning a Pet Snake

When considering whether to purchase a snake, the first fact you need to be aware of is that reptiles are nothing like dogs or cats. Though snakes may associate a scent with their owners, they do not harbor any particular feelings for them. They are not loyal and affectionate, and they cannot be cuddled or played with. In fact, handling a snake too much can be bad for the animal's health, and may cause it to stop eating. It is very important to understand that snakes require a specific kind of care, and while they are beautiful and fascinating, they are not pets in the traditional sense.

If you understand the above and would still like to venture into the world of owning snakes, the next decision you need to make is what type of snake to buy. There are several important factors to consider. Primarily you will be concerned with what the snake will eat, and what environment it requires. The more exotic snakes are, unfortunately, much more difficult to care for, and require more time and money to maintain. As a first snake, it may be wise to choose one that is hardy, such as a rat snake or a corn snake.

The majority of snakes eat mice, although some smaller snakes such as garter snakes eat bugs and toads, and king snakes will even eat other snakes. Small snakes may require baby mice, since fully-grown mice will be much too large for them to consume. Most pet stores sell mice that you may feed to snakes, and you should make sure that you have a local source of food before you buy your snake.