When we talk about pets we have always associated this term with cats and dogs, although this association has been completely transformed today, since many people choose to share their home with ferrets, fish, turtles, squirrels, rabbits, rats, chinchillas… And an endless number of different animals.
So much diversification has occurred in the field of domestic animals that we can even contemplate the option of choosing a snake as a pet, as strange as it may seem at first.
In this article on our site we address the topic of snakes as pets for company and try to clear all your doubts.
Can the snake be a pet?
The origin of snakes is not clearly defined, although it is believed that they derive from lizards. Although it is an animal that often instills fear, there are also many people who are passionate about snakes, to the point that they want to share their home with them.
But… Are snakes good pets? The snake, like any other animal, will bring us its presence on a daily basis, but if what we want is to create an emotional bond that is mutual, we must take into account that the snake does not show attachment to its owners, which creates a great difference, because the owner will be able to develop great affection, in part because a domestic snake can live up to 30 years.
We cannot say that the snake is not suitable as a pet, however, we can confirm that it is only suitable for certain people, for example, if you seek the loy alty of a dog, the snake is not a good option.
Advantages of the snake as a pet
If your concerns and expectations correspond to what a snake can offer you, you should know that these animals provide us with multiple advantages:
- They do not need to be fed on a daily basis.
- They do not cause any allergies, as they lack fur and feathers.
- They require a small space to live but adapted to their size, in which they can feel comfortable.
- Do not give off body odour.
- They don't dirty our environment.
- They do not cause any noise, as they love silence and tranquility.
- They don't need daily walks.
If your way of being can be adequately complemented by the nature of the snake, without a doubt this can be an exceptional pet for you, since due to the minimum care it requires, it is ideal for these times in which work and daily occupations prevent us on numerous occasions from caring for other pets as we would like and it is necessary.
Snake care
Although the care of a domestic snake is minimal, obviously, it is also necessary. If you are willing to take a snake into your home, you should be able to provide the following basic care:
- The snake's housing must be a large terrarium and with good ventilation, it must also have enough closures to prevent the animal from escape.
- The terrarium substrate must be changed periodically to keep the snake's environment in optimal hygienic conditions.
- The temperature is very important for the snake, we cannot place the terrarium in points that reach a temperature below 25ºC.
- The snake only needs to eat once a week or every fifteen days, we will provide rats, fish, birds, worms… Everything this will depend on the specific species.
- Vitamin supplements cannot be missing from our snake's diet.
- You should always have at your disposal a container with clean and fresh water.
- Snakes need a veterinary check-up every year, as they are susceptible to various diseases.
Before taking in a snake…
Before welcoming a snake into your home, you must take into account various factors. Here are some tips to help you make a good decision and fully enjoy your pet:
- You must flee from the large snakes and choose a manageable species. Learn about which species are best suited for beginning owners.
- Contact an expert breeder and discard any species that is poisonous.
- You must have a nearby establishment where you can buy rodents and other small animals to feed your snake.
- Your snake should have a veterinary check-up before it enters your home for the first time.
Following these simple recommendations the adoption of your snake will be totally successful.
You like snake's?
If you like snakes, we invite you to read the following articles, as they will be of great interest and use to you:
- Snake molting problems
- Python as a pet
- The pet coral snake
- Difference between snake and snake
