There are approximately 2000 distinct species of snakes
and they are found on all the continents except Antartica. You can see
why there are many docile snakes readily available as pets!
Venomous snakes can be found anywhere that non-venomous
snakes are also found, though there are more venomous snakes in Southeast
Asia than anywhere else. Rattlesnakes are found only in the western hemispere.
All snakes that live in the sea are venomous.
Venomous snakes
should only be kept by experienced professionals.
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Animal-World Recommends!
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Pet appeal - Why snakes make
good pets!
Many snakes make good pets because they are quite docile, easy to
hold, and easy to care for. Snakes are very clean, virtually odorless, quiet,
and other than the large boas and pythons, they don't eat much so they are inexpensive
to feed.
There is a wide variety of non-venemous snakes to choose from
for a pet.
How to Choose Your Snake:
When deciding which snake or snakes are for you, keep the following
basic considerations in mind:
- How much do you want to spend?
- How much space do you have for it?
- What type of disposition do you want in your pet?
- How hardy is it and how easy is it to feed?
- What color, shape and size do you want and is that snake readily available?
Many snakes are protected so check with authorities in your area on laws governing
your choice of snake.
Handling Your Snake:
To hold a snake, approach the cage slowly as this is the
snakes home and it may try to defend it.
- If it is a tame snake, slowly reach in and grasp the snake firmly behind
its head. Support it's body with your other hand as you pick it up.
- If it is not tame, reach in and grasp it behind the head quickly, or use
a snake stick.
Don't handle a snake after handling its food, it can smell the
food on your hands and may mistake your hand for its supper. Also, don't handle
a snake for two days after you've fed it as it needs time to digest its meal.
Handling it too soon may make it regurgitate its food.
Always wash your hands before and after handling your snake!
Snake Characteristics:
Snakes are reptiles with a lung or two, but no gills. They
have no moveable eyelids and no external ear openings. Snakes have a retractile
forked tongue which they use to pick up odors from the air and to taste. They
are limbless, have scales, and will molt or shed their skin between two to
five times per year (young snakes can molt 8 to 12 times per year).
Snakes are made up of four parts; a head, a neck, a body and a
tail. Their bodies range in length from 7 1/2 inches, such as the worm-like
Texas blind snake, up to 32 feet as in the reticulated python of Asia. The
anaconda snake of South America is the largest snake in circumference, measuring
up to three feet (one meter) around.
They can live a long time, ranging from about three years up to
25 or 30 years, depending upon the type of snake and its environment.
Snake Movements:
Though they have no have no legs, all snakes are able to
swim. Many snakes can climb and some can burrow. They move in several ways;
some move with a rectilinear movement, others have a serpentine movement, and
still others move with a sidewindy motion.
There is an Asian snake that can glide through the air by flattening
it's body and using it like a parachute. Some water snakes flattened their
tail and use it to propel themselves through the water. No snake can move backward!
Housing:
Keep the decor simple. Housing size should have the diagonal
of the cage at least as long as the snake. There needs to be fresh water for
the snake to drink and occasionally bathe in, absorbent material on the floor,
and a hiding place. Provide a warm broad spectrum light 10 to 12 hours per
day. Most snakes will also need a substrate heating device, but also a
cool shade area to move to when they are too warm.
For more detailed information see the Basic Reptile and Amphibian
Care: Housing.
Diet - Feeding Your Snake:
All snakes are carnivores, designed to eat whole food.
They are never vegetarians! Their diets range from rodents, fish, worms, frogs,
and amphibians to lizards, insects, and often times other snakes.
You should sprinkle a vitamin supplement of calcium and vitamin
D on their food. Specific foods are indicated with each snake listed.
Availability:
Beginner snakes are generally available and inexpensive.
You can buy snakes at a pet store or from a breeder and you can collect snakes
where allowed.
Wild caught snakes are seasonal due to their breeding times and
can be difficult to adapt to captivity. Captive bred snakes though more expensive,
are generally easier to get. They are often healthier than wild caught snakes,
they adapt more easily to cage conditions, and they are relatively parasite
free.
Back to Snakes
Author: Clarice Brough. CRS.
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