Caring For A Pet Snake: What You Should And Should Not Do

Having a pet snake is nothing unusual nowadays, a lot of people can own them as pets. But that doesn’t mean that everyone should – it’s important to note that snakes require a lot of care and attention, even though they are in a cage. It’s important to be realistic and see if you are able to take care of such a pet, or not. If you are still interested in owning a snake, here are some things you should and some things you shouldn’t do while taking care of it!

Do a lot of research

Snakes are beautiful creators, and great pets, but being a snake owner is serious work. Doing extensive research and getting the right kind of knowledge is essential, you can find useful guides at Reptilehow, that explain what kind of care to give to different kinds of snakes. Being a snake lover doesn’t mean you’ll be a good snake owner – remember that! This takes time and no one is perfect right off the bat, but still, it’s important to strive for perfection when it comes to knowing what your pet snake needs! All pets deserve a happy, loving home and it’s your job to provide it!

Proper housing

Not all snakes are the same, there are multiple types that you can own as a pet in your home, it’s important to differentiate them and see each of their needs. Housing is an essential thing, and probably the first thing you should worry about when adopting a snake! Since the size of the snake can differ –  some can be pretty small and some can grow up to 2 meters long! It’s important to find a suitably sized vivarium to equip it with everything that your snake needs. It’s never a good idea to buy a cage that is too small, but also it’s not a good idea to place a tiny snake in a large one as well. You can always ask a professional and get good advice from them! 

Maintenance and care

Owning a pet means catering to their needs and learning more about them. Not all snakes are the same, so your routine can differ quite a bit! It’s also good to be informed about certain illnesses and problems that your snake might face – going to the vet for checkups is a great way to keep your pet in a good condition! Freshwater and a clean environment are essential for the snake to thrive and be happy, so make sure you are cleaning the vivarium regularly. There are also different kinds of decorations you can buy or even make on your own – it’s smart to research what your particular snake prefers when it comes to their vivarium, and decorate it accordingly!

Feeding properly

Keeping your pet happy and fed should always be your first priority. Snakes have a particular diet that can differ depending on the type of snake you have. You should never over feed it, but at the same time, you download starve it either. It’s a good idea to keep a diary of when you feed your snake so that you know exactly when to do it next time. Snakes are meat-eaters, so you’ll have to buy specific foods for them that can be a bit tricky to manage. Mice and birds are the preferred foods, but it all depends on the size of the snake and the type of the snake.

Play with them properly

Just like any other pets, snakes are vulnerable and often get stressed out. This can lead them to become shy and curl up in their nest. It’s important to pay attention to this kind of behavior and see if there is something you can do about it. This doesn’t mean you should force your snake to be social – it’s a good idea to let the snake warm up to you, hold it often but don’t force anything! 

And obviously, never let it roam freely around your home, even if you have a designated room just for your snake, it’s not safe for you and it’s not safe for the snake either! Sakes are not the friendliest and cuddliest pet you can get, and it’s certainly not a family pet – but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t own it and love it from afar – it’s all about learning what your pet wants and needs, and never forcing anything, that’s going to do more harm than you think! 

At the end of the day, every snake owner should know both the pros and cons of owning a snake and all the responsibilities that come with owning a pet like that. More elements go into it, the more you look at it – your home situation, people who live with you, your ability to take care of the snake properly, and so on. So make sure you are ready to take on this kind of duty!