Published by Programme B
There is a pet option for every person out there, depending on what you love in animals the most. For those that are a bit more exotic with their preference, a snake is quite a popular option. In fact, you might not even be aware of just how popular they are. Snakes are a great pet for many reasons, even though many people might think otherwise. Wherever your stance on them as pets maybe, if you’re going to own one, it’s vital that you know how to take care of it.
That is exactly why this article is here to help you. Snakes do require some special treatment, and if you want to make them happy, there’s some research to be conducted. Luckily, you don’t have to look that far – here, you will find the ultimate guide to owning a pet snake.
What to feed your snake with?
Proper diet is essential for any pet, and choosing the right option is of utmost importance. Consider the fact that snake food isn’t a regular item that you’ll find on the shelf of your local supermarket. Since it’s not so straightforward, you must understand what to look for before you actually buy a snake.
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Options and preferences
First of all, most snakes are carnivores. What differentiates them from a house cat or a dog is that they don’t eat dry food. This is why you must provide them with other animals for their meals. In most cases, snake owners opt for mice as it is easiest to come by. The question of whether the mice should be consumed dead or alive is down to preference. As pros on caring for a snake over at My Snake Pet explain, if you do choose to feed your snake with dead mice, make sure that you store it frozen. Additionally, for the sake of constructing a habit, whatever you opt for – make sure that you start from the beginning.
Another thing to have in mind is that mice shouldn’t reside in a snake’s tank in general. If the snake is hungry, that’s when you feed it. If the snake isn’t hungry, you’re risking that the mouse bites your snake. And if you’re wondering when to feed your snake – the experts advise that this is done every 5-14 days depending on the type of snake.
What about the habitat that you should provide them with?
Since your snake isn’t in its natural habitat which is quite specific, it’s vital that you ensure that it is kept in a place that resembles it. The reason for this lies in the fact that the snake’s health is heavily dependent on its environment. This means that, depending on the species, you must inform yourself about the specifics regarding the most important variables. Most snake species are low maintenance in general, but their environment is the aspect that requires care the most.
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The most important aspects
The size of the habitat is pretty important – you don’t want your snake to feel cramped. You want to ensure that the tank provides comfort for your pet as it grows. Don’t forget about the lid, covering the tank is absolutely essential. Additionally, since snakes can’t self-regulate their temperature, heat source and a cool area are going to keep them comfortable.
Safety measures to have in mind
Snakes are safe to be around in general – especially species that are most often sought for. In fact, the probability of your snake attacking you isn’t that much different than with a dog or a cat. All that’s important is that you handle it with care. Naturally, you don’t want to hold the snake while you feed it. Don’t touch it while eating in general, and use tongs to feed it.
The importance of a good vet
Last but definitely not least, don’t overlook the importance of finding a vet in advance. People tend to forget that not every vet out there is going to be able to help them if there’s something wrong with the snake. In fact, a reptile vet might not be in your area, to begin with. This is why you must know the location of a good vet that can help you in case of an emergency. So, make sure that you do your research on vets before buying a snake. Read reviews from different sources, or even better – ask a reptile enthusiast in your area for advice.
In the end, the most important thing for your pet is to properly take care of them properly. You have taken the responsibility of taking care of your snake, and it relies on you for its wellbeing. Doing everything properly will ensure that both of you are as happy as you can be! Now that you know what you need to do, taking care of your snake is going to be a lot easier. If there are any additional queries that you’re uncertain about – make sure to continue your research!