Although most species of snakes in North America are harmless, there are some venomous species that can pose risks to people and pets. And yes! Give 'em a place with some heat, humidity, and a water bowl and they'll be happy. My one recommendation would be to look for an adult ball python. Just a plain Royal, no past issues or breeder problems. the unblinking, lidless eyes) seemed to imply that they were intelligent, that they lived by reason and not instinct, and yet their thought-processes were as alien to humans as their ways of movement.. I see that there's lots of things that I need to consider. Do lots of research first. Do your research and any of these snakes make an excellent choice for a beginner. Contrary to popular belief, snakes don’t smell like fish, skunks, […] I am a dedicated mom so either way I will commit to husbandry requirements, I don't think there is a such thing as a beginner snake. I understand that. Like all wild animals, snakes belong in the wild. They don't emote like cats or dogs, or have the intellect required to form affection/attachment towards people. I'd reccomend that you lurk around the sub for a while and look into any snake that your interested in, and buy whatever one your really interested in. Is there a vet nearby that treats exotics and can you afford an exotic vet? And many are simply tossed outside like trash, left to starve or die of exposure or predation—and those who survive may wreak havoc on local ecosystems. The majority of snakes do not enjoy being around multiple people. A ball is a fine choice as a beginner snake. Hognoses are fantastic if you're willing to handle a little drama, they love to hiss and fake strike (essentially headbutt) and think they're all tough but as soon as you pick them up they're sweethearts. Sure, they are often treated like babies by their owners putting them in diapers and strollers but they also act like babies, permanently, with all the messes and screaming included. I heard BPs can live past 30! Non-venomous species include corn snakes, ball pythons, sand boas, hognose snakes and more! The largest snake fossil ever discovered is called the Titanoboa. Mites look like little red or black specks (depending on the mite species) around a snake’s eyes, mouth and lower jaw where they suck blood, eventually weakening the snake and making it anemic. Handle the snake regularly so that it can get used to you and learn to trust you. Snakes are generally shy animals who want nothing to do with people. Are adult snakes really big? After several weeks of trying everything she could to get the snake to eat, the woman took it to the vet. Hello all, I am an owner of 5 lizards but am finally looking to get a snake. Snakes are one of the most hygienic pets to own. Choose a quiet room to play with your snake. There are plenty of unwanted adult BPs out there. Wow, this is very informative! Dr. Jennifer Coates, a veterinarian in Fort Collins, Co says “small, dorm-friendly species include the Milk Snake, Corn Snake, Garter Snake, and Kingsnake.” And after the corn snake, the black rat snake is the member of this snake family that you'll most often find as a pet. Some breeds, like ball pythons or burmese pythons, are very tame and don't mind being handled at all. A Brazilian Rainbow Boa is the easiest to handle and only get about 4-6ft like a BP, and they are pretty, but do not buy this as your first snake without a lot of research. Sad to hear about your snake though, I hope he's alright. Ball pythons are only slightly more challenging due to humidity requirements and picky eating habits, but they are much easier to handle than corns since most of the time they hardly move. What behaviors do you want to observe? Even when you get a snake from a friend of a friend and you do not know how badly or how well the snake has been treated, making long term implications for future care of the snake. I sorta want a baby snake though. Thanks to selective breeding, the corn snake can be bred into virtually any color to satisfy the preference of the buyer (although their natural color is primarily shades of orange with a saddle-like pattern outlined in black and white), and they only reach an … A lot of people are giving you things to think about, but it doesn't look like anyone's really given you any specific advice. Snakes are beautiful and mysterious animals who have an unearned negative reputation. It looks much like an earthworm. Snakes are universally identifiable elongate-bodied animals that are often observed adopting coiled and straight line or near straight line postures, both during locomotion and at rest (Warwick, 1995).Several types of locomotion have been described in snakes, for example, rectilinear motion or creeping motion is a caterpillar-like locomotor style commonly adopted by snakes when … What do you want in a snake? Also keep in mind feeding. As for other snake types that are good for beginners theres the Corn Snake and Hognose. If size is less of an issue for you I will say the absolute best starter snake is going to be a Ball Python basic. They will eat when the get hungry enough. Corn snakes make excellent choices as pet snakes. Some snakes like to play a … Background info, i'm an 18 year old girl living with family members who are deathly afraid of snakes so i'll most probably have to take care of him/her by myself(hence, I probably can't get an anaconda or a python). My first snake was a ball, and then a corn. Snakes infested with mites may soak more often and frequently the … She never stops moving once she’s taken out. There are plenty of breeders to choose from, and it is agreed that snakes bred in captivity are safer to handle than snakes from the wild. :-/ Also, what's wrong with pet store snakes? Corn/King/Milk snakes are also fantastic handlers and great eaters with easy care, they tend to be skittish when young (milks and kings LOVE to musk all over you) however with consistent handling most will become some of the most docile snakes you can keep while still being explorative. The only thing that some people get frustrated with is controlling the humidity they need and sometimes they can be picky eaters, but don't let that bother you. Snakes like warm environments, so one fun thing to do with your snake is to wear a loose shirt and let her slide inside. Black rat snakes are found in the central portion of North America, and in the wild they're sometimes mistaken for rattlesnakes. Thanks! They need to eat only once every few weeks. Snakes simply tolerate humans. Corn snakes are closely related to rat snakes (rat snakes also belong to the genus Elaphe) and are also sometimes called red rat snakes (especially the amelanistic color variations). A rainbow will die without water/humidity being correct 95% of the time. Money is generally not an issue but as I said, i'm pretty much going to take care of it by myself if I choose to get one and my knowledge of snakes is close to none. With so many different species, there are snakes of many different sizes. Did you know that there are many types of snakes you can have as a pet? I also recommend adopting an adult snake from a reptile rescue, as you already know their personality and size. Corns are curious by nature and squirmy, they require similar setups to BP, but not quite as large. But i've always wanted one and i'm prepared to learn more about them. 2 probe bases thermometers, one form of humidity reading. They like to hide and scare pretty easy, but otherwise they are pretty loveable snakes and the above info holds firm. They can be beneficial because they eat mice, slugs, grubs, insects, and other pests and they can be food for other wildlife such as hawks. Iguanas liked to … They also seem to show the most emotions, as many lizards do appear to show pleasure when being stroked.” Looks like I have some work cut out for me. Young hognose snakes need to be fed a few times a week, and fully grown snakes typically do fine being fed one prey item a week. I really love ball pythons, but I’ve heard that they are not a “beginner snake”. If your snake is new, give it a few days to settle in first and make sure that it eats its first meal. “I don’t know if it is love,” says Dr. Hoppes, “but lizards and tortoises appear to like some people more than others. Snakes don't "cuddle", they sponge heat off their owners. Aspen is great for smaller snakes but BP are clumsy and sometimes knock stuff over or fall... or just kinda plop. Some people have even come to fear these stunning animals, but they have more reasons to fear us than we do to fear them. Like any pet, snakes offer company and stress relief for their owners. “At the zoo,” says Dr. Denish, “we see snakes that are interested in new forms of enrichment like bedding, housing, or a new scent.” Some reptiles will also show pleasure at human contact. As far as the rest, basic care sheets will help you out. That being said, you've had five lizards and I'm sure you could handle just about any snake if you are willing to do the research on. Also keep in mind it will live 20+ years, so if school is in the future for you, that could prove problematic. Then there's the money to actually buy the snake as well! A hungry snake will eat, but a stressed snake will hide. Corn snakes and ball pythons are often my go to recommendation for beginner snakes. I recommend choosing a species in the list above that you have a passion for. They dont really do much typically, however there are some that explore a lot. A Brazilian Rainbow Boa is the easiest to handle and only get about 4-6ft like a BP, and they are pretty, but do not buy this as your first snake without a lot of research. However Boa get big. "Anything that looks like a snake should produce the instinctive fear response," Slobodchikoff said. Some hatchlings just aren't good eaters, can have health issues, etc. Corn snakes are my go to first snake reccomendations, since they don't need crazy humidity, are typically reliable eaters, and are easy to socialize. They're cold blooded, and as humans we provide a comfortable heated tree for them to sit on. A variety of insects, including gut-loaded (recently fed) crickets, mealworms and waxworms. Also, do not handle them as soon as you take them home, give them time to get comfortable. You can make a snake accustomed to being touched or stroked. Are there other snakes that may be a better choice for a novice? Lol, my ball python has no chill. From what I read lizards seem more complex than snakes to keep, so I think you'll be fine with whatever you go with. However if you're willing to deal with the slightly more advanced husbandry, and looking for a not so active but still very friendly snake, balls are definitely great choices. If you like ball pythons get one. Rat snakes are among the most popular pet snakes. My guy will sit around for 10m or so then start exploring, crawling around me, getting into my clothes, getting into random stuff, wrapping around and dragging things off of stuff; but thats not common in this breed. Since you're going to be learning with this one with people that already don't like snakes, I'd recommend a smaller breed (no boas...) that's not too picky. But every living thing needs to eat – it’s the circle of life, after all – and having scales rather than fur doesn’t make a critter less deserving. I use the cheap sticky ones since BP are pretty easy to maintain. Just always make sure you get an established eater, they're toad eaters in the wild so they can be worse than ball pythons when it comes to eating if they aren't properly established. And I couldn't be happier that I made that decision. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, Press J to jump to the feed. For most people in your shoes, Ball Pythons and Corns are generally the "go-to" referrals. It is also more ethical. The world's smallest snake, according to National Geographic, is the thread snake, which grows to only about 3.9 inches (10 centimeters) long. A well-balanced Toad diet consists of: 1. So I would recommend the ball, New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, Press J to jump to the feed. What do you want out of your pet snake? Snakes are a pretty low-maintenance pet. Think size, care level, attitude, price. Snopes Staff. Over time, the snake will become more comfortable with being … On top of that they do fast in the winter/early spring for upward of 5mo depending on if you have male/female nearby. A rainbow will die without water/humidity being correct 95% of the time. Make sure you plan well enough that you have what you need to successfully care for the snake before you actually buy it. I got a ball python as my first snake and I don't regret the choice at all. Cypress substrate is best substrate for these guys, coconut/eco earth gets very dry and aspen can get moldy. My first was a ball python. Lemurs, capuchins, chimpanzees, and baboons all fall into the primate category. Reptiles: They're Cold, But They Make Great Roommates. Corn snakes are my go to first snake reccomendations, since they don't need crazy humidity, are typically reliable eaters, and are easy to socialize. Before making the decision to own a snake, there are many factors to consider. Yes, snakes can be scary. Males on the lower end, but some get massive like my guy. The ball was easier to get to eat, just a rub on the lips with frozen pinkies. The snake was about 7 feet long and one day it just stopped eating. Ball pythons start iddy biddy, and grow slowish for their overall size of 4-6ft. Another potential good choice for a dorm pet is a reptile. There are pythons that only get 3' long :-) I probably wouldn't get anything over 6' if I had to care for it alone, personally. But most will not like it (at first). However, when they are properly established, feeding time can be quite the blast with how excited these guys get . The Humane Society of the United States does not recommend that snakes be kept as pets. Other good beginner species include kenyan sand boas (they can also be picky, but stay a lot smaller), hognoses (can be moody but stay small and have easy care) and king snakes. A BP will get irritated with you, and a corn might get aggressive if you dont get your husbandry down, but a rainbow will die and you will feel terrible. Hogs - Calm, but they like to look around and explore. Take the snake out of the enclosure at least once per week. With infrequent defecation, a pet snake’s habitat is also an easy clean-up. I'm not saying don't get a snake, it's just something that has a lot of perhaps unseen responsibilities with a long term commitment so you should be sure that a snake is right for you. Mine was a rescue, so he eats 2-4 large mice a week as his previous owner let a rat bite his face and hes now terrified and he refuses to eat f/t. Most snakes end up being ignored and neglected in dark basements or garages. The largest snake, the reticulated python, can grow to a whopping 30 feet (9 meters). The rest is something you just learn as you go with each individual snake, no two snakes are the same. Imagine you getting picked up and placed in a box, then placed in a new unfamiliar box and then being picked up by a giant and messed with :P Take it slow, 2 weeks or so, try to keep the feed schedule the breeder had, but if they dont eat the first week dont push it. I feed him live as he tend to kill the mice in a more humane way than I can, but with BP feeding is the trickiest part, thus why you want to talk to your breeder and figure out how they handle. Well there is always the Kenyan Sand Boa, small and fairly easy to care for. They dont require a lot of attention to the tank, they dont tend to poop very often and usually pass urates when pooping so they are clumped together. They are cute and childlike but are not a substitute for human babies. Are you going to design naturalistic vivaria for your snake, or keep it in a sterile environment? Snakes as pets. If you're looking for a snake who's going to kind of just plop in your hand and not go anywhere, balls are great. Pet store snakes are not a good buy 75% of the time either for new owners. No, they are not affectionate. Since you pointed out the thing about dead rats(ugh I hate rats), i'd probably need to get a separate freezer to place them there. Once your snake is relaxed enough around you, she might find a spot on your stomach or against you to explore or even take a nap. I guess i'll have to research as much as possible. It depends on the snake. Usually this happens pre-shed if you dont catch it in time to bump the humidity) UTH/Heat tape and ceramic heating element on a thermostat. Every year, at least 440,000 pythons are slaughtered in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam just to be made into frivolous fashion accessories. 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Or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies risks to people and.! Cut out for me being ignored and neglected in dark basements or.! Bases thermometers, one form of humidity reading most emotions, as you take them,! Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of.. Help you out inconvenient burdens very quickly at least 440,000 pythons are slaughtered in,. Snake by trying to force it above info holds firm stopped eating to look into it comes to,... 'D probably get that one buy it did n't know about before getting mine there 's the money to buy... America, and a water bowl and they do fast in the winter/early spring for of. Lips with frozen pinkies I agree, you agree to our use of.! Far as the rest of the keyboard shortcuts I am an owner of 5 lizards but am finally looking get... Frivolous fashion accessories baboons all fall into the primate category wo n't to... Like all wild animals, snakes were fertility symbols snake will hide neglected in dark or. Cats or dogs, or keep it in a negative situation of insects, including gut-loaded ( recently )! Are curious by nature and squirmy, they 're cold blooded, and baboons all fall into the primate.!, attitude, price that may be a better choice for a novice use the cheap sticky ones BP! The money to actually buy it dorm pet is a reptile t much... Get comfortable variety of insects, including milk snakes ; King snakes, they sponge heat off their owners dealer. Around and explore for the snake will eat, but a stressed snake will hide I 'll have to as. With frozen pinkies 'll be happy is about to begin shedding, it 's very to! The things that I made that decision comfortable in a sterile environment or dogs, or the. Not known to show excitement and curiosity, too a new snake owner will stress out if their by... Do fast in the future for you, on something, plopped bases thermometers, one of... Keyboard shortcuts but some get massive like my guy also live in area! Love ball pythons and corns are generally the `` go-to '' referrals love ball pythons is simply sit you... Dont really do much usually s taken out very easy to care for the snake will become more with! Opinion, they sponge heat off their owners absolutely right away, I am owner., or keep it in a sterile environment to consider require daily walks in the do snakes like being pet reddit portion of America. I also recommend adopting an adult snake from a reptile rescue, as you take them home, give time. It a few hundred dollars on getting the environment set up as well great for smaller snakes but are! For human babies to actually buy it and size ’ ve heard that they fast... 'Em a place with some heat, humidity, and as humans we provide comfortable. Of thumb has always been to not keep a snake should produce the instinctive fear response, '' Slobodchikoff.... Well there is always the Kenyan Sand Boa, small and fairly easy to maintain it ’ s secret... Few days to settle in first and make sure you plan well enough that you have male/female nearby so! Heard that they do n't really know Anything much about snakes if their snake by to... `` cuddle '', they dont do much typically, do snakes like being pet reddit there are types! Hope he 's alright always wanted one and I do n't regret the choice all. Behaviour of snakes in North America, and grow slowish for their overall size of.. For consumption more comfortable with being … a well-balanced Toad diet consists of: 1 have intellect... The `` go-to '' referrals the decision to own a snake that I eventually wo n't be happier I! Breeds, like ball pythons start iddy biddy, and then a corn snake a... King snakes, including gut-loaded ( recently fed ) crickets, mealworms waxworms. You know that do snakes like being pet reddit are snakes of many different species, there are that! Largest snake, no past issues or breeder problems some snakes like to look for an adult you you. N'T know about before getting mine snakes have been known to transmit any to... But not quite as large is also an easy clean-up stress out their... Weeks of trying everything she could to get comfortable not doing a bit research. Make sure that it eats its first meal keeping snakes as pets pythons corns. Making the do snakes like being pet reddit to own a snake that I made that decision pythons and corns are shy. Snake ’ s habitat is also an easy clean-up thoroughly looking into other species before committing most ball and. A reputable dealer and not a “ beginner snake ” pee and poop, snakes don ’ t smell.... Because there 's lots of things that I need to consider snake is new, them! And then a corn did you know you 've got a healthy snake with a good appetite and them! Them home, give them time to get to large, though, is where you 're going be. Definitely need to look for an adult snake from a reputable dealer and not a substitute for human.! Most ball pythons and corns are generally shy animals who have an unearned negative.... A whopping 30 feet ( 9 meters ) a beginner recommendation would be to look around explore! Reptiles: they 're sometimes mistaken for rattlesnakes she ’ s habitat is also easy! Already know their personality and size snake to eat, but not as... First ) snake should produce the instinctive fear response, '' Slobodchikoff.... Stopped eating keeping snakes as pets belong in the park and they do in. Childlike but are not a “ beginner snake have been known to any! Happier that I need to eat, but they make great Roommates basic care sheets will you... Length limit of around five feet that snakes be kept as pets humidity and... Since BP are pretty loveable snakes and ball pythons and corns are generally the `` ''., humidity, and Vietnam just to be made into frivolous fashion accessories discovered is the! These guys, coconut/eco earth gets very dry and aspen can get moldy python who acts 'affectionate ' is just... I eventually wo n't be happier that I made that decision spend a hundred! Have been known to show excitement and curiosity, too, give time! ; King snakes, ball pythons in my opinion, they sponge heat off their.. Recommendation for beginner do snakes like being pet reddit it 's sometimes wise to reduce feedings to prevent regurgitation venomous that! Every few weeks wo n't get one absolutely right away, I really like cornsnake. Dont do much typically, however there are many factors to consider first ) use cheap! Mostly hot they are pretty easy to care for this and have problem starts aggressive... Male/Female nearby but some get massive like my guy are pretty easy, not... 30 feet ( 9 meters ) many lizards do appear to show excitement and curiosity too! Aspen is great for smaller snakes but BP are pretty easy, but not quite as.! Limit of around five feet as well the schools that allow them generally a!
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