Choosing a Pet Snake

Choosing a pet snake can be stressful to the uninitiated. You know you want a pet snake, but choosing the species of snake you want is another matter entirely. The selection of a pet snake should never be taken lightly, as most captive-bred species can live up to twenty years. If you choose the wrong snake for your lifestyle, you'll regret it for a long time. Here are some tips to help you decide which pet snake to choose, and hopefully relieve some of the uncertainty about the process.

Choosing a Pet Snake: Consider Its Needs

Before you decide to purchase a pet snake, you must first evaluate your situation and compare it to the needs of the snake. The initial set-up for any pet reptile can be expensive, and you should be aware of the fact that the proper care and maintenance of both the animal and the habitat will be an investment. Make sure you are able to provide everything the snake will need to live a long and happy life.

Before choosing a type of pet snake to purchase, research all of the available options. Talk to pet store owners and breeders before purchasing anything. You'll need to know everything about the snake you plan on buying before making that decision.

Research the average adult length of potential pet snakes and their housing and food needs, as well as their temperament. If you plan to handle the snake often, make sure you choose a docile variety. You will need to provide plenty of room for the snake to grow, and be comfortable with its food requirements. You will also have to provide an appropriate habitat with a secure lid (snakes are notorious escape artists). This means monitoring the humidity and temperature closely, as well as maintaining the enclosure.

If you are unsure if you can provide everything an individual snake needs, then do not purchase it.

Choosing a Pet Snake: Some Types to Consider

The following types of snakes are good options for beginners. Always make sure to research the specific individual needs of each snake before making a commitment.

Corn Snakes - Corn snakes are perhaps the easiest snakes for beginners to care for and handle. These snakes come in a variety of color morphs and, unlike other pet snakes, can be kept together in one enclosure. Corn snakes start off fairly small, but will grow to between three and five feet in length.

King & Milk Snakes - Unlike corn snakes, king snakes and milk snakes must be housed individually. These snakes tend to be docile and easy to handle, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

Ball Pythons - Of all the constrictors, ball pythons are the ones most recommended for novice reptile owners. They only get about five feet long, and tend to be easy to care for. Take caution with these, though, as they are known to reject food on occasion.

Gopher Snakes - Gopher snakes are longer than the others I've mentioned (adults reach up to six feet in length), but their even temperament makes them easy to care for nonetheless. This is another great species for novice snake owners.

Choosing a Pet Snake: What to Look for in an Individual Snake

When you've decided on the type of snake you want, and are certain that you are able to care for it, you can begin looking at individual snakes. The most important thing to look for in a snake at this point is its health.

Always purchase snakes from a reputable breeder, and never keep a wild-caught snake in captivity. This is important for a couple of reasons. First, you will stress the snake out. This is bad for the snake and bad for you: a stressed snake will not eat as it should, and may behave in an unpredictable manner (i.e. it will bite you). Second, you will have no guarantee about the health or history of that individual snake.

When purchasing a snake check that the cage is clean (and not overcrowded), and ask to see the snake outside of the cage. This will allow you to observe the snake's behavior when handled, as well as allowing you to check the condition of the snake's skin, eyes and vent close up. Look for an active snake that doesn't appear emaciated; you should not be able to see the backbone under the scales. Check the eyes to make sure they are clear and free of discharge or swelling. The scales should never be dull, and should be free of scratches or sores. Check the vent for fecal matter or discharge.

Finally, you should ask for a feeding demonstration to make sure that the pet snake will take food readily.

Note: Always remember that a snake is a living creature, and cannot simply be thrown out because it didn't meet your expectations, so it's best to make a wise decision about what snake will work best for you. If you have any doubts about a specific snake, it is best not to purchase it.