Pet Snakes - What Makes a Good Beginner Snake?

When you first decide to get a pet snake, the first thing that you need to figure out is what species of snake you are going to buy. Every species of snake is different so not every snake is as easy to take care of as another. There are a whole bunch of things that a potential snake owner has to take into consideration before they make their snake purchase. Here are some general guidelines on what makes a snake species a good choice for a beginning snake owner:

Non Venomous or Venomous

This seems like a very obvious and simple thing for people, but many make the wrong decision in spite of the danger. Venomous snakes, referred to as "hot" snakes in the pet snake industry, are owned by non-experts all across our country in spite of the fact that it is illegal to do so in many cases. Still, the new snake owner is fascinated by the danger factor of a venomous snake. This inevitably leads to venomous snake bites and dangerous situations. When you get a pet snake, and you are a beginner, make certain it is a non venomous snake. You will thank me someday.

Habitat Requirements

All snakes need to have some habitat recreation in their cages, but certain breeds have massive requirements. Building the right type of environment for a snake is absolutely vital to their well being, and it is important to know what those requirements are before you make a pet snake purchase. When you are a beginner snake owner, the less needs the snake has the better. This will keep you from making a major mistake in the habitat requirements for your pet snake.

Size

Another key factor with a new snake owner is size. If you think size does not matter, then compare and contrast a four foot ball python with a school bus sized reticulated python. Keeping super large snakes like this is something that should only be done by an expert in the snake field. Stick to the smaller breeds when you own your first few snakes.

Feeding Requirements

Some snakes eat rabbits and some snakes eat pinkie mice and other smaller prey. Which one do you think you should go for if you are new as a snake owner? Most people would not want to have to feed rabbits to their pet snake, or deal with the sizable snake that eats them. Another important feeding factor is the fact that some snakes are easier to feed in captivity. Some examples of pet snakes that are easier to feed as a rule are corn snakes, ball pythons, king snakes and garters.

Temperament

While the size, and danger of snakes are important factors, so too are their temperament. How quick is the species to bite? Not all snakes are the same in this area. Some snake species are much more likely to bite you than others. Getting a snake species that is less aggressive is a good idea when you are getting your first snake. It should be said that all snakes are wild at heart, and are capable of biting. You should not think that just because a species of snake is not inclined to bite that they will not. You should always take care to be safe around your pet snake.

Pet snakes make a wonderful companion if you are careful about getting the right kind. You do not want to risk getting injured or even killed by getting a venomous snake, and you should not go with one of the larger species as well. Each of the things mentioned above should be considered at length before you get your first snake.