Oddly enough, there are those who wish to have snakes at home. His smooth and cautious movement makes them feel relaxed, others like the patterns of his cold skin very much, while there are those who identify with his personality. Of course, these people do not suffer from phobias and therefore do not see them as a threat.
Human beings are social individuals. Although we value moments of solitude, in most cases, we prefer to be in company. In fact, some people cannot even tolerate silence. That is why, even though they are home alone, they turn on the radio or the television to listen to noise.
Those who decide to become independent and live alone usually end up taking a pet with them, as it gives them love and company. In addition, it helps them drain the stress of everyday life and enjoy certain daily activities more.
In general, these pets are usually dogs or cats. However, there are those who do not feel comfortable with the common or conventional. They like eccentricities and therefore look for other types of pets.
Regardless of the reason that leads you to want to have a viper as a pet, you should keep in mind that it requires special care. It is not enough that you have them in a fish tank and that’s it. If you want to have it for a long time, you need to take into account some suggestions.
In addition, you must know how to distinguish which are poisonous snakes and which ones you can have at home. Since, if you make a mistake, your health and even your life could be affected.
Although it is true that snakes are not within the group of domestic animals, taking into account a series of preventive measures, you can get to have one and enjoy their company.
Instructions for keeping pet snakes
Snakes are part of a wide range of exotic animals and having them at home is always a source of wonder and delight. But, if you want things to go well, you must respect the following instructions:
- The first thing you should do is choose the type of snake you want to have. For the safety of all members of your household, it is always recommended that you choose one that is not poisonous and does not have a reputation for being aggressive. In most cases, families end up choosing boa constrictors or pythons. Since they are more docile in character and, when cared for correctly, they even become friendly. However, take into account that they can be very large, some can reach up to 9 meters.
- After you have chosen the one you want to have, the next thing will be to investigate the types of care it requires. A good suggestion is to talk to someone who already has one. Also, visit the vet to advise you on the different handling care, their diet, among other things.
- Then, you will need to buy him a house. This can be an aquarium or a terrarium. Make sure its diagonal is at least the size of the snake. Find a space where you can place an object of this magnitude. Keep in mind that as it increases in size, it is very likely that it will require a larger house. Therefore, you can buy one large enough to save yourself a future expense.
- You can choose between a plastic house, a wooden cage or a glass terrarium. It is not recommended that you buy one with mesh screens, as they will not retain heat. In addition, the snake could injure itself by rubbing on it and could even create a hole through which to escape. Of course, your house should have a secure lid, because they are very good at escaping.
- Find a specialized veterinarian, one who cares for reptiles, and take her in for an examination and diagnostic tests as soon as you buy her. Then, you’ll need to take her in at least once a year for a routine checkup.
- Before placing her in her new home, make sure the temperature and humidity are appropriate for her species. On the other hand, don’t feed her and hold her for a couple of days, so she can get used to her new surroundings
- The amount of food and the frequency with which you will provide it will depend on the species you have and its age. Younger corn snakes typically eat one small mouse per week, while adults eat two. Regardless of the species you have, be very careful the day you feed it, as it will surely be more aggressive. It is not recommended that you hold her when she is hungry or when you have just fed her, because she can regurgitate her food.
- Constantly check the temperature and humidity. If they are at inappropriate levels, it is likely that you will have digestive problems. The ranges should be acceptable for their species, based on the area they come from. Keep in mind that the humidity can be changed simply by changing the bedding material, placing the water bowl in the warmest or coolest part of your house, or adding a certain type of moss.
- Hygiene in your space is very important. Change the water once a week and clean the entire cage once a month. This includes changing the bedding, washing out the water bowls and refilling them with clean water, and wiping down the sides of the aquarium.
- Finally, enjoy her, hold her and develop a bond with her. It will be a good company for sure.
Now, since it requires certain special care, you will also need certain things to be able to have it at home. Let’s see what they are.
What do you need to have pet snakes?
- As we have already mentioned before, you will need to buy him a proper house. But, in addition, you must give him a hiding place and some object where he can climb.
- Choose a hiding place that is durable and where it can curl up. You could give him a rock cave, a piece of wood without splinters, or a log made of pottery. You can also place rocks, vines and branches where it can climb.
- You will also need some material for the base of the cage. This material must be absorbent and appropriate for its species. You can use poplar or cypress shavings and avoid the aquarium sheaf, because it could be cut by the sharp edges of the stones.
- Get something to serve as a heat source, as snakes are not able to regulate their body temperature. You will need heat lamps, which should be located on the outside walls of the aquarium or at the bottom or top.
- You should provide a resting area that is warm and a cold one, so that you can alternate them, according to your needs. Avoid hot rocks because they can burn your skin, which is very sensitive.
- You will also need a thermometer and an instrument to measure the humidity of his cage to ensure that they are adequate.
- Get the right lights. Some species may do well with natural light, while others will require lamps or special lights, depending on whether it is a diurnal or nocturnal species.
- You will need a bowl for the water. Buy one that is heavy and small. But, additionally, buy a bigger one so that it can soak.
- Don’t forget to buy snake food. They are carnivorous. Therefore, you will have to feed it frogs, worms, rodents and fish. Try to make them prey already dead. Buy them frozen and thaw them at home to feed them.
Live prey has their risks. For example, in the case of mice, they can carry diseases and parasites. Also, they could resist and hurt your snake.
It is important that you analyze all these issues and, if despite this you still want to move forward, take the step of buying your new exotic pet. But what other tips should you keep in mind?
Tips for keeping pet snakes
Take into consideration that snakes are also living beings and some of them can live more than 30 years. Therefore, ask yourself if you are prepared for a commitment of this magnitude.
Before buying a snake, inspect it very carefully and carefully. A healthy snake has a clean nose and eyes, its scales are neat, its skin is free of blisters and partial scales, and its breathing is smooth. It shouldn’t be lethargic and it shouldn’t jiggle when you touch it.
It is important that you know that all reptiles can have salmonella bacteria. Which means that, after holding it, you have to wash your hands very well? It is not recommended that children under 6 years of age touch it.
When cleaning his cage, don’t do it in the kitchen sink. Also, you should keep it away from your food and dishes.
If you live with other people, make sure everyone is comfortable with the idea of having a snake in the house. It’s also important that someone else besides you is willing to handle and feed it, in case you can’t.
If you buy one a few days old, you will have to hold it very often to get it to tame, since they are more timid than adults and will look very nervous.
It is not recommended that you hold a large snake when you are alone. You will also need help holding and feeding it. If you notice that it starts to wrap around you, release it very carefully from the tail, not from the head, as this is dangerous because it could become defensive and bite you or squeeze you much more.
