Snakes as Pets

Ever since the dawn of man, people have been fascinated by snakes. This serpent has been an embellishment of evil ever since it handed the apple to Adam in the fabled Garden of Eden. Every mythical sorcerer and underworld Lord has one by his side, the hissing presence used to fill their foes with fear. The asp was Cleopatra’s demise; movies and storybooks readily associate snakes with death and horror.

We cringe at the sight of them taking prey, disgusted by the spectacle of their victims being swallowed alive and intact, yet we watch in quiet fascination as the scene unfolds before us. Snakes continue to fill the nightmares of children and adults, so why would anybody want to have a one as a pet? Whatever the reason, owning a snake is becoming quite commonplace these days.

Snakes are definitely not a pet for everyone, but if you’re interested then do some serious research. Be aware of the commitment involved. For some obvious reasons, not all snakes make good pets and each species has its own diet and environmental needs. New owners should start out with a gentler species like garter snakes, corn snakes, king snakes, or ball pythons. They’re not as difficult to provide healthy diets and environments for.

These types are relatively small (as snakes go), with adults ranging from 4-5 feet up to 7 feet for King snakes. Because their life spans can reach 20 years for the Corn and King snakes, and 40 plus years for the Ball Python, snake ownership is a long term obligation.

Unless you’re experienced with snakes, stay away from Burmese Pythons, Red-tailed Boas (Boa constrictors), tree Boas or Pythons, water snakes, or any snakes caught and taken from the wild. These varieties grow from 10-20 feet in length and can weigh in excess of 200 lbs for the Burmese Python. Each has strict temperature and humidity requirements in addition to the obvious problems of handling a reptile that large. Being prone to illness and difficult to feed, wild snakes simply do not do well in captivity.

Anacondas and reticulated Pythons are definitely not recommended. Their size and poor temperaments make for a dangerous pet. Ownership of any venomous snake should be an understandable no.

Like any exotic animal, taking proper care of snakes can be complex and requires a great deal of dedication. Taking a snake as your pet should be done for the right reasons, not because it’ll keep the in-laws away.