When you hear someone saying that they are planning to get a snake as a pet, the obvious reaction is…. “Whaaaaaaat??!!!!”
Like seriously why someone would really want to have a snake as a pet! But then again one’s choice of pet even differs according to its personality. Some people are wild, adventurous, brave and thrilling, and always like doing something new and different with their lives. And there is no debate that being a snake owner is really something new and different altogether. But apart from ‘being the cool’ part, getting a snake as a pet can really be interesting. Have you ever thought about it? Being with a creature that you always run when you hear its name! Crazy right? However, what’s life really, if not been crazy in it!
Snakes are beautifully shaped animals. They belong to the reptiles family. They come in various size, shapes, colours, patterns and types. Some are venomous while the others are non-toxic. They not only make great pets but are even used for medicinal purposes. Though blessed so many great characteristics, they are equally dangerous if not handled properly. You must have heard this very popular saying in your homes or neighbours among the gossiping aunties talking’ aap apne ghar pe SAAP paal rahe ho…Acha nhi hoga.’ (You are nurturing a snake in your house ….it will result fatally.) Here basically the word ‘snake’ is a synonym for a bad person. It has been a tradition to consider the animal like that, which has nothing really to do with its actual behaviour.
So let’s show these people what really nurturing a snake is all about.
- BE INFORMED: Snakes are totally new animals for you. Although we hear about it throughout our lives in some or other reference, we really don’t know what they are in real. So it is very important for you to educate yourself about the different types of snakes, which among them can be kept as pets, and are they affordable. Doing proper research even helps you to prevent from any wrong step in the future that can prove dangerous for you. Hence, make sure you have done your research properly.
- A BREEDER OVER A PETS STORE: It is always suggested that when you are buying a snake, search for a good breeder instead of opting for a pet store. Snakes raised or captured in a pets stores are usually abused and undergone a lot of trauma adjusting. They are not well care taken of. On the other hand, a snake at a breeders’ is well trained and well-behaved. He’s more adjustable and people-friendly. Not only has this but you even got a lot of basic information about the snake-care from the breeder itself which can make your job much easier.
- A HEALTHY SNAKE? It is very important for you to know whether the snake you are adopting is a healthy snake or not. Though a beginner, you can still recognize the difference. A healthy snake usually has clear eyes, properly shaped scales, and breathes properly without any kind of respiratory distress. And the most basic alarm is they don’t make a lot of commotion when you pick them up. So you must be quiet aware about these actions to avoid further complications.
- THE SNAKE’S HISTORY: You need to know the daily activities of your snake. Thus make sure you are well updated about it. Ask the previous breeder questions about what your snake eats, how often he eats, does he creates a fuss while eating and when does he shed. (A snake skin that is shed without any tearing or disproportion is an indication of healthy snake.) This helps you in maintaining the snake’s health.
- A HOME: Unlike other pets, where you need very few things inside their cage, a snake can be an exception. It requires a cage which is at least 2/3 of its length. It should have a temperature regulator, a thermometer, a climbing space, a hiding space (long enough for it to curl up and rest), a water dish that is big enough to soak it in, and some cage lining. It preferably should be a glass a cage, so that you can keep an eye on its activities. Be careful that the cage is enclosed properly to avoid your snakes escape and a panic in your house.
- EATING HABITS: A snake needs to be fed on preys. You must make sure that you are comfortable with the idea of feeding a dead prey to your snake. It can be frozen prey. You should keep a little space clear in your freezer for your snake food (usually frozen rodents). Decide whether you want to feed it its prey alive or dead. Snakes can be notorious while eating a live preys and it can be even dangerous as the prey can hurt and injure your snake in defence. Hence it is better if you feed it with dead, frozen preys.
So these were some important things one must remember before adopting a snake. A snake to the minimum survives up to 9 years, which is quite a long period. So having a pet snake requires a lot of commitment. See to it that you are ready for such a commitment before jumping to conclusions.