reptile question- what kind of snake to get?Question:i really want to buy a snake, but i dont really know what kind to get.... i want something that doesnt get too big and thats friendly around people. I was thinking about a ball python, but im still not sure about it, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated..... and also if anyone here has a small snake, how much did it cost you to set up the snakes tank, bedding, logs vines etc. thanks!! Answer: For new owners that are inexperienced with snake, corn snakes, king snakes, or ball pythons are the best choice for pet snakes. These types of snakes tend to be gentle, and meeting their diet and environmental needs is not as difficult as for some other species. These are relatively small snakes, ranging from 4-5 feet adult length (up to 7 feet for some King snakes). All these snakes represent a commitment to long term care, though, with life spans of about 10 years for Corn Snakes, 20 years for King Snakes, and perhaps 40 or more years for a Ball Python (record is 48 years). Ball pythons have a reputation as being difficult to feed due to their tendency to sometimes stop eating for months at a time. If choosing a ball python, make sure it is captive bred and used to being fed killed prey. You may even want to ask for a feeding demonstration to ensure the snake readily takes pre-killed mice. Look for a young, captive bred snake - you may have to find a breeder for this. Choose a snake that has a well rounded body, clean eyes and vent, and that shows no signs of respiratory problems (wheezing, bubbles around nostrils). Look for one that is alert and curious and gently grips your hand/arms when handled (they may be skittish but should calm after handling for a bit). It is not a bad idea to ask for a feeding demonstration to be sure the snake readily takes a meal. A healthy snake that will stay small, such as a Ball Python, costs about $50. Besides the tank, you'll also need: A lock-down top for the aquarium A light fixture, to hold heat light A heat bulb (will last about a month, if left on most of the time) About 2 mice a week Electricity for 100 watt heat bulb - 18 hours a day 1 vet visit a year Use newspaper for bottom of cage, a water bowl/tub, and a hide box Also many times you can get used items. There much cheaper and better ways to keep your snake warm and happy. This is only to give you an idea of some of the hidden costs. Check out your local pet store to get an realistic idea of what the shopping list above will cost you. Of course, some of the things on the list you only have to buy once. Many snakes loose their value as they get larger. Every one wants a baby. Most zoos have more than enough snakes, and won't take one even for free. Many snakes are abandoned, or killed because someone didn't think before buying that "Cute Little Guy". Snakes are like any other living creatures. They require care and commitment (remember what I said about some of them them living 40+ years!) Answer: ditto on the pre-killed food. When I got my ball python, I was told he would learn to take pre-killed easily. All I got was a freezer full of frozen mice which looks really good when company comes over and asks for ice cubes for their drinks... Needless to say, he is still eating live-which I hate, I always feel badly for the mice. I feed mine about once a week. He's about 16 inches long and easily eats one small (did medium once when I was desparate) mouse per week. Also- ditto on the locking lids. snakes are escape artists. I use bed-a-beast for the bedding, you can usually find it relatively cheap and one block covers the bottom of my 20long tank very well. I like ball pythons because they are very docile snakes. Mine gets snippy when he's hungry and right after he's fed so I don't feed him then. I'm not advocating buying from a reptile show, but if your city has one or a neighboring city has one soon, I'd go and see the different types of snakes and supplies offered. You can learn a lot there. That and its fun . Answer: I would agree that corns, kings and ball pythons are a good first snake. I have had all at one point and time. I currently have corns and kings. Depending on who you ask about lifespans you will get different answers. I have known corns to live over 15 yrs. I also would recommend buying a captive bred. Especially ball pythons which was stated above, can be very picky eaters when babies. You also want to make sure any snake you buy is free from mites. I use cage carpets for all my snakes tanks. I have extras and they are easy to wash and disinfect. One thing I hate seeing is powerfeeding. Too many people get baby snakes and think they have to feed them alot fast to get them to grow faster. That is not healthy for the snake in the long run. I prefer my snakes to grow slow at their own pace. Answer: what about just a little garter snake? how big do they get? i was looking into ball pythons, i dont know if my dad will really want a snake that will grow to be that big. anything thats small and stays small? and i was at the pet store and i saw this can of pre killed crickets..... do dome snakes eat just crickets? or do i have to feed it a mouse i thought if the snake stayed small enought that i wouldnt have to feed it a mouse, just a cricket. but i could feed it a mouse i just dont want the snake to get too big..... i dont want 2 be like some people who buy snakes and give them upp when they get too big. thanks for adivce though, still looking Answer: If you don't want to deal with feeding mice, then a garter snake would work for you. They eat fish (minnows) and worms. There are several different types of garters available, and prices can vary ($10-$300). But, if you are wanting something along the lines of a ball python, just not the size, try a rubber boa or rosy boa. They are mice eatters, but adult females usualy reach 3 ft, and males are closer to 2ft. They are gentle and very rarely bite. Their price can vary as well ($50+) Answer: do garter snakes need heat? how big should the tank usually be? im going to go to my pet store nearby that sells snakes and ask them. are garter snakes usually tame or do some bite? i heard that they keep them as school pets sometimes and think itmust be a pretty tame snake to be used in classes. i've always been curious about snakes and would love to have one. thanks for answering all my questions Answer: I think all snakes need heat, it helps digest their food. Do some research. I read that the hot rocks are not the best bc it is all or nothing heat. It is better to have another source of heat. Pet store or website should be able to help. There was a corn snake at the Interpretive Center we went to last week that was very determined to escape. It was nosing all over the cover and pushing up kind of hard to check for any gaps. Be sure you have a proper fitting cover. Garter snakes, and maybe others as well-???- have a defense where they ooze a smelly substance out of their...orifice. Not sure if this would be a problem with pet store snakes that have been handled. Answer: All snakes need heat to digest their food. A human heat pad works well. Just set it on low and leave it under 1 end of the tank. Garters will need a 20 gallon tank with a secure lid. Snakes can squeeze through a very tiny crack. All snakes can bite. It is usually out of fear or hunger. Garter bites are painless. It sort of feels like getting poked with a needle. Garters usually do more of a chew than a bite. It is really kind of hard to explain. Some people will break out in a rash after being bit by a garter snake. It is believed to be caused by the bacteria from the food they eat. Most of the time garters will only bite as a last resort. They prefer to "musk", which is bascially when they go to the bathroom on you. It smells rancid and usually gets whatever has ahold of them to let go. Once they are used to being handled, they do not musk. I do recommend staying away from Florida blue garters though. They are the larger of garters, I have heard up to 6 ft, but have never seen one of that size. They also are more likely to bite. Check out Scott Felzer's garter site for much more info: http://www.gartersnakemorphs.com/ Answer: Garter Snakes and their related kin, the ribbon snakes are good starter snakes too. Due to their semi-aquatic nature in the wild, it is really important to provide Garter Snakes with a large body of water - a huge water bowl or even something like a washing-up bowl of water. There's no need to heat this water separately as the basic heating in your Garter Snakes cage will keep it warm enough and if it gets too hot lots of it will start to evaporate, creating the humid, moist environment it's best to try and avoid. How to care for a Garter snake: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/gaston/Pests/reptiles/gsnakecare.pdf |
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