Why have a snake as a pet?
Have you considered having a snake as a pet? While there are many reptiles that make good pets, people are often most fascinated by snakes. Here, Willie Mays gives us 7 good reasons to have a snake as a pet…
Those days are gone when dogs and cats were the first animals to pop-up in the head while thinking of getting a pet. Now the time has changed, and so has the preferences of people. This has lead people to domesticating snakes as pets. At first, it might sound a little weird, but it’s something that one should think about.
Here are some of the reasons that may convince you into getting a snake as a pet and let you know how amazing these creatures are.
- Low maintenance
Snakes are a very low maintenance pet. If we compare them to the regular pets like cats and dogs, snakes are less trouble. They require very less time and attention. Also, they don’t scratch your furniture or leave the toys behind!
All you have to do in order to take care of them is to heat their tank and clean it from time to time. And feed them properly, of course. Apart from all this, one thing that an owner should know is that snakes may need a little extra humidity, depending on their breed. Humidity helps them in shedding easily and also makes for a comfortable living environment. So, always do some research about the suitable living condition of the snake before getting it.
2. Easy to take care of
Being an exotic species, snakes attract a lot of judgements and opinions. One of the most common thing that comes to people’s mind is that snakes are very hard to handle and it requires a lot of experience and compassion to get one. But, snakes are actually very easy to take care of. All you need to do is make sure that you have an abundant supply for the snake’s daily needs and you’re good to go. Being a carnivore, snakes like meat. So, make sure that you feed them meat every now and then.
- They don’t require grooming
One of the best parts about owning a snake as a pet is that you don’t need to spend a second on their grooming. Snakes shed their skin two to four times every year. This saves you from the trouble of grooming them. But still, there are some things that you as an owner should take into consideration. Things like adjusting the temperature and humidity according to their natural habitat.
Video of snake shedding skin
If you want the snake to shed its skin conveniently then you must take care of the humidity. High humidity helps in easy shedding. If the humidity is low, then the snake can have trouble shedding the skin so make sure to keep track of it.
- They are charming
One of the major misconceptions about snakes is that they are dangerous which is true to some extent. Every animal is dangerous if that animal feels threatened. If you give them love, then you can always expect the same from them.
Apart from that, the snakes that are usually allowed as pets are non-venomous. Even if the snake bites, you know it’s not going to hurt you in any way!
Beginners may only be allowed to pet a certain kind of snakes. Those snakes are usually very low maintenance and they don’t grow very big. This reduces the risk of any mishappenings or dangers.
- They are interesting
Snakes are always fun to watch. Just put their tank anywhere in a room and that area will instantly become the main point of attraction. You won’t get bored with a snake. Snakes don’t fetch or cuddle up with you, but there’s something about them that will attract you and the visitors towards them.
They are also very educational. If you own a snake then you can learn a lot from it just by observing the way it moves or eats or sheds its skin.
A lot of people have this fear of snakes because they are unaware and uneducated about its habitat and nature. Once you get to know them more and observe things about them like the absence of ears or their characteristic of not blinking, then you’ll be able to appreciate them and respect them even more. Once you do that, you’ll feel much less scared.
Snakes are also great for educational purposes if you have a kid in your family. If a child is introduced to a snake at an early age, then they will be able to learn, love and respect the animal. Also, introducing your child to a snake will help in getting rid of the fear of snakes forever.
- They are quiet
Sometimes, when you want to be left alone and there’s a pet trying to get your attention or making noise then it can really get on your nerves. Animals like cats and dogs are very energetic and excited, almost all the time when they are not sleeping. Sometimes, it can feel like a lot of responsibility.
But that’s not a case with a snake. Snakes are quiet creatures. They only make hissing sound which is at times inaudible. They are so quiet that many owners don’t get to hear their voices in their entire lifetime. This way you can enjoy your peace and still get to be with an animal that you admire.
- Snakes don’t take much room
Snakes are one of those animals who enjoy their time in their enclosure. They don’t like to move a lot, if the environmental conditions are not suitable. Just make sure that the enclosure is big enough for the snake to live. Also, the place should resemble the natural habitat of the snake.
In their enclosure, make sure that there’s a hideout where the snake can hide and take some rest. The tank in which the snake’s going to stay should have its base covered with newspaper or something like that. Then top that base off with some rocks and vines in order to make the place suitable for the snake to live. Try to make the snake feels at home in the tank. Apart from decorating the tank, keep track of the cleanliness, humidity and regular changing of food and water to ensure the happiness of the snake.
Snakes are amazing creatures who love to be handled. The sooner you start handling your snake, the faster it will feel comfortable and it will start enjoying the interaction. This will also help in creating a bond; the dream of every pet owner. So, if you’re thinking of getting a snake then you’ll need a license in order to fulfill the legal requirements. And if it is your first time having a snake then don’t be nervous. They are the type of animals who don’t do much at all.
Note: Remember to check the laws in the area you live. You may need a license to keep snakes.
About the author:
Willie Mays is a housewife, good mother, pet lover and a blogger. Her dog is Auxier is her dog and her cat Mimo and she loves them very much. Willie wants to help other pet owners and that’s why she wrote about shiba inu husky mix in her blog.
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