This Cute Pet

Pet Snakes for the New Owner

Recommended breeds- 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.

The recommended snakes are relatively small , ranging from 4-5 feet adult length . All snakes represent a commitment to long term care, though, with life spans of about 20 years for corn snakes and king Snakes, and up to40 or more years for a Ball Python .

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.

With any snake, feeding pre-killed prey is recommended. A live rodent can inflict some serious wounds on a snake in self defense. These can be frozen.

A warning for beginners. Avoid snakes such as Burmese pythons, red-tailed boas, any tree boa or python, water snakes, or any wild caught snakes. Burmese pythons have been involved in cases of human fatalities . Red-tailed boas (also known as boa constrictors) aren't quite as large (10 feet, 50+ pounds) but are more work to care for.

For individual care, it is recommended that you research your particular breed of snake. Snakes are a different kind of pet and require a commitment that may be long term and is certainly special.