If you're looking for an unusual, fascinating, and beautiful pet, a snake may be the right choice. While you can't train them like a dog, they're interesting to watch and play with. Many people who want to get this type of pet have questions for veterinarians. Here are answers to a few of them to help you determine whether this is the right addition to your family. 

A Basic Guide to Keeping a Pet Snake

What species are good for beginners?

Some species are easier to care for and handle than others.

Ball pythons are calm and rarely bite. Corn snakes are also popular, since they’re friendly and come in a wide variety of colors. King and milk snakes are equally docile, but they eat other snakes in the wild, so you’ll need individual enclosures if you get more than one.

What supplies will I need?

First, you need an enclosure with a secure lid, and it must be large enough to create different temperature zones for your pet. A good rule of thumb is to choose an enclosure with about half a foot of floor space per foot of snake length.

Your pet will need branches or rocks to climb and places to hide, such as boxes, hollow pieces of wood, or store-bought shelters. They'll also need a water dish large enough to crawl into, and fillers for the tank, such as wood mulch or newspaper. Since reptiles are cold-blooded, they’ll need a heat lamp that stays on 24/7.

How do I feed a snake?

Snakes are obligate carnivores, which means they must eat animals. In fact, most will only eat food that's similar to their natural prey.

This means you need to be comfortable feeding your snake live rodents, rodents that have been frozen and thawed, crickets, or lizards, depending on the species you select.

How do I handle a snake?

These reptiles have different personalities. Some may never be comfortable with handling, while others can be picked up easily.

If you are going to handle your snake, start by washing your hands. Then, move slowly and make sure the reptile sees you before you pick them up. Lift them gently, and try not to squeeze their body. Instead, let them cling to you. Some snakes like to crawl onto the heads or shoulders of the people handling them, which can be fun.

 

When you need to bring your snake to a veterinarian, choose Fairport Animal Hospital in Monroe County, NY, and the east side of Rochester. Their veterinarians are trained to treat a wide range of pets, and pride themselves on their welcoming atmosphere. They have lifelong, loyal clients, and are excited to bring you into the family. Call (585) 388-1070 to schedule an appointment for your pet, or visit their website to view a gallery of some of the animals they’ve cared for.