The farther away from a snake I am, the better off we both are. But, I do understand they are an intricate part of our environment. I also understand that owning a pet snake is a dream of many boys. I was able to talk my young son out of getting a snake. But now that he has a son, the subject will probably rear its ugly head once again. If you’re finding yourself getting ready to buy a scaly creature, read this informative article first and find out how to determine the best type of pet snake for your child!
Visit Several Pet Shops to Find Out What Kind of Snakes Are Available
Obviously, you don’t want your child to have a poisonous pet snake like a viper or a rattlesnake. You don’t want your child to keep a snake s/he found either. Snakes that are found in the wild, especially the adults, should be left in the wild. They have a harder time of adapting to being kept confined. The last thing you want your child to have is a scaly pet with a bad attitude!
Most of the snakes found in pet shops can be good pets for your son or daughter. They’re used to being confined, as well as handled by humans. To help determine the best type of pet snake for your child, ask the shop attendant about the different kinds they have, and what their characteristics are. Be sure to ask questions as:
1) How big does this snake grow to be? (Some snakes grow to be ten to fifteen feet long, or more. You don’t want to get your child a small snake and end up being surprised with a monster pet!) Smaller snakes are obviously easier to take care of. And, easier for kids to handle.
2) What is its diet made up of?
Some snakes eat their food live. That can be a rather disgusting meal for children to serve. There is frozen food you can buy for your child’s pet snake that would probably work the best. Just make sure the food the snake needs will be readily available at all times.
3) What kind of equipment does it need?
Equipment includes housing such as an aquarium, a cage, et cetera.
4) What is its life expectancy?
Children can often have the attention span of a gnat. They can want something one day, then lose interest in it the next. When it comes to determining the best type of snake for your child, do you really want one that’s expected to live a decade or more? You could end up taking care of the snake yourself when your son or daughter goes off to college. For me, that would be a startling realization!
2. Contact Your Local Veterinarian For Advice On Pet Snakes
If your vet doesn’t take care of snakes, then ask him/her for references for vets who do. Once you find a snake doctor, find out what kinds of snakes they recommend for your child. S/he can also give you advice about the general care needed and common health problems for different types of snakes. These creatures need regular trips to the vet, de-wormings twice a year and extra visits to the vet if health problems arise.
3. Use the Internet to Research the Types of Snakes You’re Considering
To determine the best type of pet snake for your child, use the power of the Internet to find out everything you can about them. The Internet can give you a wealth of information that will help you make a solid decision you won’t regret later.
4. Talk to Current Snake Owners to Gain Firsthand Advice
If you know anyone that already owns a pet snake, talk to them first before you make a choice. They can tell you what kind of snake they have, if it’s a good choice for children, and more.
5 Guidelines for Snake Ownership
Before you allow your child to own a pet snake, you should sit down with him/her and cover these rules:
1) Teach Them That A Snake Is A Living Being That Needs Regular Care. It can’t be tossed aside like an old toy they’re tired of playing with. Decide ahead of time what will happen if they don’t properly care for their charge, i.e., you’ll take over the care and they’ll lose ownership, you’ll give the pet away, etc.
2) Set Up Rules for Letting the Snake Out Of Its Quarters
If you don’t want to risk having a snake slithering around your house, it’s best that the snake will be kept confined unless there is an adult present to supervise. Some snakes can even decide to bite, no matter how tame they are, if they are handled too much.
3) Who’s Going to Support The Scaly Creature?
You may happily support your child’s pet snake now with your hard-earned cash, but what about later on when your child is working? Remember, as the snake grows, so will its appetite. Setting up these ground rules now can save a lot of aggravation later.
4) The Snake Cannot Be Traded, Sold or Given Away Without Your Permission
You’ll have to let your child know that, even though s/he owns their pet snake, it cannot be indiscreetly gotten rid of without your prior permission. Can you imagine how Jimmy’s mother would react if she reached into his backpack and found your child’s snake? For the snake’s own good, if it changes residences, the next owner should be able to care for it properly.
5) Thou Shalt Not Scare Others With Thy Pet Snake
And finally, last, but nowhere near the least important guideline, your son or daughter needs to understand that, just because s/he likes snakes, doesn’t mean they please the rest of the family… or any visitors that may come to the house either.
