Key Considerations Before Getting a Pet Snake

Are you thinking about bringing a slithery friend into your life? Well, you're in for a scaly adventure! Before you dive headfirst into the captivating world of pet snakes, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Whether you're a first-time snake owner or a seasoned reptile enthusiast, this blog will guide you through the essential factors to ponder before welcoming a snake into your home. From snake species and habitat setup to feeding schedules and common challenges, we've got you covered. So, grab your favourite snake-themed mug and let's embark on this fascinating journey together!

Exploring Beginner-Friendly Snake Species 

What snakes are ideal for beginners?

Corn Snakes, Royal Pythons, Milk Snakes, and Garter Snakes are excellent choices for novice snake enthusiasts. Here's why:

1. Manageable Size: These snakes typically reach 3-6 feet in length, making them easy to handle.

2. Relaxed Temperament: As adults, they tend to have a calm and docile nature, making them great for handling and care.

3. Similar Care Requirements: From temperature and UVB needs to diet and substrate, these species share common care requirements.

What are the differences between snake species in terms of care requirements?

What sets different snake species apart are their unique care requirements. For instance, the beloved corn snake and royal python have distinct needs compared to the Brazilian Rainbow Boa. The Rainbow Boa thrives in a higher constant humidity environment, which wouldn't suit corn or royal pythons. Then there are Kenyan Sand Boas, which require a sand substrate for burrowing, a habitat quite different from what a royal, corn, or rainbow boa needs.

The primary distinctions in care requirements often revolve around the environment. This includes factors like temperature, UVB lighting, substrate choice, and even the type of enclosure. Some snakes, like the arboreal Trinket Snake, live in trees, necessitating a unique habitat.

Before embarking on your snake-keeping journey, thorough research is essential to provide the best care for your chosen species.

The Significance of Research

How much research should I do before getting a snake?

When it comes to research, there's no such thing as too much. Before embarking on your journey as a snake keeper, it's essential to dive deep into understanding these captivating reptiles. Start by delving into their natural habitat, regional weather patterns, local temperatures, and even their natural diet, if available.

Fortunately, there is a wealth of information at your fingertips, especially for commonly kept snake species. You can easily access care sheets from various sources like forums, pet shops, videos, blogs, and Facebook groups. It's true that this abundance of information can sometimes be overwhelming, with varying opinions and advice. However, the more you research, the more you'll uncover common threads and reliable guidelines.

You can also find all our care sheets, here.

Focusing on specific areas like temperature and UVB lighting requirements, as well as enclosure size, is paramount. Snakes have specific needs in these areas, and meeting these requirements is crucial for their well-being. As for factors like diet, substrate, and décor, there might be some room for keeper preference, but researching the snake's natural behaviours, such as climbing or burrowing tendencies, will help you design an enclosure that caters to their specific needs.

Exploring Snake Care Resources

When it comes to researching snake care, you have a wealth of resources at your fingertips. A simple Google search of the species you're interested in will provide you with a list of options to explore. It's advisable to gather information from multiple sources and compile common data since there can be variations in care recommendations.

For comprehensive care sheets on commonly kept snake species, you can visit; 

https://reptili.com/blogs/care-sheets 

YouTube is another valuable resource that offers visual guides on various aspects of snake care, including enclosure setup and lighting. Channels like https://www.youtube.com/c/HabiStat_Reptile and https://www.youtube.com/c/ArcadiaReptile are excellent places to find informative videos.

Keep an eye out for reptile and amphibian meetings in your local area. You can discover these events through local newspapers, magazines, Facebook groups, and nearby reptile shops. These gatherings provide a wonderful opportunity to exchange care tips and ideas, as well as trade or swap equipment and supplies.

Lastly, don't forget about your local exotics veterinarian, who can offer professional advice and guidance on snake care. They are a valuable resource for addressing specific health or husbandry concerns.

Managing Your Snake Keeping Budget

What is the initial cost of getting a snake?

Embarking on the journey of snake keeping comes with certain expenses, especially when you're just starting out. The initial phase can be the most financially demanding as you'll need to acquire all the essential items to ensure your snake's well-being.

These items encompass the enclosure, heating and lighting equipment, decorations, substrate, and the necessary dietary provisions. Additionally, you'll need to factor in the cost of acquiring the snake itself.

Prices for these essentials can vary significantly depending on where you shop. Many retailers offer comprehensive 'kits' that include everything you need for your snake, except for the snake itself. Checkout the HabiStat Hatchling Snake Starter Kit. 

Costs can also vary substantially, primarily due to the wide range of colours and patterns known as "morphs." While some snakes may be as affordable as £50, others with unique morphs can fetch prices in the thousands. It's advisable to explore different options and price ranges when making your selection. 

Managing the Ongoing Costs of Snake Ownership

When it comes to owning a snake, there are several ongoing expenses to consider. These include:

Food: Regularly providing your snake with a proper diet is a recurring expense. The frequency and cost will depend on the size and dietary needs of your specific snake.

UVB Lighting: The cost of UVB lighting can vary depending on the brand you choose. For instance, Arcadia UVB bulbs typically need replacement once a year.

Heat Bulbs: While heat bulbs can last for many years, it's a good idea to have spare bulbs on hand in case of unexpected burnouts. Fortunately, these are relatively low-cost items.

Substrate: The choice of substrate can affect your ongoing expenses. Some substrates may need to be replaced every few weeks, while others can last longer. The cost will depend on your chosen substrate.

Veterinary Care: Regular veterinary check-ups and faecal tests are essential for your snake's health. These typically occur every 6 to 12 months, with additional costs for emergency care in case of health concerns.

By budgeting for these ongoing expenses, you can ensure that your snake receives the proper care and attention it needs for a happy and healthy life.

Creating the Ideal Home for Your Snake

When it comes to housing your snake, the type and size of the enclosure are crucial considerations. For a corn snake, we recommend HabiStat wooden vivarium, ideally measuring 36 x 24 x 24" or a larger 48 x 24 x 24". These dimensions provide ample space for your snake to thrive and exhibit natural behaviours while allowing you to establish optimal heating, lighting, and décor. 

Setting up the habitat for your snake is a task that should align with the enclosure's size. As mentioned earlier, the recommended vivarium dimensions are essential for creating an ideal environment. Properly positioning lighting and UVB sources at the correct distances is crucial for your snake's well-being. Additionally, this spacious enclosure allows you to incorporate substrate and décor elements that promote mental, visual, and physical enrichment, contributing to your snake's overall health and happiness. 

Snake Feeding and Diet

Feeding your snake a well-rounded diet is essential for its health and prevents picky eating habits. To achieve this, offer a variety of prey, including rodents and poultry like rats, mice, chicks, quail, multimammates, gerbils, and hamsters. This diverse menu not only ensures proper nutrition but also keeps your snake from fixating on one food type.

When determining the right prey size, a simple rule of thumb is to avoid items wider than the widest part of your snake's body. This guideline helps prevent feeding issues.

Here's a general feeding schedule based on age:

Hatchling: Every 5-7 days
Juvenile: Every 7-10 days
Adult: Every 14-21 days

Following these recommendations ensures your snake receives the appropriate nourishment for its stage of life.

Handling Feeding Challenges

Dealing with feeding challenges in snakes, such as picky eating or regurgitation, requires attention and care. Here's how to handle these situations:

Picky Eater:

• Keep the diet varied to prevent picky eating habits.
• Occasional missed feeds are normal and not a concern for health.
• If your snake frequently refuses meals, consider changing the prey type or size.
• If consistent feeding issues persist, consult your nearest exotic veterinarian, especially if it results in noticeable weight loss.

Regurgitation:

• Regurgitation may occur if a snake is handled too soon after eating. Allow at least 48 hours for digestion before handling.
• Stress from handling can trigger a regurgitation response as a survival instinct.
• If regurgitation happens, give your snake a day or two to recover from the stress. Then, try feeding a smaller prey item.
• Persistent regurgitation may indicate an underlying health issue. In such cases, seek guidance from your exotic veterinarian.

Taking these steps ensures your snake's well-being and helps address common feeding challenges effectively.

Snake Health and Veterinary Care

Common health issues in snakes include respiratory infections, mites, and shedding problems. Here's how to prevent and treat these issues:

Shedding:

• Shedding problems are usually linked to environmental factors or nutritional imbalances.
• Poor humidity maintenance, inadequate UVB provision, lack of heat, or inappropriate décor can cause shedding issues. Correct these factors as needed.
• Improve nutrition with a varied diet and the occasional use of a quality multivitamin supplement.
• Consider Arcadia Reptile's 'Shed Support' powder for complex vitamins and minerals to aid shedding.
• If shedding issues persist, consult your exotic veterinarian for guidance.

Respiratory Infections:

• Respiratory infections are bacterial lung infections causing breathing difficulties due to excess mucus.
• Common causes are poor heat/UVB supply and humidity control.
• Ensure proper temperatures at the basking area and check UVB is in date and at the right distance.
• Visit your exotic veterinarian for possible medication and advice.

Mites:

• Snake Mites are blood-feeding parasites that affect snakes and lizards.
• They appear around the eyes and mouth, causing irritation.
• Seek your veterinarian's advice for treatment options.
• Taurrus Mites, a safe mite predator, can be used to control infestations without removing substrate and décor.
• Other sprays and powders may require thorough enclosure cleaning and multiple treatments.
• Proactive care and veterinary guidance are essential for maintaining your snake's health and addressing common issues effectively.

What should I do if my snake becomes sick or injured?

If your snake displays unusual behavior, distress, or noticeable external injuries, it's crucial to seek prompt care from an experienced exotic veterinarian. Prioritising your snake's health and well-being is the best approach when facing any illness or injury.

Snake ownership can be a rewarding and fascinating journey, but it comes with responsibilities. Proper research, habitat setup, diet variety, and regular veterinary care are essential for ensuring your snake's health and happiness. By understanding and addressing common challenges like shedding, picky eating, and health issues, you can provide the best care for your scaly companion. Remember, the well-being of your snake is a lifelong commitment, and with the right knowledge and resources, you can enjoy a fulfilling relationship with these unique and captivating creatures.