Buying a Snake

Canada
April 17, 2007 5:30pm CST
Hey, ya'll. I've been contemplating the possibility of having a snake for a pet. At the moment I live with my folks, but once I get out on my own, I thought it might be in my best interests to have a companion to come home to. I think a cat or a dog would be too demanding on my time, and considering I would need to stay home with them to teach them, and make sure they don't destroy my apartment. I think a snake would be practical, if not for money's sake, then for the fact that they likely wont disturb much when I'm not home, and if I spent time with it, I could overcome my fears with it... And if anything else, scare the bejeesus out of people with them. Has anyone got any tips or suggestions as to how I would go about shopping for a snake? Both for its needs, and.. you know, the actual snake? I am thinking of non-poisonous, naturally. Though not of the python variety, I would feel more comfortable with a larger being in the house. Thanks, folks. -- Michael
2 people like this
3 responses
brandi_girl_16
@brandi_girl_16 (624)
• United States
17 Apr 07
Of course you don't want a poisonous snake! I had a friend with a snake, I can't remember exactly what kind it was, but I loved it! You should get one when it's a baby so it can grow up around you and learn who you are as it gets older. When you shop for a snake you should ask a lot of questions regarding how big it will get, how much and what will you be needing to feed it, how much attention it will need, if it's going to need anything special like heating lights and stuff like that. Don't just go out and buy one without knowing everything about it! Good luck!
1 person likes this
Sinkaro
@Sinkaro (6)
• Canada
18 Apr 07
I had thought about maybe a king snake. One of my oldest memories is of going on a class field trip to see snakes and such. And they brought out a big black snake with yellow specks. I really liked that one.. But from what I understand, Corn Snakes are the best to begin with.
1 person likes this
pplkimberly
@pplkimberly (1)
• United States
31 May 07
Snakes make great pets! I know because I used to own a ball python. They are small if you get them as a baby... bout 1-2 feet long and they grow to be about 4-5 feet. They like to stay in a knot and when you pick them up it takes a while for them to come untied. If you have a feer of snakes I recomend either a sand boa or a rosy boa. they are small and gentle. I used to work at a local pet store and my job was handling the reptiles, so I know a lot about snakes. The sand boa is really small, and hides under the sand in the cage. We always recomended them for small children and people with a feer of snakes. They are some of the calmest snakes out there. I definately recomend buying from a pet store, and getting a book on your snakes care. maybee download a page off the internet. You'd be surprised how much care a snake takes, but they are fun and definatly less care than a cat or dog.
pureguitarfury
@pureguitarfury (54)
• United States
19 Apr 07
Michael, A corn snake would be superb to start with! There are hundreds of color varieties, they are very calm, and handle easily. In addition, should you want to get into breeding them, it's easy to do with corn snakes. King snakes are a favorite of mine. The california king (probably the most common) is astounding in color and attitude. Florida kingsnakes are also cool, but I'm not too much for the color yellow, even if it is just a little. Another snake you may consider, a captive bred black snake. They are very tame and calm, and your looking at about 6 feet in size, so not too much longer than the corn and black snakes. Interestingly enough, Black Snakes and Corn Snakes are both from the same family, which may help clue you in on what your looking for.