should i get a pet snake?

Question

like a ball python or a red tail boa

Answer 1

My friend got a snake and it ate his cat so pleaseeee keep that snake in the cage... and in a different room! I wish I was making that up but it's true.

Answer 2

If you are new to snake care, my suggestion is to get a ball python or a colubrid (king snake, corn snake, milk snake).
Please take the fantastic advice of those who have already posted with questions to ask yourself.

Contrary to what some of the idiots on here posted about snakes being of the devil, dirty, stinky, nasty, et al.. they are very wonderful animals and have lots of personality.
They require as much care, if not more, than a dog or cat, and you must always be prepared for getting bitten at any time (although more people are bitten by dogs than snakes).

After making your considerations, please insure that you have someone in your area that can assist you (veterinarian that will work with snakes, or a herpatologist) should your snake become ill. You will also need to feed them live rodents at some point. Check in your area to be sure that there is someone who can sell you clean mice to feed your snake (this person can also assist you in finding a vet or herp doc).

I do not recommend getting a red tail boa or any large constrictor for someone new to snakes.

Good luck in your search :)

Answer 3

Getting a snake is a large responsiblity first of all. They are not creatures who are loving. If you are prepared to provide the proper care and feeding requirements, go for it.

Remember Pythons lay eggs, while boas give birth to live young. Be prepared, even if you do not have a male and female.
Red tailed boas (commonly known as boa constrictors) are not as large but are still powerful and not recommended for beginners. Reticulated pythons grow very large and have a reputation for nasty temperaments, and if kept at all are only suitable for very experienced handlers. Recommended reading includes:
AFH on Large Constrictors - guidelines published by the American Federation of Herpetoculturalists on the keeping of large constrictors.
Handling Large Constrictors - by Lenny Flank, precautions to take when keeping large constricting snakes. Good advice.
Other important considerations, other than size, include the source and the needs of the animals. Captive bred snakes are preferred over wild caught - they are usually more tame, less nervous, less stressed and less diseased. It may also be easier to feed them, especially killed prey. The nervousness factor becomes increasingly important as the size of the snake increases - it is much safer to have a tame, docile python at feeding time. The tree pythons and boas tend to have stricter needs for housing and humidity/environmental control, so can be more of a challenge than the terrestrial species. The best contricting snake for beginners is the ball python. These are somewhat notorious for refusing to feed in captivity: ensure your snake is captive bred and if possible ask the seller to demonstrate how it feeds. Other important things to consider: the longevity of the snake (for example a healthy ball python can be expected to live 30-40 years) and who will care for your snake if you must go away (snake sitters can be hard to find).
There is a significant variation in the care and housing arrangements between the different species so readers should seek out specific care information for each species. All these snakes are carnivores, and most experts recommend that killed prey be fed. Not only is it easier on the owner but there is no risk of the snake being bitten or otherwise injured by the prey (a mouse or rat can inflict significant injury on a snake if given a chance).

Finally, an important disease of boids: inclusion body disease. This is a virus which is fatal in pythons and boas who exhibit symptoms. It is impossible to tell for certain if a snake has been exposed (and some snakes are asymptomatic carriers) and it can take months for signs to appear. Do not buy an apparently unhealthy snake, and if you have snakes at home already, quarantine new arrival for a minimum 3-6 months (and always be sure to wash hands between handling snakes). For more on the disease and it's prevention, I recommend reading this:

Inclusion Body Disease
Some information on this viral disease that affects boas and pythons, Melissa Kaplan.

Read as much as you can on both, then decide. Check out these sites:
http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/snakes/a/constrictingsn.htm
http://www.kingsnake.com/ballpythonguide/

Answer 4

Only if you have the time, space and a fellow snake owner to show you the ropes. This is not something you can do on a whim or for vanity sake. They get quite large and powerful and many snake owners have been seriously hurt by their snakes. You need to consider getting a proper housing and lighting and a steady supply of mice and rats to feed your pet. They are not domesticated and you must never be lulled into a false sense of security. Do not take risks. Also find out if the law in your state allows the possession of exotic animals as pets. FInd out if your family members or neighbours will mind your snake. Some neighbours get really worried about the snake escaping and hurting their pets or children. You may never hear the end of it. They live a really long time and never stop growing so you better know what you are doing. Good luck.

Answer 5

Absolutely. Snakes are fantastic. If you want a snake, I can recommend them 100%.

I have two snakes; a corn and a royal python; and I'm getting a boa constrictor soon too. I absolutely love having snakes and couldn't be without them. Anyone who tells you snakes are evil are just ignorant, they're beautiful animals and if you really want one, definetly definetly go for it!

Just make sure you research lots before you buy so your snake can have the best life possible. Good luck mate!

Answer 6

They are a little bit of work and you need to make sure you have a good cage. Get a Ball python before a Boa.

Answer 7

1. Have you thoroughly researched your chosen species, to include diet, adult length, necessary cage size and temperatures, temperment, etc. ?

2. Are you prepared to feed it live or frozen rodents?

3. Do you have room to house a large snake? A snake's cage must be at least 1/2 of it's body length. A red tail can easily reach 10-12 feet, which means you need a cage at least 5-6 feet in length- that's a lot of space.

4. Have you educated yourself on potential diseases and parasites, such as mites, intestinal worms, mouth rot, etc.?

5. Do you know the number and location of a qualified reptile vet in your area?

6. Are you prepared to commit to this reptile for it's entire lifespan? (Boas and pythons can easily live 25 years.)

7. Are you willing to spend the money needed to keep your snake healthy and happy? (The custom-made cages to house adult red tails can cost several hundred dollars, lighting, heating, substrate, etc. will cost at least another hundred, and the snake itself will cost several hundred. You're looking at easily a $500-$1,000 start-up investment, not counting feed costs.)

8. Have you handled snakes and been taught how to do so properly to avoid injuring the snake or being bitten? Do you know how to treat a snake bite, and how to get a snake to let go without injuring it?

If you can answer yes to all of these questions, there's no reason you shouldn't own a snake. They are intriguing pets. But if you answered no to any of them, buy some books and put in some serious research time before you consider it. It's not fair to the snake to live in poor conditions because owners don't take the time to educate themselves before purchasing one.

Answer 8

Well ask yourself....Do I have the proper equipment? Remember that there is gonna be a great deal of requirements for this certain snake. First off, and most important, always do research as to what your gonna get. Some snakes require UVA/UVB and some snakes don't. Also remember that there is gonna be bills every now and then...which includes...food, lighting, Supplements, substrate, and enclosures that may vary in size, depending on your snake. Also make sure you get a snake according to your experience level. (e.g) If your a beginner don't go off and by a snake such as a green anaconda which requires lots of experience, etc. Good luck on your choosing. Hope this helped. :)

Answer 9

are you a beginner? if you are i wouldn't recommend a red tailed boa. if you like big snakes then the easiest big snake would be the ball python. if you would consider a different snake then i would go for a corn snake as they are the easiest snake to care for and keep.i would also do some research on the net as there aresome very useful websites to go on.

Answer 10

only if u have the proper stuff a snake needs a terrarium that it cant get out of (they are escape artists ) an under tank heater or light not the rock and other things if u get one id recommend a ball python there the best n my opinion

Answer 11

Yes you should go all out and go get yourself a snake... ball pythons are the Shlit!