The Care of Your Ball Python - An Exclusive on Snake Care - Pets - http://maxpages.com/myzoo/Getting_a

This page is an exclusive on snake care, and it should be a sufficient guide for a beginner reptile owner.

At The Pet Store-

When you see your pet snake in the store, and you just know it will make the perfect pet, think it over. This is one instance of life where you must use your head, not your heart. There are too many cases where an owner takes on a pet without knowing its size factor, eating habits, or just without thinking. This can result in a mistreated, homeless, or dead snake. When thinking of buying a snake, there are some factors that must be considered.

1.) Is the rest of your family (living with you) OK with the idea of a snake, and knowledgeable enough to avoid making mistakes?

This factor is very important when you get your pet, because you would not want to bring a snake into a household that is afraid of it and could potentially harm it.

2.) Are you aware of the commitment invoved in gettting a snake?

A pet snake can grow long, depending on the type. Ball pythons usually range from 8 to 10 feet long, and three inches in diameter. Snakes also live longer than the usual pet, so when you are looking for your pet, don't expect it to die within a couple years. When you have a snake, you have a friend for fifteen years or more.

And lastly

3.) Can you handle the snake on your own?

This factor is very important because the snake will need to have one owner. This will put it into routeine, with feedings, holdings, etc. The one owner will probably hold the snake more often, therefore allowing it to calm down and be relaxed around other people.

In order to make the proper descision, whether to get a snake or not, honestly consider the three points mentioned above.

Home at Last-

So you've made the descision to get a pet snake. You know all the responsibility involved and have committed yourself to a 15+ year pet. Now what to get??? You'll need many supplies to keep you snake healthy and happy. A snake can live in a glass aquarium, a 75 gallon tank is reccomended for larger types of snakes, but the aquarium must be between 85 and 95 degrees. Heating pads, lamps, and heat rocks can be used to maintain this. Personally, I reccommend using all three. The cage can go down in temperature at night. A green turf lining can be bought at your pet store to cover the bottom of the cage. When it needs to be cleaned, just rinse it off. Water should be checked every day for snakes love to lay in their water dishes, and you wouldn't want your new friend to be without water. Also, driftwood may be purchased for your pet to crawl on.

Your snake should be fed mice, preferably dead ones, to avoid getting injured or stressed. You can buy them frozen at your local pet store. Try feeding them every three weeks, but do not be surprized if they don't eat. A snake can go up to eight months without eating.

Enjoy your new pet; it will be with you for a long time!

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Page Updated Sun Sep 3, 2000 2:56pm EDT