How to Choose Which Snake is the Best Pet

It can be difficult to know how to choose which snake is the best pet for you. With the wide variety of snakes available and their different needs, narrowing it down to the snake which would make a good pet is overwhelming. Here are some criteria to consider when choosing a snake as your next pet.

When getting a snake as a pet, it's better to purchase a snake that has been bred in captivity. Wild-caught snakes are hard to tame and don't always survive captivity. Wild snakes are also more likely to be carrying disease.

Pick a snake whose size you can manage. Some snakes don't grow much more than three or four feet, while others can reach up to ten feet or more (though this is rare in snakes that make good pets). You'll need to provide an environment that will adequately hold your snake, no matter how large he gets. Generally a snake needs a cage that can accommodate two-thirds of his body length.

The lifespan of the snake should be considered. Some snakes last as long as cats or dogs, with life spans around ten to twenty years. Others can live for over fifty years, meaning this may be a lifelong commitment for you.

You should consider the snake's temperament, especially if this is a snake you plan on handling frequently or one that will be around children. Keep in mind that just because a certain type of snake is known as docile, that doesn't mean it won't strike. You should always learn the proper care and handling of your snake.

Select a snake that will be relatively easy to feed, especially if you have limited experience with snakes. Some types are picky or reluctant eaters. If you choose a snake which will eat only live mice or rats, you will be making a lot of trips to the pet store.

Before taking your snake home, check to make sure it's healthy. Your potential snake's body should be round and firm with no sign of mites (which may include dusty specks on its body). Its skin should be shiny and smooth. The eyes should be relatively clear, but if they're a little cloudy, that's generally okay. Slightly cloudy eyes can be an indication that a snake is about to shed. Also take a look at the snake's mouth. The snake shouldn't need to open its mouth breathe and the inside of its mouth should be pink, not red. You may want to have your snake examined before committing to purchasing him.

Some snakes that you should never consider for a pet include reticulated pythons and anacondas. Really, you don't want any kind of venomous snake, as you never know if they could strike. You may also want to avoid boa constrictors, Burmese pythons, green snakes and water snakes. These snakes do not make good pets because of their dangerous nature and difficulty to care for.