Did you know that July 16th is World Snake Day? Snakes are very beautiful and captivating to watch, and can make great pets for the right person. As your Marion, IA vet, I offer excellent veterinary care for snakes. I discuss a few key points of owning snakes, and promoting good snake welfare, in this article.
Benefits Of Owning Snakes
Snakes actually have some wonderful charms. They are quiet, don’t need training, and won’t chew your slippers or scratch your couch. And, as long as their habitat is kept clean, they don’t give off any odors. This makes them a great choice for anyone with allergies.
Things To Consider
While snakes definitely have some wonderful qualities, they aren’t right for everyone. If you want a cuddly, charismatic pet, a snake may not be the right choice for you. Diet is also something to consider. Snakes generally eat rodents. Understandably, this can be a problem for anyone who is a bit squeamish. Size is another thing to keep in mind. Some snakes get very, very large, and require quite sizeable enclosures.
Starting Out
If you’ve never had a snake before, start with one that is docile and easy to care for. Some good options are California King snakes, Milk snakes, Rosy Boas, and Gopher snakes. Keep in mind that every snake is different. Do some research before deciding, and ask your vet for specific advice.
Buying Responsibly
So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and get a snake. Great! It may be tempting to go to a reptile show. Unfortunately, not all of the dealers at these events are on the up and up. Some sell animals that have been unethically captured from the wild. This is bad for both the snake and its native environment. Wild-caught snakes are also more aggressive than captive bred ones, and generally don’t take well to being kept as pets. Go through a reputable breeder or pet store.
Helping Wild Snakes
Even if owning a snake isn’t really the right move for you, you may still be interested in helping wild ones. Snakes play an important role in many ecosystems, and are beneficial in controlling rodent populations. Consider making a donation to a wildlife organization. There are many great ones to choose from.
Please contact me, your Marion, IA vet, for your pet snake’s veterinary care needs. I’m always happy to help!
