Snakes are fierce animals known for containing deadly venom, and there are many different species of snakes in their sizes, weights, and shapes, which differ in their attacks and ferocity. They are carnivorous reptiles, and although they are fierce, many people like to raise and tame them in homes or in designated areas, by providing them with the appropriate environment and food, thus avoiding worrying about them, so they become a pet for them. There are types of non-venomous snakes that are preferred by breeders.
Raising pet snakes requires sufficient knowledge of proper care and health care methods, providing the appropriate environment, appropriate food, and how to deal with them to avoid any harm from them. Here is this comprehensive guide from teketrek، with all the information on how to care for pet snakes without being exposed to any harm.
Preparing the appropriate environment for snakes
Before starting to raise snakes, a suitable environment must be prepared for them according to their needs, as there are many snakes that adapt to the desert environment, as they need sand, and there are other types that love green spaces, as there are water snakes that love to live in water, so it is important to provide a suitable basin for the snake according to its adaptation in nature, and the size of the basin must be appropriate for the size of the snake, so it is not small for it, and sand, small trees or water must be placed according to the type of snake.
The temperature of the place where the snake is located must also be taken into account, as there are snakes that prefer high temperatures, others that prefer warm temperatures, and other types that adapt to humidity levels, so the temperature must be prepared according to the adaptation of the type of snake.
Lighting also plays a major role in raising snakes well. Suitable lighting must be provided for the snake, as many snakes do not prefer high lighting and are disturbed by it. They rely mainly on their sense of smell to get their food. Many of them prefer to go out at night to avoid daylight, so these points must be taken into account when raising snakes and knowing what the snake needs in terms of appropriate lighting.
Choosing the right snake
God created many and varied species of snakes, all of which are important in achieving ecological balance. They all differ in size, color, shape, and degree of toxicity. So, if you are a beginner and want to raise a snake, you must first, before starting to think about raising a snake, choose a tame snake that is not harmful to you and your family, to avoid any damage that may lead to death. There are about 85% of non-venomous snakes, and they can be considered tame and adapt to the home environment or care areas, as follows:
- The green snake is one of the non-venomous snakes and does not pose any harm to humans. It is characterized by its bright green color, which helps it hide from predators. This type can adapt to many habitats, as it feeds on spiders and insects that it reaches through its senses. There are two types of it: the rough green snake and the soft green snake. The milk snake is non-venomous and non-aggressive and is characterized by its skin that contains colored stripes. It is a carnivore and feeds on small animals such as earthworms, mollusks, insects, and cockroaches. It can be raised at home as it does not cause any harm.
- The bull snake is characterized by its light brown skin with dark spots. It is a non-venomous snake or is characterized by its large size, reaching 182 cm in length. It feeds on rodents and can be raised without worry.
- The rat snake is a non-venomous snake that feeds on rats. It varies in size from medium to large. There are types of it such as the yellow rat snake, the eastern rat snake, and the Texas-colored snake. There is no harm in raising it at home.
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Nutrition: What does a snake eat?
Snakes are carnivores, and each type of them prefers a specific type of food, as many of them eat insects, worms, and parasites. They are small snakes, and there are snakes that prefer to eat rodents such as mice, reptiles, and frogs, and their size is medium. There are also large and huge snakes that can eat gazelles, large prey.
The number of times you feed your snake depends on the age, size, and level of activity of the snake. Young snakes eat twice a week, while larger, mature snakes can adapt to eating once a week or two. Female snakes that are borrowed from the breeding season can be fed more frequently to ensure that they are fully fed.
Please be careful not to feed your snake live prey as it can harm them. Snakes should be trained to eat dead prey as the prey can be offered to the snake thawed, frozen, or freshly killed. The snake will also learn how often it needs to be fed through its interaction with the food that is thrown to it.
Be careful not to place live prey next to the snake if it is not hungry as it may attack it and cause it a lot of serious injury if it is full because it will not approach it or eat it if it does not need food.
As for water, fresh, clean water should be provided to it continuously by placing it in a heavy container so that it does not spill it. Placing water in the basin helps maintain the snake’s moisture and helps it get rid of its skin properly. A large container of water should be placed as some snakes prefer to stay in the water.
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How to deal with a snake
Although non-venomous snakes are tame and harmless, care must be taken when dealing with it because it is aggressive and fierce and feels anxious and in danger towards anyone who touches it like this. The correct way to carry a snake is by holding its tail and placing the other hand at its head to avoid biting that may occur if it feels in danger. Care must be taken not to press it hard so that the muscles do not wrap around the hand taking an attacking position
Common health problems
It should be noted that Snakes continue to be kept and whether they need treatment or not due to illness, and it is necessary to ensure that they are in good health and have good food. The snake can be protected from diseases by protecting it from unhealthy prey that transmits harmful bacteria and parasites to it, so it is useful to feed snakes freshly dead prey instead of live ones.
Snakes usually do not need supplements, vitamins or vaccinations if they are exposed to any disease, and if they appear to be exposed to bacteria and do not want to eat, a veterinarian should be consulted to take the necessary measures.
In the end, it can be said that raising snakes is not a dangerous matter, and raising them is easy for those who love to raise them, but some important tips must be followed that will help in raising them, as it is necessary to choose a type of snake that is not poisonous and harmful, and it is necessary to prepare a tank for the snake that is suitable for its nature, and it is necessary to take into account the type of food it eats and the number of times, while providing a large bowl of clean water constantly, and care must be taken when dealing with the snake to avoid any harm, and may you be well.
