Choosing an animal to serve as your trusty friend and companion is a big decision. They’ll be by your side for decades and may even see you into old age. Reptiles have become an increasingly popular choice for animal lovers who want a pet that’s off the beaten path. Snakes, in particular, tend to catch the eye of exotic pet beginners. Why should you choose an exotic pet snake as your choice? In addition to having major “cool” factor, snakes are a radical departure from the standard cat or dog experience that most of us are accustomed to. They are much lower maintenance, a lot more wallet-friendly, and much easier to fit into one’s lifestyle. Owning a snake is a unique experience that can safely allow you to peek into the fascinating world of reptiles.
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The Benefits Of Owning An Exotic Pet Snake
The idea of an “exotic” pet might sound intimidating at first, but alternative pets can be much easier to care for than that of your traditional ones. The beauty of owning snakes is one, they are beautiful, and two, they’re quite low maintenance.
Save Time (and Money) Keeping Them Fed
One of the main chores of pet ownership is feeding. Snakes eat infrequently, with adults usually only doing so every 10-14 days. Going on vacation? No need to hire a sitter. Snakes are a perfect pet for the frequent traveler. Another perk is that this helps keep their food costs low, something your bank account is sure to appreciate.
Quiet & Peaceful
If you were a snake owner, your neighbors would never know it. Snakes are virtually silent are ideal for people in situations that don’t allow for a traditional animal such as living in a place with paper-thin walls, caring for an infant, or perhaps someone who works from home and needs a quiet environment to maintain focus and productivity.
Easy To Fit Into Any Lifestyle
Snakes don’t need to be entertained and they don’t need changes of scenery. They’re far more independent and don’t require social interaction for their well-being. These features allow them to fit seamlessly into your current routine and promise minimal disruption. Snakes will happily spend the majority of their lives in their tanks, perfectly content to stay contained within the safety of its walls. Just be sure to include some nice branches for climbing, rocks for basking, a few spots where they can hide.
What Is It Like Having A Pet Snake?
The emotional bond between a reptile and its owner is different from that of a cat or dog but is no less fulfilling. Snakes have more primitive brains than mammals or birds, which gives them a limited capacity to love, feel affection, and even recognize their owners. So don’t expect them to come when you call or to leap up in excitement when you enter the room. It’s not that your snake doesn’t like you, it’s just that they don’t have the capability of those feelings in the first place.
However, that’s not to say that snakes are unfriendly, or unfeeling. The signs that your snake likes you can be subtle, but over time you will certainly come to know the individual personality of your pet and all its quirks–including the ones that show your snake is happy and content. When you first get your snake, they’ll be more like beautiful pieces of living art. As your relationship grows, you may very well find that they perk up when you come around, or even seem eager to be picked up.
The Best Exotic Pet Snakes For Beginners
If you’re curious about dipping your toes in the metaphorical exotic pet waters, these three beginner-friendly snakes are the perfect place to start. All three of these are a great size, averaging between 4 and 6 feet in length, have a wonderful temperament, and easy care requirements.
#1 Ball Pythons
The most popular pet snake option, ball pythons truly feel exotic. Native to sub-Saharan Africa, these snakes look like miniature versions of the snakes seen in movies. As one of the smallest species in the python family, ball pythons have all of the defining characteristics, but their smaller size means a much more timid personality. As such, they’re docile and non-aggressive and get along well with humans.
The icing on the cake, however, is that ball pythons have thousands of morphs. Morphs are variations in color or pattern that differ from what’s normally found in the wild. Ball pythons have the most variety of all the pet snake options and the customizability of their appearance is a fun component that has made these snakes popular among both beginners and experienced snake owners.
#2 Cornsnakes
Corn snakes are perhaps the easiest of all beginner snakes to own. Native to the United States, they are widely available and quite affordable. They are very adaptable to their environment, and thus are much more forgiving of a newbie snake owner making a few mistakes. Additionally, their small size and slender frame make them one of the easiest snakes to manage. Pair this with their incredibly calm demeanor and they’re a great pet option for families with small children.
#3 Kingsnakes
This broad snake species has a number of beautiful sub-species within it. This allows for its owners to choose from a wide variety of appearances, but still getting a snake with a good temperament and manageability. Kingsnakes are known to have a bit more sass to them but are still quite safe. Beginners looking for a challenge will find that with a little time and patience will turn this beautiful species into a tame and well-mannered pet.
Where To Find Snakes For Sale
The growing popularity of snakes and reptiles, in general, has expanded tremendously. As the exotic pet industry has exploded its way into the mainstream, finding lizards, turtles, tortoises, and snakes for sale has never been easier. Specialty online reptile pet shops like XYZReptiles offer the hottest and most popular snake species and morphs. Additionally, they carry all the equipment you’ll need to house your new slithery friend, from the tank itself to substrate, hiding boxes, and warming bulbs. Discover how incredible exotic pets are first-hand!
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