| Some people think of snakes as uniformly dangerous, | | | | are a nuisance and can make your snake |
| while others think of them as exotic, interesting pets. | | | | uncomfortable or unhealthy. You may need the help |
| While not all snakes are dangerous, you should | | | | of your veterinarian in order to protect your snake |
| consider carefully whether you can really handle | | | | from mite infestation, which means more time and |
| having one as a pet. Here are some facts about | | | | money spent taking care of the snake. |
| snakes to help you make your decision. | | | | Do these facts mean you should not purchase a |
| FACT 1: Snakes are not easy to care for. Snakes | | | | snake? Not necessarily. It depends upon whether you |
| need a reptile cage heated by a thermostat and | | | | have the time and money to purchase snake |
| ultraviolet lamps. They are cold-blooded animals, so | | | | supplies, the stomach to feed the snake what it |
| temperature control is extremely important for their | | | | needs, and the dedication to take care of it properly |
| health. In addition to their environmental needs, they | | | | should it become sick or uncomfortable. As with any |
| will have to be fed regularly using a hemostat. Finally, | | | | pet, snake ownership is a large responsibility, and it is |
| snakes can be large or aggressive, so you will need | | | | not fair to the snake to bring it into your home if |
| to use a snake hook to move them when you clean | | | | you are not willing to meet these responsibilities. |
| out their cage. These snake supplies may be | | | | If, however, the idea of having an exotic pet appeals |
| expensive, especially food, so think carefully about | | | | to you, you have the resources to make sure the |
| whether you can afford to take proper care of a | | | | snake is well cared for, and you believe you could |
| snake. | | | | love a snake even though it will not return your |
| FACT 2: Snakes are 100% carnivorous. They do not | | | | affections, there is no reason you should not |
| eat anything other than small animals. You will either | | | | purchase one. Different breeds have somewhat |
| have to feed them live mice, fish, and insects or buy | | | | different needs, so make sure to do your research |
| frozen varieties of these animals for them. If the idea | | | | before adopting a particular type of snake. Above all, |
| of feeding one live animal to another bothers you, | | | | don't forget to enjoy your snake as you take care |
| then snake ownership is not for you. | | | | of him. |
| FACT 3: Snakes are prone to mites. These vermin | | | | |