3 Best Species of Snakes for Pets - Triple Moons Exotic

Making the decision to get a pet snake is only half of the equation. The next, and probably most important, thing to consider is what type of snake would be the best fit. You want to be sure to select a snake that has the characteristics and typical behavior that is best aligned with your lifestyle and the dynamics of your home. You also want to be sure to choose a snake that you will be capable of caring for and whose needs you will be able to sufficiently meet. With so many different species to choose from, this step can be challenging. That being said, here are what we consider to be the 3 best species of snakes to keep as pets, and why.

There are four criteria to consider when determining what type of snake would make the best household pet. This criterion is as follows:

• Average Size as an Adult ? For a snake to remain healthy in captivity, it should ideally be able to stretch itself out to at least two-thirds of its body length. This means that if the snake you choose has an average adult size of 6 feet, its cage must be at least 4 feet long. This is something that?s important to consider since most people have a limited space in their homes to dedicate to their pet snake.
• Behavior/Temperament ? The ideal pet snake, at least in terms of everyday consumers, would be a species that is easy to tame and is reluctant to bite.
• Diet/Feeding Habits ? Regardless of the species of snake you choose, you?re inevitably going to have to handle rodents. The question then becomes whether your snake will be satisfied consuming frozen/thawed rodents, which would allow you to buy in bulk, or if they would prefer fresh rodents, which could present slightly more of a hassle.
• Hardiness/Health in Captivity ? Not every species of snake does well in captivity. The snakes that make the best pets are those that thrive in captivity, provided that their basic needs are met (i.e. temperature, fresh water, adequate diet and a clean cage).

Based on these four important factors, we?ve narrowed down the list of potential pet snakes to the following three species (shown in alphabetical order):

Ball Python

These snakes make great pets because they are generally docile and reluctant to bite. They also rarely grow past an adult length of about five and half feet, and they tend to do well in captivity. In fact, Ball Pythons can live up to 25 years or more in captivity provided their basic needs are met. Of course, this lengthy lifespan is something that should be kept in mind before choosing a Ball Python as a pet. Additionally, Ball Pythons can be a bit finicky when it comes to their eating habits, making them slightly more challenging than some other species. For instance, some will be more than satisfied with frozen/thawed rodents, while others prefer only live. For those on the latter list, that means more frequent trips to the pet store.

Cornsnake

These hardy snakes are among the top in terms of ideal pets because they meet all of the criteria presented above. They typically average around five to six feet in length, have excellent temperaments and can easily be tamed and handled, they generally accept frozen/thawed rodents, and they have the potential to live long and healthy lives in captivity if they are well cared for and their basic needs are consistently met. Cornsnakes also come in a wide variety of colors, providing a nice selection for potential owners. Of all the snake species, cornsnakes make excellent pets, particularly for a first time owner.

Western Hognose

Last but not least, the Western Hognose snake is also among the most popular and ideal species of snakes to keep as a pet. They are relatively small in size, have very calm, docile temperaments making them super easy to tame and handle, and they are relatively easy to care for in captivity. Western Hognose snakes also generally accept frozen/thawed rodents for food, which can make it easier because you can purchase them in bulk, saving both time and money. Assuming you provide the proper care and attention to your Western Hognose, you will find yourself a wonderful reptile companion in this snake species.

With so many different types of snakes in the world, it can be difficult narrowing down the list and figuring out which species would be the best fit. While there are plenty of factors that go into making this decision, by considering the important criteria listed above, you will be better prepared to choose a snake that will best suit you and your household. These three snakes ? the Cornsnake, the Ball Python and the Western Hognose ? all meet the appropriate criteria and therefore top the list for the best species of snakes for pets.

Source: http://triplemoonsexotic.com/2012/08/03/3-best-species-of-snakes-for-pets/

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