Helpful Tips To Follow When Purchasing Your New Pet Snake
I am often approached by people wanting to know why their new pet snake is losing condition, or has died often within weeks of purchasing the animal.
Believe it or not, this happens far too often.
By following simple guidelines and doing some research you can greatly reduce the risk of this happening to you and your new pet.
Do Your Research
Once you have set your sights on your new pet snake it is important to get as much information about the animal as possible.
* Obtain care-sheets or even better, a handbook on your chosen species. These offer a wealth of invaluable information. Most handbooks will cover everything from general information such as caging requirements, heating, and feeding to more specific information such as breeding, diseases, disorders, and behaviour. By familiarising yourself with all aspect of your species you will be better equipped to deal with any eventuality.
* Obtain your snake's history. You have every right to it.
Questions you should ask are:
Was the snake bred in captivity, or was it wild caught? Wild caught snakes are more prone to losing condition and are more finnicky to begin with. Stay away from wild caught specimens.
Who was the previous owner (if applicable)? If possible get a contact number.
What does the snake eat? In other words does the snake eat live, stunned, dead, or thawed frozen prey? Some snakes do have preferences. I have a burmese python that will only eat white rats and nothing else.
When last did the snake shed, and more importantly was it a complete shed or in pieces? A complete shed is usually a sign of a healthy snake.
Purchase your new pet snake from a reputable breeder or pet shop
Consider this as the "ace" up your sleeve. Most pet shops and breeders rely heavily on reputation, and more importantly return customers. Any negative publicity could damage their business. Remember you are the customer.
Insist on a receipt of your purchase, should the proverbial "doo-doo" hit the fan then you have a bargaining chip.
If you are unsure about the health of the snake, then don't buy it. Instead, request a two day "grace period" from your supplier in order to have the animal examined by your veterinarian. Most reputable breeders and pet shops will have no objections to this. If they do object, take your business elsewhere!
The reason for this, is that unfortunately there are "shady" characters that have brought the industry into disrepute.
Should your new pet snake die within the first few weeks of purchase then I strongly recommend having an autopsy done. This will give you an indication as to the cause of death and whether you are responsible or not. If not, then return to the supplier with the diagnosis and demand a refund, or a new snake.
If you are buying a non-venomous snake it is important to handle the snake prior to purchasing the animal. This will give you insight into the nature and temperament of that particular specimen. The last thing you need is a snake that wants to rip out your jugular everytime you walk past the enclosure.
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Bringing your new pet snake home
By now you have done your research and hopefully are excited with your new pet snake.
The first week or two is usually the hardest for any new pet snake owner. You will be tempted to interact with your new pet which may affect the health of your animal.
* Do not try to feed your animal within the first week. Snakes are easily stressed, and need at least a week to settle into their new environment. They need to explore and feel comfortable within their new surroundings.
* It is extremely important to provide your snake with a "hide". This will help them settle down a lot quicker. This may be frustrating, but your snakes health will depend on it.
* Refrain from handling your new pet snake too often within the first week or two. Once again this will allow your snake to settle down in its new environment.
* Do not handle your snake after feeding. Allow at least two days after feeding before handling the animal. This will help to ensure that your snake will not regurgitate its food.
* Ensure that it has clean water and a heat source.
* Keep the enclosure clean at all times. Remove shed skin and feaces as they appear.
* Never feed your snake in its enclosure. This is a trick which I have learnt that has proved invaluable. If you don't want to illicit a feeding response everytime you open the enclosure then I strongly suggest using this system. I remove all my snakes and place them in separate containers prior to feeding. I have found that by doing this the snakes are more relaxed when I open their enclosure.
* Get into a routine. Never grab a snake with your bare hands when removing them from their enclosure. Use a small hook stick to firstly lift the animal and then gently transfer it to your hands. Ideally you should never feed your snakes by hand. Always use tweezers or a grabstick.
* Do not overfeed your animal, nor use oversized prey items. Feeding once every two weeks is sufficient.
Following the above tips and guidelines should ensure a lasting and rewarding relationship with your new pet snake. It is important to note that these are simple guidelines (based on my opinions and experience), and there are always exceptions to the rule. Use your judgement and common sense at all times.
...And remember, when in doubt, ask someone...
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