Snakes are fascinating, beautiful and surprisingly low-maintenance pets, but before you bring one home, there’s an important question to answer: are you prepared to keep frozen rats or mice next to the peas?
And that’s only the beginning.
“I’ve kept and bred snakes for nearly 30 years,” says Timothy Zedi, owner of Tim’s Reptiles. “Here are some of the most common questions I’ve been asked.”
From choosing the right species to budgeting for specialised equipment and committing to potentially decades of care, here’s what prospective snake owners need to consider.
What is the best pet snake for a beginner?
There are dozens of snake species available in South Africa, ranging from small corn snakes to massive pythons and venomous species.
For first-time owners, temperament and ease of care should be priorities.
“The best pet snakes for beginners should be easy to care for, tolerant of minor temperature fluctuations, and have a calm temperament. Fortunately, many species fit these requirements. Corn snakes, king snakes, milk snakes, rat snakes, and ball pythons are all good candidates for a first pet snake.”
Tim recommends avoiding species that become particularly large.
“New keepers should avoid snakes that grow too large, such as boa constrictors or reticulated pythons, as these can become difficult to handle as adults and often require enclosures larger than most homes can accommodate,” warns Tim. “Inexperienced keepers should also NEVER attempt to keep venomous snakes, as this should only be done by trained professionals.”
Size isn’t the only long-term consideration.
“Most live for at least 15 years, with some species exceeding double that,” he says. “The hatchling you buy today may require your care and attention for longer than a dog or cat would. A snake is therefore a long-term responsibility, and this should be carefully considered before committing to one.”
Do you know how to care for a pet snake?
Looking after a snake is very different from caring for a dog or cat.
“Caring for a snake correctly requires research and preparation before purchasing one,” Tim admits.
Snakes require specific housing, heating, humidity, feeding and handling to remain healthy, making preparation important before bringing one home.
“Reliable information regarding snake care is readily available online, in books and in magazines, making research straightforward,” he adds. “Once you have done your homework, you can go ahead and purchase your new scaly companion.”
How much does keeping a snake cost?
The price of the snake itself isn’t necessarily the biggest expense.
“When budgeting for your new snake, do not only account for the cost of the animal itself, but also for the terrarium, equipment, and ongoing expenses required to care for it correctly,” Tim explains.
A proper setup, including a terrarium, heating, lighting and décor, can cost significantly more than the snake.
Owners also need to budget for food, bedding changes, replacement basking lamps and increased electricity usage.
“Snakes rarely require veterinary care when kept correctly, but it is still important to budget for unexpected expenses. Do not purchase a pet snake if you cannot afford the ongoing costs involved in caring for it properly.”
Are you comfortable keeping rodents in your freezer?
This might be the deal-breaker.
If you want a snake, you need to be comfortable feeding it mice or rats.
Fortunately, that doesn’t mean feeding your snake live prey. Frozen rats or mice are ethically bred, humanely euthanised and sold in packs of five to 10.
But those rodents need to go somewhere.
“Snakes will not eat this amount at once, just as your dog would not eat an entire 8kg bag of dog food in a single sitting. This means you will have to store frozen mice or rats in your freezer.”
And that might require a household discussion before the snake arrives.
“If your significant other or your parents don’t like the idea of having rats sitting next to the frozen peas, you might need to reconsider getting a pet snake,” he says.
Is a pet snake right for you?
For the right owner, a snake offers a fascinating and long-term pet experience.
But low-maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance.
As Tim says: “They require specialised care. Choosing a snake as a pet is not a decision to take lightly, but for those willing to meet the challenge, it can be an extraordinary experience.”
So before choosing your new scaly companion, make sure you’re prepared for the enclosure, the heating, the years of commitment and, yes, those frozen rats next to the peas.
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