[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]1. Ask yourself why do you want a snake? They are really a wild animal you are trying to domesticate. Do you think they want to live in a confined space in a mostly unnatural environment? Reptiles have very different requirements to other pets, and is a privilege not right. There are regulations on a state-by-state basis, they you need to make yourself aware of.
2. Understand your snake. Choose a beginner snake. Different snakes, different conditions. You need to do a great deal of research to find what will suit you and your snake best.
3. Reptiles are not cuddly: They are beyond the cute and cuddly. They may tolerate the human touch at times but do not crave human contact and are not affectionate. So basically handling them is against their will. They are basically solitary, are not into crowds or loud noises. If you think showing your snake off in a social environment is the thing to do, think again. It is downright cruel!
[/vc_column_text][us_separator type=”invisible” size=”small”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]4. Risks: You may be bitten no matter how careful you are, and removing them without harm while attached to your body is difficult, without time and patience. Without adequate attention to hygiene, reptile keepers can put themselves and others at risk of infection to protozoa and bacteria including Salmonella which can make you very sick.
5. Costly: Licensing, veterinary needs, maintenance costs, specialised food and caging to name a few.
6. Right environment is crucial: You need to know the exact environment required for your type of snake. This varies greatly and the wrong choices can lead to harm, unhappiness and even the death of your snake.
[/vc_column_text][us_separator type=”invisible” size=”small”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][us_single_image image=”8727″ size=”full” align=”center”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]7. Commitment: Some snakes can live to 20 or 30 years. Are you ready to put in that level of commitment? You can’t just get sick and tired or bored of this situation as that can lead to neglect or worse.
Whenever you choose to have a pet and it doesn’t matter whether reptile, dog, cat or rat you need to ask yourself what is in it for the animal. How will their life be fulfilled? If you can’t answer that or don’t think you can accommodate them fully, then your answer is simple. You are not ready for the commitment of a pet.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]