Children And Snakes

Children And Snakes

If you've ever been to your local pet store then no doubt you've seen a snake or two for sale. Usually they are unhealthy, overly expensive, and not well cared for. Which would design most of us trip away without a second search for, but kids are different. They sight a snake and they want the snake. I relate from experience having at one time been "that" kid. Since then I've learned a ample deal about snakes in general, especially relating to keeping them as pets.

One popular denominator of children and snakes is that they rarely do well together. At least not if you leave the snake in the care of the child. Snakes (and most other reptiles) are entirely unlike any other animal. Their care requirements are exacting, and there's very itsy-bitsy margin of error when dealing with them. This isn't to say that children can't have snakes as pets. In fact I highly back it, but there are some realities you should reflect.

1) You as the parent or guardian will likely become the vital caretaker of the snake. Which isn't at all poor, but let's face it. Kids are impulsive and the snake they objective have to have or "I'll die!!!" probably will be yesterdays news before today is done. Not literally, but you net the belief. fair be aware that when most kids promise to always select care of it... well assume that unbiased like when they promise to eat their vegetables, or do their homework. Their intentions are stout but then the reality sets in.

2) Snakes are expensive. The initial occupy for something like a Ball Python will be relatively cheap (around $40-$100) but then you have everything else.

a) Tank - These can easily hasten over $150.00 but if you're willing to expend some time learning you can originate your have from a plastic Tub for about $8.00

b) Essentials - These are the things you must have for the snake to prosper:

- Heating Pads: Under the tank heater will cost about $20-$35.00 depending on size and where you earn it. There is also FlexWatt heat tape which is a exiguous less expensive, but more labor intensive.

- Hides: fair a dwelling for the snake to "cover" from everything. You can hold them at the pet store for a few dollars each or pick an obsolete butter tub, lop a hole in the side the snake can fit through and consume that. Not a gargantuan expense but the tiny things add up.

- Thermometer/Hygrometer combo: You want a digital one of these with probes. Those will speed you around $12 to $15 for an Accu-rite from Wal-Mart. The cheap stick on the side of the tank types do NOT work. Remember I said before their husbandry requirements are staunch? This is an example. To vulgar heat can lead to respiratory infection, terrible eating, and stress. To shameful humidty can lead to terrible and incomplete sheds. So you will need to invest in a obliging thermometer/hygrometer setup.

- Water bowl: Needs to be enormous enough the snake won't tip it over. If you acquire at the pet store it'll cost you more than it is worth. Around $15.00 (give or occupy)

- Substrate: A bag of cypress mulch will cost about $10 to $20. A better option is to consume used newspapers for the substrate. I never pay for it because I secure passe newspapers from restaurants. Avoid glossy and colored prints as these can be toxic to the snake.

- Thermostat: Here we arrive wait on to the reality of how exacting conditions must be for snakes. The temperatures need to be maintained at very steady levels. That is where a thermostat comes in. To be determined these aren't the $20.00 wall mount units you net from Wal-Mart. These are specially made for reptiles and they allow you to control your under the tank heaters. seek information from to pay upwards of $100.00 for one of these.

- Electricity: Obviously keeping a heating pad running 24/7 which you will have to do will increase your electric bill to some extent.

- Food: They need to eat. inquire of to use about $8 to $25 per month on food per snake. A lot will depend on how mountainous the snake is as to what it should be eating. Don't forget to calculate go into the food expense.

So now that snake that cost $40.00 is costing signficantly more. Before you even gain out the door you're looking at another $200.00 in supplies alone. Not to mention the ongoing cost of upkeep on a daily basis. We didn't even reflect what would happen if stir to the vet became significant. Vets that specialize in reptiles have one thing in current with doctors who specialize in heart issues. They both charge significantly more than "regular" vets because of their specialization.

3) Kids are rough. You can't leave a child and a snake alone. Some people will utter you it is to protect the kid, but in 99.999999% of all cases the reason is to protect the snake from the kid.

4) Kids are hastily. Snakes don't like swiftly. They feel threatened by it. They'll try to gain away and barring that lash out at things they feel threatened by. Having experienced my fraction of snake bites over the years I can assure you that getting bit by a snake is something most adults will never forget. Imagine a kid getting bit because the snake felt like it had to defend itself.

All of this is not to discourage you from getting a snake for your kid. In fact I highly back you doing fair that as they design improbable pets. You as the parent/guardian impartial need to be aware that snakes are unlike any approved pet most people have and they select dedication and responsibility that MOST children simply do not have.