Here are some snake pets for newbies:
- Corn Snake:
- Characteristics: Native to the United States, they are small in size, usually around 1 – 1.5 metres. Extremely colourful and patterned, with a variety of colour combinations such as red, orange, yellow, black and white, as well as striped, spotted and chevron pattern styles. Its character is docile, generally will not take the initiative to attack people, relatively timid, easy to be frightened, after appropriate care and familiar with the environment, can gradually adapt to human contact.
- Keeping Points: As for the keeping environment, it needs a keeping box of at least 30cm long, 20cm wide and 20cm high, in which branches and stones are placed for it to climb and hide, and good ventilation is maintained. Temperature is controlled at 25 – 30°C with the use of heating pads or heat lamps; relative humidity is at 40% – 60%, which is regulated by placing a water bowl or humidifier. Food is mainly mice. Young snakes are fed on newborn mice and gradually fed on larger mice as they grow up, 1 – 2 times per week.
- King Snake:
- Characteristics: a large family, commonly found in California Kingsnakes, Black Kingsnakes, and Brook Kingsnakes. Medium in size, at around 1.5 – 2 metres. King snakes are more robust in appearance, with thick bodies and larger heads. They are hardy and adaptable to the environment and are not picky about food.
- Keeping Points: Keeping box should be large enough to cater for their activities. The temperature is likewise kept at 25 – 30°C and humidity at 40% – 60%. For food, apart from mice, you can also feed lizards etc. But be careful not to mix other snakes as king snakes may devour their own kind.
- Milk Snake:
- Characteristics: It is one of the three major pet snakes, bred and raised entirely artificially, with a gentle character and low aggressiveness. Brightly coloured, usually consisting of black, white and red, there are numerous subspecies and variant varieties with high ornamental value.
- Keeping Points: Similar to corn snakes and king snakes in terms of environment and temperature and humidity requirements. Food is mainly small rodents, such as mice.
- Hog-nosed Snake:
- Characteristics: Small in size, with a pig snout-like head that is raised and highly recognisable in appearance. It has a docile character and basically won’t attack people, and its silly appearance is loved by many people. Its adaptability is also relatively strong, after a period of breeding, can have a certain interaction with the owner.
- Keeping Points: The keeping environment needs to be set up in a more comfortable way, providing enough space to hide. Food is mainly mice, and the right size of food should be chosen according to the size of the snake.
- White Striped Mallard Snake:
- Characteristics: a small swimming snake that is widely spread in China, highly adaptable and does not require high temperature. Relatively inexpensive and relatively easy to obtain. Its body colour will vary depending on the region, with darker colours in the north and lighter colours in the south.
- Feeding Points: Dairy mice can be fed, although newly emerged hatchlings may need to be dismembered to feed them. The rearing box should be kept dry and clean to provide a proper habitat.
It is important to note that before keeping snake pets, it is important to be aware of the relevant laws and regulations to ensure that the snakes you are keeping are species that are allowed to be kept legally. At the same time, it is important to make adequate preparations, including understanding the habits of snakes and preparing suitable breeding equipment and food.
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