Snakes

Snakes are a docile (usually) pet that is easy to look after and buying the correct equipment seldom cost more than �$144) (Including snake)which is cheap compaired to a dog. My dog, An English Mastiff costs �$576) But exactly how should you look aftr a 100 million year old wonder of nature?

A good snake to buy has many different qualitys. Copy this list to get he perfect buy.
@ Ask to see it feed. As gross as this sounds, if the snake refuses feed many expert tips are up to encourage but please check to other ones first.

@ ask to hold it. If its snappish, does this affect waiting childrens fingers? Make sure to take home a healthy natured snake.

@Whilst you are holding it, does it have "pepper" walking over its skin? If so, drop a deal and ask the shop to put it in a vetenary tank.This snake has mites and has been poorly treated.A healthy snake is a happy snake, so to speak. A mitey angry snake.

@Good instincts are a good thing to pack to a reptile store. To get a well treated snake, go to a small specialised store. most are entusists trying to get a good, well respcted stoer up and running,

Deposit on a good, healthy snake. Why? Because a good encloser must be warm and comfortable. setting it up before buying ensures the snake goes into a warm habitat. buy cocoa chips or beech chips, but sand is also good. newspaper can also be used, but dont we want authentisity in our snakes tanks? get a tank big enough for the snake. you can get them in pet stores, reptile shops, and aquatic centers. get advice from the keeper for tips on a good tank.

If you want your snake to be comfortable, get water dishes and a cave per side of the tank. Why? because you will also have to buy a heat pad if room temperature is below 25 degrees Centigrade. put a thermoniter on the hot side of the tank. make sure to put the water on the opposite side of pad. Once its set, buy the snake and bring it home. look below for a basic tank. Add pizzaz by adding fake decor like plants.

Dun Dun DDDUUUN! feeding. Snakes hunt birds, rodents and if needbe, othr snakes.this means you need to buy pet food for the animal. Routines- feed snake ever two weeks
What with? depends on the size. Yet again consult your pet shop keeper. put the mouse in hot, not boiling water until defrosted because the mice need to be frozen to stay fresh.

IMPORTANT NOTE- when feeding snakes, if you have two have an apropriate contaner for the other ; there are cases of two snakes latching onto mice and being unable to let go until the've eaten the other snake and NO, TAKE THE SNAKE OUT OF THE BLEACH!!! *Snake* dying hiss....

IMORTANT NOTE TWO- dont hadle snakes until 48 hours after feed. You dont want snake sick over you now?

While the snake tucks into a mouse, enmpty the soiled chips into the bin. use a reptile friendly disinfectant on the items and tank. Leave, wipe out and add chips and decor. What could be easier?

If you want to let you snake wriggle on the floor(under supervision) make sure you hoover best you can. it may keep your snake from mites.

Shedding is when the snake gets rid of skin. Unlike humans, it doesn't happen in little puffs, more like a big piece.

Is it almost time for it to shed?
see pics below. In general, should be cloudy. This will clear, then it will shed.

Do's
DO wash your hands as snakes harbour salmonella causing an ilness of the same name.
DO be extra careful

DONT press your fingers at the base of the neck. This annoys and potentially angethe snake.
DONT pull the snake back if it goes up your top. Let it go till you can ease it forwards. Pulling the snake back could loosen scales and make them loose them. Ouch.

If these rules are followed, theres no reason why any problems should occur. If it does happen, email me at kirstyhowe11@hotmail.com bye!