When you buy a snake at a pet store, you should know what it’s going to eat. Most snakes are carnivores, meaning they eat meat, and you should provide them with frozen Arctic Mice to reduce the risk of disease and injury. Pinkie mice are safe for small snakes, but adult snakes prefer larger, meatier prey. However, you must remember to adjust the amount of mice for the size of your snake, since snakes eat a variety of sizes.
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Smaller snakes eat whole prey
Most people aren’t aware of the fact that smaller snakes are able to eat whole prey at home, and that’s a good thing. Snakes have a unique jaw, so they are able to swallow prey bigger than their heads. However, the digestion process can be slow for them, so large prey can result in regurgitation. For this reason, it’s best to avoid feeding your snake large prey, as it could result in an injury.
Medium-sized snakes prefer larger prey
When it comes to catching a meal, medium-sized snakes usually prefer prey of Type IV. This group of prey consists of larger animals with a high girth-to-mass ratio. Snakes from this group usually prefer lizards or birds, as these animals have larger body sizes. But snakes that are not so large as boas and pythons will also attack Type IV prey, if they happen to be nearby.
Larger snakes eat insects
Among the many benefits of larger snakes as pets at home is their natural appetite. They are opportunistic feeders that can open their mouths as much as 150 degrees to fit larger prey. While many snakes are happy eating insects or worms, others can even eat small mammals like rabbits, squirrels, and rats. While many types of snakes are able to survive in captivity, some are deadly and should not be kept as pets in homes.
Baby snakes are docile
While many people are hesitant to keep a snake as a pet, raising young ones does have its advantages. First of all, captive-born reptiles are typically healthier and more docile than wild ones. However, baby snakes are still fragile and you should take the necessary precautions to ensure that your new pet thrives. You should be aware of their physiology and the specific requirements of a snake tank.
Larger snakes are aggressive
Most snakes sold as pets are non-aggressive and easy to handle. However, some species can be dangerous if not handled carefully. Serious reptile collectors keep certain species. Larger snakes are more likely to be aggressive, but they are not usually sold at pet stores. Some snakes can be dangerous, including ball pythons, which may not eat for weeks or even months after stress.
Small snakes are tame
If you’re considering buying a small snake for pet purposes, there are a few things you need to know before you purchase one. Snakes are solitary creatures that enjoy the sun, burrow underground, climb trees, and travel long distances. As a pet snake, you’ll want to limit your snake handling to five minutes per day. Snakes also prefer consistency, so stick to the same feeding and watering schedule, and make sure you keep the tank clean and orderly.
Larger snakes are venomous
If you discover a snake in your yard, immediately take your pet to the vet for medical treatment. Depending on the size and severity of the bite, the vet may administer multiple vials of antivenom to the affected area. In some cases, he or she may also administer antibiotics and intravenous fluids to support the circulatory system. Pain medications and antibiotics may also be needed. The goal of treatment is to limit the amount of venom circulating in the area of the bite, and treat any other symptoms that accompany the bite. Depending on the type of snake, your veterinarian may also administer antivenom to the area, which binds the venom and decreases its effects. Antivenom works best if it is administered as soon as possible after the bite.
