Children And Snakes

If your local pet store always no doubt you have seen a snake or two for sale. Usually they are insecure, too expensive and not well maintained. What most of us went without a second glance, but the kids are different. You see a snake, and they want the snake. I speak from experience, were at some point "that" the child. Since then I have learned a lot of snakes in general, especially in regard to keeping them as pets.

A common denominator of children and snakes is that they rarely mix. At least not if you leave it in the care of the child. Coils (and most other reptiles) are entirely different from all other animals. Care needs are challenging, and there is very little margin for error in dealing with them. This does not mean that children can not have. Snakes as pets In fact, I encourage you, but there are some realities that you must consider.

1) you are a parent or legal guardian is likely to become the primary caretaker of the snake. It's not bad, but let's be honest. Children are impulsive and the snake, they have simple, or I'll die! "Yesterday's news is likely to happen before today. Not literally, but you get the idea. Be aware that when most kids promise to always take care of it ... also believe that if they like promise their food vegetables or homework. Their intentions are good, but that is the reality sets in.

2) Snakes are expensive. The first purchase for something like a python is relatively cheap ($ 40 - $ 100), but then you have everything.

a) Tank - These can easily run over $ 150.00, but if you are willing to take a little time to want to build your own from a plastic tub spend learning is about $ 8.00, you can

b) Basis - What are the things you need to thrive for the snake:

- Heating Pads - $ 35.00 depending on the size and where it is under the tank heater cost about $ 20. There is also a thermal ribbon Watt Flex is a bit cheaper, but more work.

- Skins: Just a place for the snake to "hide" anything. You can buy them at the pet store for a few dollars a piece or an old tub of butter, a hole can happen in the side of the tube and use. Not a big burden, but the little things add up.

- Combo hygrometer / thermometer: Do you want a one of them with digital sensors. You about $ 12 to $ 15 for an Accu-rite Wal-Mart. The cheap stick to the side of the types of tanks is not working. You remember what I exactly for the purpose of reproduction? This is an example. On low heat can cause respiratory infection, poor diet and stress. For low humidty can lead to poor and incomplete sheds. So you need to invest thermometer / hygrometer in a good configuration.

- Water bowl should be big enough snake will not tip over. When you buy at the pet store, it will cost more than worth it. About $ 15.00 (more or less)

- Substrate: A bag of cypress mulch costs about $ 10 to $ 20 A better option is to use old newspapers to the substrate. I never paid because I use old newspapers restaurants. Avoid bright and colorful prints, as these can be toxic to the snake.

- Thermostat: Here we come back to the reality of how difficult conditions have to be snakes. Temperatures are maintained. Specific levels This is where a thermostat to be clear, this is not the $ 20.00 wall mounting units can be obtained from

Wal-Mart. These are designed specifically for reptiles and they allow you to control the heat in the tank. Expect to pay them. Up to $ 100.00

- Power: obviously in keeping a heater 24/7 operation pillow, you have to do is to increase to a certain extent on the electricity bill.

- Food: You have to eat. Expect about $ 8 to $ 25 per month to spend on food queue. Much depends is dependent on the size of the snake, what to eat. Do not forget to travel to calculate food costs.

So now this snake, which costs $ 40.00 costs signficantly more. Before you even look through the door to another $ 200.00 in individual deliveries. Without forgetting. Ongoing maintenance costs on a daily basis, we do not consider what would happen if visit to the vet is necessary. Veterinarians specializing in reptiles have one thing in common with doctors who specialize in heart problems. Both cost more than the old "normal" fighters because of their specialization.

3) Children are rough. You can not leave a child. And a snake Some people will tell you that it is to protect the child, but 99.999999% of the cases the reason is to protect the boy. Pipe

4) Children are fast. Snakes do not fast. They feel threatened by him. They will try to get out and those who take on things that they feel threatened by. Having had my share of snake bites over the years, I can tell you that is always bitten by a snake for most adults will never forget. Imagine a child will be low because the snake felt like she had to defend herself.

All this is not for you to do to discourage a snake for your child. In fact, I encourage you to tell you that when they make wonderful pets. You only need to know that the snakes are not like an animal joint undertaking most people and they take the commitment and responsibility that most children have simply not. As a parent / guardian.