Reasons snakes make great pets

Dont know if this has been done before, or if this is the right area to post it in but here goes.

Explanation:
I was watching a video by Goherping (wanna link but unsure if its allowed?) where he discusses an article by the all famous PETA (yes i know opinions range from adoration to hatred and rage but thats not what this topic is about) where they mention different reasons why snakes are awful pets. In the video the host had the idea of making a video called 100 reasons snakes can make awesome pets and asked veiwers to comment whatever reasons they could come up with.

Amongst the comments there were lots of great suggestions but after reading about 10 lists you can tell they are the same 20 reasons repeated over and over in different wording.

This idea is brilliant but needs a bit of pushing to get it off the ground. I dont wanna claim/steal it, but everyones met someone whom they would like to be able to show that snakes can at the very least be ok pets and this could be a good place to come reference for good reasons to convince someone.


TL;DR Write as many amazing reasons as you can think of that make snakes great pets! Maybe specify the species to see if theres any patterns or differences between them all![emoji4] [emoji216]

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Maybe we could also touch on the occasional feeling of guilt for keeping them enclosed ????


I am a self confessed snake addict , currently with 20 and the 21st one coming on Monday ...... but every so often , every few months I suddenly feel a tad guilty ...


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well i guess sure why not, anyways that could also be its own topic with tips on ways to help the snakes feel less enclosed?

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Snakes are extremely low maintenance compared to other pets and are perfectly content and stress-free being by themselves. But, you can also interact with and hold many of them. Also, in a relatively small space you can set up a relatively natural setting to observe them in.

I think that snakes actually prefer to be enclosed. Every time I stressed out a snake it was because I kept it in an enclosure that was open. Since I got my ARS rack with grey tubs my snakes are 100% more comfortable, eat better, and are way less stressed. I think that's a human perspective, it's like being stressed out over earthworms being in the ground LOL.

I think probably the number one reason snakes make good pets is that they are super low maintenance. They can literally go for months without food and hardly lose any weight at all. Their food conversion rate is astounding, they almost convert all the food to energy and weight gain. Even on a regular feeding schedule they only need one rodent every week or so.

I also believe that most snakes like to be held, mainly because we act as a 'hot spot' that they can warm up to, especially since they are cold blooded.

The thing that blows me away is how many people are terrified of snakes and how most will prefer a dog over a snake. Dogs are super high maintenance, they are more work than all my animals. I can skip feeding my fish for days, I can load up the hay on my cows and they can go for days without needing anything. I can literally ignore my snakes for a week and they are perfectly fine. But a dog, forget about it. You need to feed them twice a day and take them out several times for a 'piddle' every single day LOL. The only animal that's more maintenance is a toddler LOL.

The other amazing thing about snakes is that they come in all sorts of sizes and colors.

And have you ever tried to kill a snake? You can put one in a box and dig a hole and bury it in the ground and dig it up months later and it will still be alive. You can try to gas it several times with CO2, enough that would kill any rodent, and it will come back to life. You almost have to decapitate them to kill them, they are probably the toughest pet you can own. I think that's why some call them the Gods LOL.

Also, I think they can be easily tamed. I used to catch wild grass snakes and after just a few minutes of handling they are just like family pets.

Hypoallergenic! :P

Keeping snakes doesn't inconvenience or bother the neighbors:
- They are quiet,
- They don't leave droppings on your neighbor's lawn or flower beds,
- They don't stink.

Snakes eat infrequently so you can leave them alone for a few days if you have to travel for work or when you go on vacation.

Snakes can be kept in a small space and they don't need lots of exercise or "a job" so they don't destroy the house.

Snakes don't suffer from separation anxiety.

Unlike keeping fish, if a snake enclosure cracks you won't end up with a dead snake and gallons of water all over the floor.

Unlike keeping rodents, if one escapes you don't have to worry about the snake gnawing on your wiring or plumbing.

A snake won't push you out of your bed at night or steal your covers like dogs and cats will.

Okay just a quick run down! As already touched on:

• Low maintenance (I'd like to stress, this is really great for people like myself with disablilties. I advocate snakes as the ultiate spoonies pet because of how little time, and physical and mental effort you have to dedicate to keep them happy, and they won't demand time and attention if you don't have it to give).
• Hypoallergenic

Add to that:

• Fascinating and unique
• Just plain beautiful
• Very inexpensive to set up, feed, and maintain (you don't have to get your snake yearly vaccinations, spayed or neutered, etc).
• Often gets bystanders/non-hobbyists interested in conservation and science when they meet a snake and make a connection (I do this with kids all the time) in a way normal domestic mammal pets do not
• There is scientific evidence that watching a snake slither has the same soothing effect as watching fish in an aquarium. (There's a name for the effect but I can't recall it and my google fu is being unhelpful atm).
• Something that might be specific to only a small subset of people, but having a snake slither over your hands is an amazing stim; again important for people who might need that sort of thing.
• and the most important imo is that, it brings you joy and satisfaction as a pet owner. That's all you really need tbh.

Low maintenance, hypo allergenic and quiet, long lifespan.

However even if you have a mile long list of good things on why a snake makes a great pet only education and debunking some myths will win non snake people over.

I forgot one! They give relaxing massages on the back of your neck - until they stick their tongue in your ear anyway.

For people who's minds always go a mile a minute (me), Snakes can be therapeutic.

When you watch them slithering slowly (depending on species of course), investigating things, watch and feel their movements, its almost hypnotizing.
It makes your mind slow down, focus. Your mind goes empty of worries, sadness or whatever is going on, and you just live in the moment of watching this gorgeous creature move about.

I used to have 2 normal Ball Pythons I would take to educational presentations with our reptile club. I noticed that some kids with special needs were fascinated by the snakes. Often the parents would mentioned that those kids get over stimulated by pets like dogs and cats, but liked to watch snakes quietly. The snakes held their focus for a long time. There was one girl that was just enamored with my Delilah. The entire time she was there with her parents, she just followed me around and wanted to pet Delilah.
I was kneeling down and let her pet her, and she ever so gently picked her up. I have to admit, I was a bit concerned. Not about Delilah, gosh that was THE chillest Ball Python on the planet. When carrying around I used to grab her head to kiss the top of it, and she never ever even flinched. Always ate well, no matter if I fed the day after such a presentation.
I was concerned the girl might not want to give her back or possibly get to rough. But no. For about 40 minutes she just sat there and watched Delilah explore around her hands and lap. With such a loving expression on her face. Her parents were amazed. They told me nothing holds her attention for that long. In the end she quietly and gently handed Delilah back over.

Of course there are many other reasons why snakes make great animals to keep. But most have already been discussed.

For me there is one more BIG reason. I have met some of the NICEST people when I entered the reptile community. Truly nice, caring people. Some of them I know from way back when I started. Of course there are a few bad apples, but for the most part, the reptile community is a awesome one, and one of the most knowledgeable and caring when it comes to their animals.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zina10

For people who's minds always go a mile a minute (me), Snakes can be therapeutic.

When you watch them slithering slowly (depending on species of course), investigating things, watch and feel their movements, its almost hypnotizing.
It makes your mind slow down, focus. Your mind goes empty of worries, sadness or whatever is going on, and you just live in the moment of watching this gorgeous creature move about.

I used to have 2 normal Ball Pythons I would take to educational presentations with our reptile club. I noticed that some kids with special needs were fascinated by the snakes. Often the parents would mentioned that those kids get over stimulated by pets like dogs and cats, but liked to watch snakes quietly. The snakes held their focus for a long time. There was one girl that was just enamored with my Delilah. The entire time she was there with her parents, she just followed me around and wanted to pet Delilah.
I was kneeling down and let her pet her, and she ever so gently picked her up. I have to admit, I was a bit concerned. Not about Delilah, gosh that was THE chillest Ball Python on the planet. When carrying around I used to grab her head to kiss the top of it, and she never ever even flinched. Always ate well, no matter if I fed the day after such a presentation.
I was concerned the girl might not want to give her back or possibly get to rough. But no. For about 40 minutes she just sat there and watched Delilah explore around her hands and lap. With such a loving expression on her face. Her parents were amazed. They told me nothing holds her attention for that long. In the end she quietly and gently handed Delilah back over.

Of course there are many other reasons why snakes make great animals to keep. But most have already been discussed.

For me there is one more BIG reason. I have met some of the NICEST people when I entered the reptile community. Truly nice, caring people. Some of them I know from way back when I started. Of course there are a few bad apples, but for the most part, the reptile community is a awesome one, and one of the most knowledgeable and caring when it comes to their animals.

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Great post . I agree so wholeheartedly about the observing /viewing part and that's surely a massive advantage of vivs ..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lizardlicks

Okay just a quick run down! As already touched on:

• Low maintenance (I'd like to stress, this is really great for people like myself with disablilties. I advocate snakes as the ultiate spoonies pet because of how little time, and physical and mental effort you have to dedicate to keep them happy, and they won't demand time and attention if you don't have it to give).

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That is the exact reason my daughter brought up ball pythons to me. I love pets, and we had 3 cats when my wife asked for a divorce. I was without a pet for the first time in quite some time, but I have CRPS and a facial paralysis that prevents me from opening my eyes. Having a dog or cat is just out of the question for me.

I have made some "eyelid crutches" that hook on to my glasses that can keep my eyes open for short periods of time. It would be long enough for me to take care of a snake, and even to handle them. The fact that I don't have to get up to take them out immediately is a big plus.

I don't have any snakes yet, but I'm doing my research and saving up to get 2, one for me and one for my daughter.

Pretty much what has already been said goes for me too. They are relaxing for me. I can sit and watch them for hours. Kinda like fish.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cchardwick

I think that snakes actually prefer to be enclosed. Every time I stressed out a snake it was because I kept it in an enclosure that was open. Since I got my ARS rack with grey tubs my snakes are 100% more comfortable, eat better, and are way less stressed. I think that's a human perspective, it's like being stressed out over earthworms being in the ground LOL.

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I laughed, this is so true LOL

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Zincubus

Maybe we could also touch on the occasional feeling of guilt for keeping them enclosed ????
I am a self confessed snake addict , currently with 20 and the 21st one coming on Monday ...... but every so often , every few months I suddenly feel a tad guilty ...

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About Zincubus' feeling of guilt keeping them enclosed... Then why keep them at all? Why do zoos exist to enclose ANY animal? This is bordering on PETA ideologies LOL.

Our pets circulate in a pet market, don't affect the wild population in any way, and can't survive in the wild due to their coloration even if you wanted to fly to Togo and release them out of guilt. Captive snakes live long healthy lives, eat consistent meals, have no fear of predators and no fear of harsh weather conditions. They're pampered, spoiled immortal reptiles. There's no need to feel guilty. :D I would only feel guilty if I were knowingly abusing them or not keeping them in proper conditions, like new owners with poor husbandry.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

I laughed, this is so true LOL



About Zincubus' feeling of guilt keeping them enclosed... Then why keep them at all? Why do zoos exist to enclose ANY animal? This is bordering on PETA ideologies LOL.

Our pets circulate in a pet market, don't affect the wild population in any way, and can't survive in the wild due to their coloration even if you wanted to fly to Togo and release them out of guilt. Captive snakes live long healthy lives, eat consistent meals, have no fear of predators and no fear of harsh weather conditions. They're pampered, spoiled immortal reptiles. There's no need to feel guilty. :D I would only feel guilty if I were knowingly abusing them or not keeping them in proper conditions, like new owners with poor husbandry.

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Well mine are indeed spoilt rotten but on occasion maybe 3 or 4 times a year I suddenly get a guilt feeling .... must be just me .


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1. Hypoallergenic
2. Pet snakes teach people not to be afraid/kill wild ones
3. Snakes live longer in captivity then in the wild (of course some argue freedom is more important than life span)
4. Snakes eat and breed easily in captivity so endangered species can be CB to preserve them
5. Unlike puppy mills, most snake breeders are ethical and care about their animals' lives
6. There is not a massive overpopulation of snakes, so they don't end up in shelters as much as dogs and cats
7. Snakes come in all different sizes, colors, etc, so everyone should be able to find one they like or are comfortable with
8. Many snakes are easy to care for and don't require a lot of time or space
9. Snakes are not incredibly intelligent, so they shouldn't get bored/depressed in captivity
10. Very few "pet" snakes are dangerous, and do much less damage than dogs, cats, horses, and other common pets.

Any of these points can be argued of course, and the PETA will never be happy until everyone follows their radical lifestyle. (So basically they will never be happy). ;)

I mean, both PETA and the HSUS want to end domestic pet ownership and animal/human cohabitation in its entirety so not even cats and dogs are safe... reptiles just make easier targets because the public in general is fearful/misinformed.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lizardlicks

I mean, both PETA and the HSUS want to end domestic pet ownership and animal/human cohabitation in its entirety so not even cats and dogs are safe... reptiles just make easier targets because the public in general is fearful/misinformed.

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This.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zina10

For people who's minds always go a mile a minute (me), Snakes can be therapeutic.

When you watch them slithering slowly (depending on species of course), investigating things, watch and feel their movements, its almost hypnotizing.
It makes your mind slow down, focus. Your mind goes empty of worries, sadness or whatever is going on, and you just live in the moment of watching this gorgeous creature move about.

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this is why i fell in love with snakes and also why i think they make great pets for people and kids (of a certain age) as well.

their maintenance is SO simple once you truly understand their needs.

the BEST reason imo: the way you interact with them is unlike any other pet; you just let them do their thing. you stay poised and focus on them entirely; i think this is such a unique experience, especially for someone like me who suffers from anxiety+depression.

i think kids (of a responsible age) benefit GREATLY from the interaction snakes provide: slow, calm and focused. i do not have kids, but i feel i'm not very far off with my thinking.

snakes are perfect for those people who feel overwhelmed in their daily life: where a dog or cat might be too much and they feel they can't provide for them, but they want the responsibility and interactivity a pet provides. this was actually my thinking when i decided to look into having a snake.

The massive variety of species, morphs - therefore the multitudinous options for housing, husbandry, feeding, temperament, size, handling, ease of acquiring them...makes snakes ideal pets. And the icing on the cake is the Herp community, which I have found to be very helpful and kind. Oh, add on owner age-range. My 12 year old second cousin cares for her rescued corn almost entirely on her own (parents oversee), including working odd jobs/chores to afford its needs. I'm 53 and been in the hobby appx 2 years. And I know an 82 year old man confined to a wheelchair who can still care for his beloved BP.

You can also choose to keep and breed species that are threatened and/or endangered in the wild, helping to ensure they don't go extinct.