Things all beginners should know!

[vivi]

What do you think are some things that first time snake keepers should always know?

All I can say is... Get a thermostat!

[Bogertophis]

Snakes don't read the manuals, much less follow them!

[Bogertophis]

If you think your snake might be constipated, you need to do one of 2 things:
Clean their cage real well & put them back in...OR, put on a new silk shirt & hold them closely for a while. Either way, you'll "set them free"...

[Bogertophis]

Seriously, very few snakes identify you visually (like from inside their enclosure where they cannot smell you or feel your touch, only see you lurking outside).

So don't take it personally when they follow your motion as if wanting to eat your hand! They DON'T...they're just optimistically chasing the motion they hope is prey!

If instead, they show fear & hide, it's also not about you! And if you try to pick them up & they try to bite, it's because they're terrified! The only thing that picks up a
snake in nature is a predator about to eat them, so they are most defensive when we approach them & pick them up. Try to empathize: we are scary GIANTS to them,
but with our patience, most snakes learn to accept gentle handling & feel safe with us. And it's a really good feeling when they do...it's worth the wait.

No matter what species, they aren't all the same either...they each have their own personality, just like other pets, & just like us. Be patient & considerate.

[Spicey]

Do your research. And be prepared for anomalies.

[Luvyna]

1) Get a good thermostat
2) Have your enclosure set up, temps dialed in, humidity correct...etc before you bring your snake home.
3) Don't handle until the snake is eating consistently.
4) When getting a new snake used to handling, it can help to hold them close to your body or in your lap under a towel so they feel more secure.

[RickyNY]

How to search for answers to questions that have been asked over and over again.
I will seriously get an aneurysm if I see another thread started by a newbie with the title "my ball python is not eating".

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Do research before purchasing an animal do not make an impulse buy.

And if you experience issues be OPEN to change, it's not about you and what you want it's about YOUR animal.

[Toad37]

The expenses of keeping reptiles. I know "expensive" is a relative term but I never had a passionate hobby before this so I wasn't aware of just how costly things can be. Everything from higher end morphs, hard to find species, and equipment (racks, thermostats, cages, etc). And not to mention a vet bill should you encounter a need for a visit. Save some money and have an emergency fund!

[WrongPython]

Be patient and aware of the fact that you're making a multi-decade commitment.

If you do things right and your snake doesn't have any underlying issues (ie. cancer), your snake could be with you for several decades, potentially for the rest of your adult/working life. Many colubrids can live for 20 years. Pythons and boas can live even longer, potentially for 30-40 years (and I've heard a few cases of 50-year-old rosy boas). Ask yourself: are you really ready to take on an exotic animal that could live longer than many marriages?So, take a few months to do some research, find out what species fits in with your interest and your lifestyle, and decide if a reptile really is the pet for you. Is your desire for a reptile just another impulse or passing fancy? How does having a reptile fit in with your future life plans/goals? Can you provide for a reptile right now and in the foreseeable future?

If you decide you really want one and you find your best-fit species, take time setting up the enclosure, dialing it in, and letting things run to nail down the husbandry basics before bringing your reptile home. You should also take as long as you need to find a good breeder with healthy reptiles of the species/morph you really, really want -- if you're making a multi-decade commitment, don't settle for second-best! When you find the one, give your new reptile time to settle in and get used to their new home before messing around with them.

Yes, all the waiting can be frustrating, but patience and rationality really pay off in the long term. Far too many people burn out because they rushed into things and didn't know what they were really getting into. Take your time, do your research, and be honest with yourself -- in the long run, you'll be glad you did.