Things all beginners should know!

[Bogertophis]

Don't handle new snakes (ESPECIALLY young ones) until they're feeding regularly at normal intervals. They are not toys, they're living creatures with instincts & fear of us. Feeding is Job #1 and NOT "taming" it -because a snake that doesn't eat will eventually not survive, whether or not it's "tame".

And when you do finally get to handle your new pet, remember that the smaller they are, the faster their body heats up. We are about 97-99*, which is going to over-heat many slender or small snakes (like corn or king snakes) rapidly, while BPS will probably tolerate & may even enjoy our warmth longer...so just consider the needs of the size & species that you're living with when you do handle them. If they get restless, it just may be that they're over-heating in your hot little hands. And if you're in a warm room, or outside when it's sunny & warm, it can happen that much faster- snakes can die from excess heat (heat stroke) FYI.

We are OFTEN asked about bathing or soaking a snake to facilitate shedding or remove mites: PLEASE when doing this take the temperature of the water for SAFETY! You want it about 85*...which is going to feel too cool to us because our body temperature is much higher. If the water feels warm to you, it's TOO HOT for the snake! Many say their snake panics & immediately wants OUT of the water...it's likely too hot. The loss of traction will also cause them to panic so give them something to hang onto.