It’s quite strange, but people in many parts of the world are opting for snake pets, these days. One of the most important reasons why snakes are very popular as pets today is because people love the adventure element that surrounds these reptiles, and people are tired of normal pets such as chameleons or hamsters. If you have kids at home, you should be very careful about choosing snakes, because a small mistake here could prove to be very dangerous for your loved ones. What is the best snake for a child? Read on to find out more about this.
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Best Snake for a Child
Though many snakes can be kept as pets, only a handful of them is considered safe for beginners and pets. In this article, we are going to talk about them, and by the end of reading this, you will have a clear answer in your head about the best snake for a child.
1. Corn Snake – Why is the best snake for a child?
When you research about the snakes that are compatible for beginners and children, you will find corn snakes topping the list. Why? They are very small and are very easy to handle and maintain. They come in different colors – the most common being red and yellow with black or red spots on their bodies. These snakes have excellent climbing abilities, and they are very active during the day.
When they are cared for properly, they can live for at least 20 years, which is quite good. These snakes are very good-natured, and they don’t bite or harm you if they are comfortable with the ambiance that you have put them in and satisfied with the types of food that you have been giving it.
These snakes shouldn’t be petted and pampered too much, especially when they have had their food. They usually eat a mouse once every few days, and they take a few more days to digest the meal that they have had. They don’t disturb you during the night, and they need very little care and attention from you. This is the biggest reason why the corn snake is the best snake for a child or a beginner.
2. Ball Python
You must be thinking that we are crazy to suggest a python as a pet for a child. Nevertheless, you read it right! The Ball Python may look like a dangerous pet, but it doesn’t require a lot of your time and maintenance. When it is taken care of properly, it doesn’t bite at all. It turns harmful only in rare instances when it feels threatened.
They are also called Royal Pythons, and they have very simple needs, which make it a good snake for a beginner. You can use simple newspapers and carpet materials to prepare the bedding for these pythons. They can live for 30 years; therefore, getting them requires a very long-term commitment from you.
You may get this pet because it is the best snake for a child, but don’t be surprised to see this snake live so long that it becomes a favorite toy for your grandchild too. Ensure that the temperature and lighting setting in the python’s housing is as per the recommendations of your veterinarian.
3. Rosy Boa
This is not a very famous snake, but it is a very docile yet gentle variety that is loved quite a lot by children and people who are new to reptiles. They grow up to 4 feet, and they live for at least 25 years when they are cared for properly.
The tanks of these snakes should be big enough for them to move around freely. They feed on mice for about 2 to 4 times a month, depending on their size. Your kid will love this snake because it comes in different colors.
4. Gopher Snake
In the list of the best snake for a child, the gopher snake would definitely be on top. The average length of this snake is just about 6 feet, and they are very reasonably priced.
You need to keep them in fresh water always because the chlorine content in the water can cause severe health ailments in them. Pink mice are the staple diet of the gopher snake, and they can settle down well in reasonable temperature settings of 70 to 80 degrees.
What to note before looking for the Best Snake for a Child
When you bring snakes as pets, you should exercise great caution. While this is true in all instances, it becomes even more important when you have kids at home. You should explain to them the importance of being safe without scaring them. Here are some points that you should remember when you plan to get home snakes for your kids.
Keep your child informed:
Get them snake-care related books, such as, The Book of Snakes: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species from around the World and educate them about the specific category of snake that you plan to get as a pet. Your kid should know about the snake’s behavior, its sleeping patterns, feeding patterns, etc. They should also be educated about the potential danger that the snake could cause if it is disturbed. When they have knowledge about the subject, your kids will be more confident than ever, around snakes.
Before choosing snake pets:
You have to check with a reptile expert about the best snakes that are suitable for you, especially if you are a beginner or if you have kids at home. The best snake for a child would be one that is not venomous. As we already explained in this article, corn snakes, king snakes, and ball pythons are perfect for you if you are new to handling snakes.
As a beginner, you will need snakes that are low-maintenance and non-venomous. So, you have to stay away from the dangerous and venomous varieties such as the Burmese Pythons, Tree Pythons, Boa Constrictors, Green Snakes and the like.
Conclusion:
When you buy safe snakes, you can involve your kids also in your snake-maintenance schedule. You can get them to feed the thawed mice to these snakes and teach them not to hold them immediately after they have their meals. Kids should be educated that these snakes take quite a long time to digest their foods; hence, handling them or petting them immediately after meals can cause serious digestive disorders in the snakes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the best pet snake for a child?
The best pet snake for a child is one that is non-venomous, docile, and easy to care for. Corn snakes, ball pythons, and king snakes are popular choices for children due to their gentle temperament, manageable size, and low maintenance requirements.
Hi, my name is Idammah, and I am a huge animal lover! I have always had a special place in my heart for pets, especially cats. I currently have a rescue cat named Simba, who has brought so much joy and love into my life. In my free time, you can find me playing with my cats or watching some animal documentaries. When not spending time with my cat, I enjoy writing about my experiences as a pet owner and sharing helpful tips and advice with other pet lovers. I hope to connect with other pet enthusiasts and share our love for animals through this blog.
