I'm a first timer.

[June2013]

I'm new here and I've never had any reptiles in my life than furry companions such as dogs and cat. I, recently, have received interest in snakes. I have tons of questions and before I decide on what snake to get, or even know if I truly want one, I want to know a few things...

>>How long do I hold my snake?
I know I should I do it on a weekly basis, but I don't know know how long. Some say that it depends on the snake, but what's a good estimate?

>>Do I buy rats at a pet store and kill it?
I'm completely dumbfounded as to how I'm supposed to feed a snake. I know what it should be eating, but the execution of the meal in question is one of my biggest concerns. Should I buy live rodents and kill it myself, or do I buy already killed mice?

>>Why can't snakes eat live mice?
Will it turn on their instincts or is it merely because it doesn't have enough space to catch one in it's enclosure?

[toddnbecka]

How long to hold your snake depends on how tolerant it is of being handled. Depends on the species, and even then some individuals are different from others. Some baby snakes are nippy but settle down as they grow, some are docile or even almost friendly. I had a red tail boa many years ago that would wrap around my neck and stay there as long as I'd let her. Rat or garter snakes are typically more active, even restless, and move around more.

If you buy a snake that's already established (rather than a baby only days or weeks old) chances are it's already been switched to frozen/thawed rodents. Always ask what the snake is eating if you don't want to worry about switching its diet.

Snakes can eat live mice, but unless the mouse (or rat) is still nursing there's a chance it could harm the snake. Aside from the possible risk to your pet, it's much more convenient to keep frozen food than to depend on finding suitable size live feeders or raising your own.

[June2013]

Originally Posted by toddnbecka

How long to hold your snake depends on how tolerant it is of being handled. Depends on the species, and even then some individuals are different from others. Some baby snakes are nippy but settle down as they grow, some are docile or even almost friendly. I had a red tail boa many years ago that would wrap around my neck and stay there as long as I'd let her. Rat or garter snakes are typically more active, even restless, and move around more.

If you buy a snake that's already established (rather than a baby only days or weeks old) chances are it's already been switched to frozen/thawed rodents. Always ask what the snake is eating if you don't want to worry about switching its diet.

Snakes can eat live mice, but unless the mouse (or rat) is still nursing there's a chance it could harm the snake. Aside from the possible risk to your pet, it's much more convenient to keep frozen food than to depend on finding suitable size live feeders or raising your own.

Are older snakes easier to handle compared to baby snakes? I've never had much experience with snakes other than a couple at the zoo -- haha. But are they, or are they like dogs, where age doesn't really matter?

[Tsubaki]

You do not háve to hold a snake at all besides an occasional check-up or to move the animal, more handling than that is only for your own pleasure. There are species that tolerate handling more than others, and there are some that do not like to be handled at all. What toddnbecka said is right, its easiest and safest to buy frozen prey animals.

[EL Ziggy]

I agree with the others. You don't have to handle a snake all that much. They don't necessarily like being handled but some tolerate handling better than others. I generally handle my snakes once or thrice a week for about 10-15 minutes at a time. I don't handle them during the shed process or 2 days after they've eaten. I also think it's best to feed f/t prey if at all possible. Many captive bred animals are started on f/t so that shouldn't be an issue. Best wishes and please keep us posted.

[minhnq2911]

I also got my first snake and feed them with clones
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxTqS4LjjXY

[June2013]

And are they friendly with other species such as dogs or cats?

[Cmwells90]

Originally Posted by June2013

And are they friendly with other species such as dogs or cats?

I would be careful letting the snake, of any size or age, around house pets, they may confuse them for food, or the dog/cat may assult the snake and you'll end up with 2 angry animals on your hands and probably get caught in the middle (this is worst case senerio of course). Babies are, in my opinion, harder than adults. They've calmed down quite a bit and you can tell if they have a more aggresive nature, plus you'll have history so you can see it's feeding habits and sheds. But I always get younger snakes because I love to be there as they change from timid babies to brave fiesty adults!

[LiL Zap]

Originally Posted by June2013

And are they friendly with other species such as dogs or cats?

Snakes are solitary animals. They will tolerate handling from you but they will NOT enjoy a dog licking it or a cat pawing at it. Do not introduce a snake to a dog/cat with the idea they'll get along.

[EL Ziggy]

Older snakes are sometimes a bit more calm and settled than the younger, more flighty ones. Most snakes are solitary creatures and wouldn't be "friendly" towards other animals. They see them as either prey or predators.

[LiL Zap]

Originally Posted by June2013

I'm new here and I've never had any reptiles in my life than furry companions such as dogs and cat. I, recently, have received interest in snakes. I have tons of questions and before I decide on what snake to get, or even know if I truly want one, I want to know a few things...

>>How long do I hold my snake?
I know I should I do it on a weekly basis, but I don't know know how long. Some say that it depends on the snake, but what's a good estimate?

>>Do I buy rats at a pet store and kill it?
I'm completely dumbfounded as to how I'm supposed to feed a snake. I know what it should be eating, but the execution of the meal in question is one of my biggest concerns. Should I buy live rodents and kill it myself, or do I buy already killed mice?

>>Why can't snakes eat live mice?
Will it turn on their instincts or is it merely because it doesn't have enough space to catch one in it's enclosure?

1. You don't necessarily have to hold your snake unless to check on it's condition or move it for cleaning. Tsubaki pretty much gave you a perfect answer on handling when it comes to snakes.

2. You can buy rats or any other prey items at a pet store, breeder or reptile show. It's depends on what is the most convenient for you.

3. Snakes CAN eat live mice. Ideally, you would have your snake eat pre killled prey but there are snakes out there that outright refuse already dead prey. Many people don't realize the damage a frightened, adrenaline filled prey item (unless it's a newborn like a pinky) can do to a snake.

This is general advice. If you pick a species of snake, everyone can give you much more specific advice. For a beginner, I'd recommend a corn snake.

[June2013]

Thank you so much for these answers! I'll be putting them to good use! :3