Exotics Vet Darren Partridge has this advice for wannabe snake owners
July 14, 2022
To celebrate World Snake Day (Saturday 16th July), the team at Molesey Veterinary Centre are using this event to share interesting facts about snakes and increase awareness of how we can care for and enjoy these wonderful creatures.
Why not help wannabe reptile keepers like you and ask your snake questions on our Facebook page?
If you already own a snake and would like healthcare advice from our Exotics Vet,
You may also like to visit our page dedicated to snake care.
World Snake Day – Snake Facts & Care
Did you know there are only four species of snake native to the UK? We have the adder, grass snake, smooth snake, and barred grass snake. Plenty of people however keep more exotic species of these wonderful companions.
Popular snakes for beginners include:
- Corn snakes
- Rat or Kingsnakes
- Ball or Royal Pythons
Whilst they can make a great pet, choosing to keep a snake is not a decision that should be taken lightly. As well the specific type of care they need, there is the welfare aspect to consider too. We recommend getting advice from Darren Partridge, our Exotics Vet in East Molesey, before taking the plunge. Darren and our team will be answering your snake questions on Facebook so ask us anything!
Contrary to popular belief, snakes are neither cold nor slimy and most species are not dangerous to humans. Some can be relatively easy to keep in small spaces, as their lifestyle doesn’t require a lot of exercise.
Where do you get a pet snake from? The animal’s welfare and wellbeing should be paramount when buying a snake, so it is important to research sellers thoroughly. Alternatively, some rescue centres in and around Surrey may have snakes available for adoption.
There is a lot to consider before starting your reptile adventure so Darren has shared a few things below to get you started.
Housing & Equipment
- You’ll need a snake-proof enclosure that is the right size for your species with room to grow.
- Add plenty of hidey holes and a snake-specific bottom lining.
- Your type of snake may also need special lighting or even a water feature!
Nutrition
- All snakes are carnivores and most like their food whole – be prepared to keep frozen rats, mice, and insects. Keep any other small pets well out of your snake’s reach!
- Small or young snakes may need to eat twice a week, but some larger ones can go much longer between meals.
- Like all animals, snakes need a plentiful supply of fresh water too.
Exercise & Enrichment
- Snakes need exercise and enrichment to stay happy and healthy. Put branches for them to climb up and rocks to slither around and under inside their enclosure or vivarium.
- Some snakes like to have a pool in their enclosure as they occasionally like a dip.
We hope this article has inspired you to look into what it means to keep a snake as a pet. If you have a question about snake care, you can help other wannabe snake keepers in Surrey when you,
Alternatively, if you own a snake and need advice about their health, call us on 0208 979 1384. You may also like to visit our page dedicated to snake care.
