Also, how should one keep a pet snake, and what kind of care do they require as compared to a cat or dog? Do they just eat dead mice, or are there commercial foods?

I'm not sure if I'd ever get one or not, but I'm interested in learning more about them! Thanks a lot for any info.

Heres an excellent site to learn about reptiles as pets.

http://www.kingsnake.com/features.html

I suppose so, although they're about as communicative as a hot rock. Catty

Hello as a Herpetologist myself for more than 20 years. Reptiles makes great pets and there intelligence varies. They can be vary easy to maintain as long as a person takes all measures to keep them in a very healthy enviroment, and study up on what you are interested in befor purchasing any reptiles.

Regards,
Venom^69

I find snakes to be charming pets, however they require more advanced care than your average dog or cat. Different species need different teperatures, diets, cage setups, etc. Many snakes grow to be very large, and some have nasty tempers. For a beginner I'd recommend a Corn Snake or a similar colubrid, as they are a good sized animal known for gentle dispostion and easy care. They key is to research, research, research! Know everything there is to know about the animal you want before you purchase it. Buy from a reutable breeder if possible, in my experience pet stores sell unhealthy animals, and be aware that even reptiles require veterinary care, so make sure there is a vet that will treat a snake in your area.

As for feeding, most snakes feed on mice and rats, and these should always be fed dead, as live prey can injure or even kill a snake. You can usually by them bulk and freeze them. They range from pinkies (Neo-natal mice) to large rats, depending on the size of the snake. There are some manufactured brands, such as the "Snake Sausage" available as well, and supplements that can be inserted into dead prey. Some species will feed on small goldfish, frogs, and lizards, and the larger boas and pythons will consume goats and chickens.

I hope I was of help, feel free to email me, and look at as many snake sites as possible before making any decisions. Good luck-Larien

Snakes make wonderful pets.
Just be sure to do some studying before you get one, so that you know how to properly take care of your pet.

Frankly, the idea sounds very unappealing to me. My daughter had a snake as a pet when she was single. I think it was a boa. It ate live rodents, which the pet shop sold for that purpose, and had smelly bowel movements. It got loose in her apartment and she was afraid to go to sleep until it was found (the next day). I think that was the end of her snake-as-a-pet project.

DD