Are you looking for a fun pet that will provide the same companionship as a cat or dog and won’t cost a fortune to maintain? Then look no further than a domesticated snake such as a California King Snake, Ball Python, or Corn Snake. Snakes often get a negative stigma attached to them due to their physique, intimidating appearance, and association with their wild and venomous counterparts.
However, a snake can make an excellent pet if one is willing to overlook the negative connotations attached to them. Contrary to popular belief, they’re very docile and can bond with their humans as quickly as any other pet. In fact, it has been scientifically proven that snakes can choose a favorite person in their household and recognize their owners through scent. Still not convinced that a snake is the right pet for you? Here are 7 reasons why snakes are the ultimate low-maintenance pet.
1. Snakes Don’t Require Daily Feeding
On average, snakes only eat every one to two weeks, but a larger snake may only require feeding once every three weeks to a month. So this means snakes are relatively cheaper compared to other pet choices because it doesn’t cost as much to feed them month to month. Feeding a snake costs roughly 10 to 20 dollars. Cat and dog food can range from 20 to 60 dollars monthly and can be as high as 100 if your pet requires a specialized diet. That means the cost of feeding a snake is less than half what it takes to feed a cat or a dog, making them the perfect low-maintenance pet.
2. Vet Costs are Significantly Less
When you think about owning a pet, the first thing that comes to mind is veterinary costs and ensuring you can afford to keep them healthy. The price of veterinary care for a typical pet, such as a cat or dog, costs anywhere from $2000 to $3000 for the first year of their life. This estimate accounts for medical procedures like spaying, neutering, vaccines, and microchipping. According to the ASPCA, annual health checks and preventative care prices range in the ballpark of $300 to a little over $400.
This does not include additional care for treating underlying or chronic health conditions, which is why many people avoid owning a non-exotic pet. Conversely, Snakes require very little veterinary care, making costs significantly less, from $85 to $110 annually. Even so, a veterinary provider will likely add a fecal exam to an annual visit, which costs an additional $70 to $80. Still, that’s less than half the price to maintain a snake compared to their counterparts. Therefore, snakes make a great alternative if you want to add a pet to your family but don’t want to break the bank.
3. Cheap to House
Remember, before purchasing a Snake, you must pre-plan where to house it to create the safest and most beneficial enclosure possible. Measure the space, adjust the size accordingly, and generate plenty of hiding spaces so it’s as close to a natural habitat as possible. Also, offer a source such as a heater or overhead light.
These supplies can range up to $400 or more, but there are many pre-packaged enclosure kits with all the supplies needed for under $200.It’s also possible to find supplies around your home that could suffice, like an old aquarium. You may have to foot the bill for other supplies, yet it’s much less expensive in the long run. Once you build the snake enclosure, the only thing you must supply regularly is the bedding substrate, which costs a
4. Easy to Care For
Because Snakes require very little attention and do not require daily walks or a litter box, they’re relatively easy to care for. Also, because they don’t eat daily, there is little to clean up. In fact, snakes are generally clean animals and only have a bowel movement once a month. Moreover, their enclosures don’t require regular cleaning.
Experts recommend cleaning a snake’s enclosure every three weeks to a month, depending on the animal’s size. Snakes are great for busy, first-time pet owners or those who lack the physical capacity to care for a more high-maintenance pet like a cat or dog.
5. Require Very Little Living Space
Snakes require very little living space, which makes it easier to observe their movements, health, and behaviors. The smaller the enclosure, the better, as it should be closest in comparison to their habitat in the wild. You can opt for a glass aquarium for your pet, but they are bulky and more costly than a bin that maximizes floor space. The average price for a glass aquarium is around $300 compared to $ 6o for a bin enclosure.
6. They’re Docile and Bond Well With Humans
A Snake is the way to go if you seek a gentle, easy-going first-time pet. Snakes are very docile in captivity because they don’t have to fight for survival as they would in the wild. As a result, they’re also less aggressive, so they’re not as prone to biting. Though these instinctual habits are bred out of domestic snakes, it’s important to remember that their ancestors are wild.
So, don’t be surprised when your snake initially nips you. It’s only because it’s adjusting to its new environment and learning to trust the hand that feeds it. Interestingly, a snake learns about its humans through scent, and over time, it starts associating with its owners through smell. Once this is established, it’s game over, and you’ve got a friend for life. Just don’t expect them to crave attention. Snakes are perfectly content on their own and don’t experience separation anxiety like other species, so many consider them a preferred choice.
7. Snakes are Relatively Healthy
Snakes are considered to be very healthy compared to other animals. They are less likely to develop diseases and infections if cared for properly. This means a responsible owner should take their snake for an annual veterinary check-up.
Providing a calcium-rich diet with Vitamin D3, protein, and other nutrients can optimize health and prevent unnecessary vet visits. If your new scaly friend is happy and healthy, there’s little to do but sit back and enjoy them, so soak it up with a smile.
Final Thoughts
Snakes are considered the ultimate low-maintenance pet for many reasons, but their cost-effectiveness is the main selling point for owners. This includes their sporadic feeding schedule, cleanliness, and the ease of owning one as a first-time pet owner. Owning a pet can be difficult, but consider the time and attention a cat or a dog needs. If you’re on the go or can’t care for a pet, wouldn’t it be much easier to consider a snake?