Sssso you think you want to own a ssssnake and you are not sure if you should sssseek out a pet sssstore or a breeder. Well sssstep into Joe's world of SNAKE breeding!
Talk about exotic pets in the city. Well here's one for you, a Ball Python.
Joe is in his second year of breeding snakes. He actually acquired his first snake from the local PETCO store.
He say's there is a great market for breeding Ball Pythons as every year new "Morphs" are being produced. But before anyone considers breeding, you had better be able to afford to do so. When thinking about breeding Ball Pythons, you must consider that as they get larger, their feeding habits grow which can cost a pretty penny. The females can lay up to 8-10 eggs. So you have to ask yourself: * Do I have the space to comfortably house 8-10 babies? * Do I have the money to feed these babies? * If I am not able to seel them, can I afford to feed 8-10 more future adult snakes? * Finally, do I have the time & energy to care for all of these snakes?
I asked Joe what he would do with the snakes once they could no longer breed. Joe said, "I have not crossed that bridge yet, but I would NEVER just dump an animal. Ball Pythons can breed most of their lives. Once mine are done, I will have a good collection of pet snakes with a good amount of stories on breeding them."
I also asked him if he felt that they can actually become domesticated and can they actually love a human as a dog or a cat has the capabilities to do? Joe say's, "Domesticated like a cat or a dog? No, they do not know who is who in your family. What they can do is learn to tolerate handling and like domesticated animals, they all have their own distinct personalities. As far as love, not at all. Anyone who say's the snakes can love a human may need to be evaluated."
There is a variety of reasons why a Ball Python would need to see a vet. They can contract a Respiratory infection (most common). They can contract mites and mite eggs. They can also receive bites from being fed live rats.
I say, "Ewwww, GASP and Tisk, Tisk to the live rat eating."
As far as snakes hanging out with the pack? Joe continues, "Snakes are not meant to play with other animals. I personally would not have them around other animals. They should not be housed with other animals given the temperature and humidity requirements. To go further, you shouldn't even place two Pythons together (aside from breeding) because it causes stress and can lead to snakes going off feed or a regurge."
I asked Joe what the best habitat was for his snakes. He say's, "Contrary to what most people believe that a glass tank with a heat lamp is best, is not the best situation for the snakes. My snakes are kept in what is called a Rack System. It basically replicates it's natural habitat. It is a rubbermade container, with a water dish, a hide and bedding. On the bottom of the tub (what the tub sit's on), is heat tape which is controlled by a thermostat. 88F is the ideal hot spot (one end) and 78-80 on the opposite end. Humidity at 60%."
Currently there are no laws governing the breeding or owning of these snakes, but the Lacey Act which is going into effect for large Constrictors.
https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petitions#!/petition/overturn-python-ban/4wGFbc4Y
Tomorrow: The cons of owning an exotic animal as a pet
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