How long do snakes live?

Snakes live any where from 10 - 25 years on average. The average life span varies from species to species but as is true with dogs the larger ones tend to live longer. A small corn snake with an average length of 36" might live 15 years while a large Python such as a Reticulated Python that would easily reach length of 25 foot could easily live for 25 years and possibly as long as 40 years.

Are snakes slimy or slippery?

No. Some snakes do have a very shiny skin and the appearance that might look slimy but a snakes skin is very similar to a good quality leather jacket. Most often warm and soft

Are Boa's and Pythons Dangerous?

Yes and No Like all snakes they have very sharp teeth that can inflict very messy and painful bites but Boa's and Pythons kill there food by means of constriction (coiling around there food and taking a tighter coil every time it breaths out. They don't crush the animal or break any bones like some people think) and not by injecting venom. but as with all large snakes care should always be used when ever you come in close contact with these animals. Most captive Pythons and Boas do settle down well though and make excellent pets.

Can I keep two or more snakes together?

Yes. As long as the two species are both of the type that get along well with other snakes. Some snakes like all members of the Kingsnake and Milk snake family actually eat other snakes and for this reason can not be kept with any other snakes including there own kind. Other things must also be taken in to consideration too. Like the temperature requirements for the two snakes must be very close and the Humidity requirements must be the same too. But as long as you can provide the requirements for each snake in the same enclosure then there is no reason why you can't keep two or more snakes together. But no mater how many snakes you have in the same enclose NEVER feed them together. You will have to separate them when feeding or you may end up with just one very fat snake.

Why is my pet snake always in it's water bowl and not on the branch I have provided?

If you have a tropical spices like the Boa Constrictor then the most likely reason might be that the relative humidity is too low. Boa Constrictors like many other snakes need a high level of humidity (80% - 100%) which can be a job sometime too maintain. If how ever you have a spices that does not need humidity, like most of the Ratsnake family then it may just be too hot or ready to shed it's skin. When a snake is ready to shed the outer layer of skin it will spend most of it's time in the water bowl (if large enough). This is when it's eyes will become a blue colour often referred to as Milky. You should try and avoid touching your snake now as it may strike out and bite you by mistake as it's eye sight will be to a minimum.

My snake has stopped eating. Why?

Some snake are what is know as problem feeders. I think the best known one would be the Royal (Ball) Python. Some snakes in captivity can suffer a great amount of stress and one side effect of this is self enduced fasting (not feeding). This needn't be a great concern though as most snakes if well feed before can sometimes go for as long as a year without food with little or no problems. Simply don't handle the snake until it resumes it's feeding or limit handling to a minimum. also try reducing the size of food item offered or switching from rats to mice or visa versa. Another reason why a snake will stop eating is again the shedding process. If your snake is about to shed it may not eat. Other reasons could involve the temperature or humidity. Is the temperature too hot? or too cold? or is the level of humidity too low for your spices of snake? Finally some snakes just go off food from time to time. Keep trying it will probably eat next time. Remember snakes can also stop feeding around breeding time.

What is the biggest snake?

The world record holder is the Reticulated Python at over 27 foot. The Anaconda would have to be the heaviest snake though being typically about twice as wide as a Reticulated Python.

Are there any Albino Snakes?

Yes. Albino snakes are typically a combination of pink and yellow and not white as in other animals. Albino snakes do not contain the dark pigmentation but have all the other colours they would normally have so leaving a very nice pattern and colouration. Totally white (paternless) snakes are called Leucistic.

Are snakes expensive to buy and keep?

Some can be but most of the snakes recommended for a beginner are relatively cheap to buy. The two most common first time snakes are the Corn Snake (Red Ratsnake) and the Royal Python. The corn snake costs on average £22 (For a hatchling) in the UK and the Royal Python about £85 the Vivarium (enclosure for both these snakes would be about the same size and the total setup might cost upto about £150 - £200 but after the cost of setting up the ongoing cost would be minimal. A slight increase in electric costs for the heating of the terrarium and about £2 - £3 a month for feeding and that's about it.

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