Snakes are becoming an ever popular pet these days, especially for those living in flats and shared accommodation where keeping other pets such as dogs and cats is not possible. Snakes can make excellent and very interesting pets and do not take up alot of room as they can be kept in a glass case, or vivarium.

However you must not go ahead with getting a snake thinking that they will be low cost or easy to keep. Like any other pet you need to research their requirements carefully to make sure that you can provide everything that they need to live safely and healthily and the initial set up costs can be quite high.

For a start off a suitably sized vivarium is essential, as is getting the correct reptile heating equipment. Snakes are cold blooded and if you do not keep their environment heated to a constant temperature they will die. You should also provide the right living environment, usually by having the floor of the vivarium covered in wood chippings (not shavings) and providing pieces of bark or strategically shaped stones for them to hide and sleep under. As with all animals a constant fresh water source is also essential.

Food will depend on the type of snake that you choose. Sometimes crickets and other insects will suffice and in other cases you may need to provide baby chicks or even mice. You should purchase these from a reputable pet food supplier such as reptile-food-direct.co.uk and you need to be prepared for the fact that you will be feeding them these fluffy creatures (albeit that they will be dead already).

Finally you need to make sure that you have a veterinary practice that you can take your snake to for medical care and advice – choose a vet that you know has experience with snakes and has the facilities to care for them. It would also be advisable to contact other snake and reptile oweners for advice and to share your experiences – there are many forums and societies to contact online. You may even find that there are other snake and lizard owners in your own area.