🐍 Snakes as Pets – Is a Slithery Companion Right for You?

Snakes. They’re sleek. They’re silent. They won’t chew your shoes, pee on your rug, or bark at the postie—but they’re also not everyone’s idea of a cuddly companion. So, is a pet snake right for you? Let’s talk straight.

🤔 First things first: Why keep a snake?

Snakes can make fascinating, low-allergen pets. They don’t need walks, they don’t shed fur, and they’re often happy to be left alone—perfect if you’re not into clingy pets. But don’t mistake “low maintenance” for no maintenance. Keeping a snake properly takes research, planning, and respect for the animal.

📋 The Big Do’s & Don’ts of Snake Ownership

✅ DO:

• Understand your snake’s species-specific needs—some like to climb, some burrow, others want to hide and be left alone.
• Handle your snake gently and respectfully—when appropriate.
• Keep their enclosure clean, correctly heated, and safe.
• Have an approved licence or permit (required in most Aussie states).
• Research feeding schedules and proper prey types.

❌ DON’T:

• Buy a snake on impulse. You’ll regret it. So will the snake.
• Handle them straight after feeding (unless you want them to vomit on you).
• Keep them in enclosures that are too small, too cold, or escape-prone.
• NEVER handle a snake while drunk, stoned, or showing off to your mates.
  (Seriously. That’s how bites happen. Animals can sense your energy—and if you're a hot mess, they'll let you know.)

🐍 Licensing & Legal Bits (Yes, You Need Paperwork)

In Australia, native reptiles are protected—so yes, you’ll need a licence.

• Basic reptile licences range from around $50 to $120/year, depending on your state or territory.
• These usually allow you to keep beginner species like Children’s Pythons or Spotted Pythons.
• Advanced species often require an advanced or specialist licence, which may cost more and require experience records.
• Always check your local wildlife or environment department for rules specific to your region.

And please—only buy from licensed breeders or sellers. No dodgy backdoor trades. If you don’t have the papers, neither should the snake.

🏡 Setting Up: Your Snake’s Home Sweet Home

Snakes are escape artists, so housing matters—a lot.

🐍 Enclosure Basics:

• Size matters: At least as long as your snake, ideally longer. Arboreal species need vertical space.
• Secure lids & locks: If there’s a gap, they’ll find it.
• Material: Glass tanks are common, but melamine or PVC enclosures retain heat better.

🌡️ Heating & Lighting:

• Most Aussie pet snakes need a temperature gradient (warm and cool ends).
• Use a thermostat-controlled heat mat or ceramic heat emitter.
• Some species require UVB lighting—check your species’ needs.
• Night temps shouldn’t drop too low—reptiles can’t regulate body heat.

🌿 Substrate (Flooring):

• Aspen, paper towel, or reptile-safe coconut husk are great options.
• Avoid sand, cedar, or pine—these can irritate or even poison your snake.

🧹 Cleaning:

• Spot clean as needed—remove poop or soiled substrate daily.
• Deep clean the enclosure every 2–4 weeks.
• Always wash your hands after handling or cleaning.

🧻 Shedding: What It Is and What to Watch For

Snakes shed their skin regularly—it’s a natural part of their growth and health.

• Young snakes shed every few weeks; adults, every 1–3 months.
• Just before shedding, their eyes go cloudy and their skin dulls—this is called “going blue.”
• During this time, your snake may go off food, act cranky, or hide more. Leave them be.
• Once ready, they’ll rub against rough surfaces to peel the skin off in one long tube (ideally).

Problems to watch for:

• Incomplete sheds (bits stuck around the eyes or tail tip)
• Retained eye caps—can lead to infection or blindness

If this happens, boost humidity and consult a reptile-savvy keeper or specialist, not just any vet.

💩 Let’s Talk Snake Poo

Snake poo isn’t cute. It’s the digested remains of mice, rats, and birds—so yes, it stinks. If you’ve got a sensitive nose or weak stomach, this may be a deal-breaker.

It can be watery, chunky, or smeary depending on the species and what they’ve eaten. You’ll want to:

• Spot-clean as soon as possible
• Use gloves
• Ventilate the area well

Snake keeping may be quiet—but not always fragrant.

🥩 Feeding Time: Mice, Rats & Ethical Choices

• Most pet snakes eat pre-killed rodents—frozen, thawed, and offered using tongs.
• Feeding live prey is risky and not recommended—it can injure your snake and is illegal in many areas unless the snake refuses dead food.
• Feed every 5–14 days depending on species, size, and age.
• Don’t handle them for 48 hours post-feed—they need time to digest, and you don’t want them regurgitating on your Ugg boots.

💸 What’s This Going to Cost?

Let’s break it down.

🐍 Upfront:

• Enclosure: $300–$1000+ depending on size and quality
• Heating & lighting setup: $100–$300
• Hides, decor, water bowls, substrate: $50–$150
• Licence/permit: approx. $50–$120/year (varies by state)

🔁 Ongoing:

• Frozen rodents: $5–$20 per month depending on size
• Power bill (heating/lighting): expect a slight bump
• Substrate replacement and cleaning supplies
• Occasional gear upgrades or vet visits (if something goes wrong)

No, snakes don’t cost as much as a dog—but they’re not a set-and-forget pet either.

🐍 Popular Pet Snakes in Australia

Here are a few legal (with permits), commonly kept species and their quirks:

🐍 Children’s Python (Antaresia childreni)

• Great for beginners
• Calm, small, easy to handle
• Doesn’t grow too large (around 1 metre)

🐍 Spotted Python

• Active and curious
• Great for intermediate keepers
• Can be a bit flighty, but usually settles well

🐍 Woma Python

• Stunning looks
• Hardy and generally friendly
• Needs a bit more space—can grow up to 2.5m

🐍 Black-headed Python

• Mesmerising appearance (shiny black head + banded body)
• Strong feeders and generally placid
• Can grow over 2m—not ideal for beginners
• Requires more space and higher temps
• On the pricier end—can cost $500–$1000+

🐍 Carpet Python

• Not for beginners
• Can get large (2–3m), strong, and occasionally cranky
• Best for confident, experienced handlers

👐 Handling: Respect is Everything

Snakes don’t want cuddles. They want to feel safe.

• Handle gently, supporting the body.
• Don’t grip, squeeze, or lift by the tail.
• If they’re in shed (eyes cloudy or skin dull), leave them alone.
• Wash your hands before and after—especially if you’ve handled prey items.

And remember—if you're feeling anxious, rushed, or not quite right, don’t handle your snake. They pick up on your energy more than you think.

🧠 Is a Snake Right for You?

If you love observing animals, enjoy routine, and aren’t after a pet to snuggle with on the couch, snakes can be deeply rewarding. They’re elegant, interesting, and surprisingly charming.

But if you're forgetful, messy, or hoping for a low-effort pet that impresses your mates—maybe look elsewhere.

Snakes deserve proper care, patience, and respect—not to be the next novelty animal stuck in a poorly heated tank.

 

©Majella Gee 2025

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