Is a corn snake good for little kids?

Answer 1

Snakes typically make great pets for kids, compared to other reptiles they're inexpensive and they're low maintainence. Although a neglectful situation should always be avoided Snakes tolerate minor neglect such as missed feedings better than other pets. A Ball has a very calm nature, but for a first time snake owner I would recommend a Corn Snake for numerous reasons. Ball Pythons adult size is roughly 5 ft, however they have proven to be girthy snakes and will require a slightly larger enclosure than a Corn, which as an adult can be maintained in a standard 20 gallon LONG terrarium. Ball Pythons, some times require up to two weeks to acclimate and during this time need to be left completely alone, no handling, feeding or constant observing. My personal Python only took about 5 days before she was venturing out searching for food, where as my corn was exploring minutes after being put away in his new home. As far as feeding, once acclimated Balls eat consistently but if the acclimation never occurs the snake never eats. Corn Snakes although secretive themselves tend to be a little more active, but every snake is different my ball dances around her tank sometimes and sometimes its days before I see the Corn. So in general Ball Pythons are great first time pets but they require a little more patience and when full grown a larger enclosure than Corn snakes. The Python itself is usually pricier, a basic Python usually runs here about $50.00 but some morphs in the specialty shop reach up to $800.00 and even rarer varieties of the Ball Python can cost up to Five-Thousand Dollars. Where as Corns tend to display a wider variety of colors and more reasonable prices. The average ball Python lifespan is 20-25 years, with some specimens living well into the 50's. Corn Snakes can be expected to live around 15 years and sometimes early twenties. So base your decision on the kid, a snake is a long-term companion and they recognize different people but establishing the "Pet-to-Owner" bond won't happen. Ball Python's require a little more investment and patience and if the kid can handle that fine. If you think a basic Corn being hardy and more easily maintained then go with the Corn. Before purchasing any pet though, understand that it is a long term commitment and if the kid loses interest there should be a responsible adult to step in and care for the Snake. I have to stress locking or sliding screen lids to prevent escaping, you'll need locks designed to prevent it, a full grown snake can push heavy books off the top of the tank with ease and losing a snake is heartbreaking. Most importantly, before purchasing any snake, request to see it eat. A good dealer with nothing to hide will not deny this request, many people cut corners with snakes and its disasterous. Do not be surprised if the guarantee on the snake of whatever kind if as little as 3 days. Confirming the snake eats will save you from being stuck with a specimen that at all costs wont eat (it does happen), I got all 4 of my snakes from the same shop and still would request a feeding demo. A full belly makes acclimation easier for the snake, and because they should'nt be handled for 24-48 hours after eating, it makes a nice excuse to use during acclimation for a very excited kid. Good Luck, Snakes make great pets but not for everyone, they're very unique and educating. However, I ask that you please do a little reading, ask plenty of questions, and consider alternatives if you feel you can't meet the minimal but appropiate needs of the snake.

Answer 2

It depends on the child. In my opinion, in most cases it would be ok. Ball pythons make very good starter snakes, and most children(in my opinion) are ready to handle the responsibility of owning a reptile when they turn around ten. Before purchasing a ball python for your child, make sure to do the appropriate research on ball pythons. Here are some basic things you should know before obtaining a ball python for a child:

1) owning a snake is a long term commitment. Ball pythons can live to be over 20 years old, so make sure that your son will not grow tired of it after six months and then give it to a pet store or reptile rescue. Many people convince themselves that they are ready to own a snake for that long, but end up growing tired of it very soon.

2) **ALL SNAKE EAT MEAT SO BE PREPARED TO FEED THE SNAKE THE APPROPRIATE FOOD!!!!** If you are squeamish about the idea of feeding mice to the snake, then DO NOT BUY IT! Snakes will not eat fruits/vegetables; they are carnivores. This is a simple, unavoidable fact.

3) Be prepared for strange eating habits! Ball pythons are notoriously picky eaters. Some may only eat live mice. Some may eat only frozen mice. And some may even switch back and forth or eat whatever they are given! Ball pythons may go for several weeks without eating. This is usually normal, but can cause great distress to the owner. If the snake is acting normally besides the not eating part, then they are probably fine. If the snake displays any strange behavior beyond the not eating, take it to a vet ASAP!

4) Ball pythons can have mood swings. One moment, they may hate being handled and be rather aggrivated if touched or picked up, and the next moment they may be the cuddliest snake ever! Do not let these mood swings deter your son from handling the snake! Pet snakes must be played with several times a week in order to remain friendly to their handler(s), so if he is bitten by the snake at all, do not let him give up on the snake and lose interest! This is the easiest way for a snake to end up in a rescue group: the owner expected the snake to be a perfect little angel all the time, was dissapointed, and lost interest.

Despite these four things, ball pythons are in my top favorite list of beginner snakes. They are not fast moving, wild snakes; they will usually just settle down in your lap or on your shoulder after a minute or so. They are attractive, affordable, and do not require a large tank. An adult needs to be kept in at least a 20 gallon, and a baby or juvenile can be kept in a 10 until they grow up. If you end up purchasing a ball python, make sure to get the snake CAPTIVE BRED(wild caught snakes are prone to parasites, diseases, and hard to tame) from a reputable breeder. I do not recommend going to a large chain pet store such as petsmart or petco as some animals tend to be sick, and many of the workers do not know as much as they should when it comes to the animals they are selling.

Make sure to obtain a complete care sheet and do your research before buying any snake, and make sure your son is up to the big responsibility of keeping one as a pet. I hope whatever you decide to do works out well! :)

Answer 3

I would think so. Them and corn snakes seem to be pretty tame snakes and dont get to big for a little one to handle

Answer 4

Yes, they are very good tempered and dont grow very big (aprox. 5-6 ft.)