# Are Snakes Good Pets? What to Know Before Buying One

URL: https://buzzle.com/animals-pets/are-snakes-good-pets
Category: Animals & Pets
Published: 2021-01-29T21:31:11
Updated: 2026-08-19T07:43:49
Image: https://buzzle.com/_astro/are-snakes-good-pets.BfkVq4rQ_Z1eAv8D.webp
**Snakes might not be the typical family pet,** which might leave you wondering: are snakes good pets? The truth is that snakes can make for good companions, but **how you care for them is much different from traditional pets.**  But on a basic level, **snakes require the right kind of food, shelter, and supplies, just like any other pet.** If you’re considering adopting a snake, you should understand exactly what you’ll have to do to **keep your new friend happy and healthy.**  To help you figure out if a snake is right for you, **we’ve put together a list of essentials** that every snake owner should purchase. Read on to learn what to buy for your new [pet snake](https://buzzle.com/animals-pets/mongoose-courageous-snake-killer-lovable-pet), including a **cage, heating equipment, and food.**

## Snake cage

When you visit your local pet shop, **one of the first supplies you’ll want to buy is a glass snake cage** (also known as a terrarium). The enclosure you choose should have a secure lid to **avoid the terrifying scenario of your snake escaping.** Since this will be where your pet lives full-time, **you want to make sure you’re investing in a cage that’s big enough** for your snake to move around, both vertically and horizontally. The employees at your nearest pet shop can **advise you on the best terrarium size** based on your snake’s species.

## Heating equipment

**Because snakes are cold-blooded animals,** they rely on heating lamps to stay warm in your home. These warming devices should be readily available at your local pet shop. Depending on the size of your terrarium, **you might need more than one heat lamp.** Check with your pet store staff for their recommendations.

## Food

**Snakes are carnivores by nature, meaning that they only eat other animals.** This can make some people feel uneasy. Before you buy a snake, make sure **you’ll be comfortable feeding them and can afford to buy the food** they need to survive. So what type of animals will your snake eat? It depends on their species. **Certain snakes prefer [warm-blooded animals](https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/snakes-feeding) like mice, rats, and birds.** You can (and should) purchase these critters already dead; otherwise, **they could suffer severe distress** or injure your snake during feeding time. Many pet snakes will eat rodents, but **other types of snakes eat a diet of fish, frogs, reptiles, or insects.**

## Water bowl

Just like humans, **[snakes need](https://buzzle.com/animals-pets/everything-you-need-to-know-about-ribbon-snakes) water to survive.** Your snake should always have a bowl or container filled with water in its enclosure to stay hydrated. When choosing a receptacle, **pick one that won’t easily tip over if your snake bumps up against it.** Something shallow and wide should work well. Sometimes, **snakes like to bathe themselves** or use the bathroom inside their water bowls. They also use water to help as they shed their skin. Remember to **change the water every day and sanitize the container** frequently to keep your pet from getting sick. With all of that in mind, you should have your answer to the question: **are snakes good pets?** In short, they certainly aren’t the right pet for everyone, but they can be **a great low-maintenance pet and a wonderful addition** to your family. For more pet care resources, **check out the Buzzle blog.**