Keeping file snakes

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You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly. You should upgrade or use an alternative browser. Keeping File Snake. Thread starter AlexB Start date Apr 27, Status Not open for further replies. AlexB Not so new Member. Has anyone done a care sheet for them? Thanks In advance AB. Click to expand Joined Feb 5, Messages 2, Reaction score 9 Location northern vic.

Joined Apr 7, Messages 1, Reaction score 0 Location central coast. According to ABC news, the massacre of the exotic animals began at a disreputable wild animal sanctuary in Zanesville, Ohio, where Bengal tigers, bears, lions, and other vicious animals wandered away.

Afraid that the animals would run free and terrify the residents in town, officers started killing the animals with their guns. By the time the situation was over, 49 animals died: 18 Bengal tigers, 17 lions, six black bears, two grizzlies, three mountain lions, two wolves, and a baboon. The remaining living animals—a grizzly bear, three leopards, and two monkeys—went to the Columbus Zoo. If the owner of these animals had followed the law and kept the animals safely, there would not have been a need to kill 49 of them.

This would have also kept the public safe. This incident proved the very real possibility that exotic animal ownership can have consequences—not just for the owners, but for everyone in the community. While laws regarding the keeping of exotic pets have been around far longer than , this incident is one example why states and localities have regulations regarding the procurement and housing of wild animals—including snakes.

The Lacey Act specifically addresses the transportation of wildlife across state lines. If you can keep venomous reptiles in your state, locality, and city, you must consider how to legally acquire them. Any purchase of animals, either from a reputable breeder or vendor, is subject to The Lacey Act. The Lacey Act prevents someone from importing, exporting, transporting, selling, receiving, acquiring or purchasing any fish or wildlife captured, owned, moved or retailed in violation of any state law, regulation, foreign statute, or tribal Indian law.

Any wildlife transported across state lines must be in containers that properly list the sender and receiver on the outside of the container with a readily accessible list of contents ,by species and number and classifying which species are venomous. If you acquire reptiles unlawfully and take them to different states, it is a violation of federal law.

Violating the Lacey Act could mean civil and criminal penalties. A violation of the Lacey Act usually constitutes a felony violation, which means you lose the right to vote, hold office, own a gun, and you could spend up to five years in prison. The laws in each state are unique.

Some require permits, some have no regulations, and others do not allow you to own snakes at all. Each state that allows people to keep venomous and non-venomous snakes as pets has its own eccentricities. In states such as Colorado, Florida, and West Virginia, you can capture and keep species native to the state. But in states like Illinois, Kansas, and Vermont, you can only keep venomous or non-venomous reptiles for educational or display purposes, such as at a zoo.

What is important is that you are thorough in checking the regulations and requirements not only for your state, but for your city and county. What might be legal in your state may not be allowed in your county or city. And above all, find out what the liability requirements are for keeping snakes of any variety.

In addition to the laws of each state, county, and municipality, there are concerns over liability in case your snake escapes, causes damage, or hurts someone. For example, if you own a venomous snake, chances are your state law will require you to keep a stock of anti-venom. Snake owners can also have a difficult time finding housing. There is a legitimate fear of those animals escaping or hurting other residents nearby. In the past ten to fifteen years, there has been an upsurge in exotic pet ownership in America.

As exotic pet ownership increases, an increase in attack or escape incidents will naturally occur. Since , there have been over 1, reported incidents involving exotic pets.

If this should happen with your snake, will you be able to defend yourself? Injured victims can seek restitution for both physical and emotional damages. You should always consider liability insurance coverage for your pet snake as a requirement. You will need to buy a supplemental policy that specifically covers your pet.

Go through your coverage with your agent and clarify your coverage. Then review the supplemental insurance policies for exotic pets currently on the market. Make sure you are getting liability insurance , not pet health insurance. When you are searching the internet, most results will be for pet health insurance.

You need liability coverage for your specific exotic pet. Whether you own a snake or are planning to get one, make sure you pay attention to these three points. With snakes, this is a judgment call.

Is a venomous snake dangerous? Yes, definitely. Is a boa constrictor? It certainly can be. Rat snakes and garter snakes?

Underwriters will ask if the snake is living in a secure container and how often the snake might be taken from its habitat. If a prospective policyholder plans to take the snake from its enclosure, insurance carriers will rightly be concerned from a liability perspective and may not write a policy for the pet.

Safety is priority number one. Corn snakes , king snakes, rat snakes, and garter snakes are the most common non-venomous snakes kept as pets. Like any other animal taken out of its natural environment, they can be scared or startled by sounds or lights that we would ignore. It is this propensity that drives the laws regarding snake ownership. The majority of non-venomous snakes kept as pets are gentle and do not typically bite their owners unless provoked.

But any species can bite without warning when startled or overly hungry. Should your pet snake bite you or someone else, first treat whomever your snake has bitten. Clean the wound thoroughly with antiseptic soap and warm water. Flush out areas of broken skin with lots of water for several minutes and apply pressure if the wound is bleeding.

Call a doctor to get advice about specific medical treatment. Even non-venomous snakes carry various bacteria, including Salmonella. You must take steps to prevent infection. After treating the wounds, make sure your snake is contained safely within its habitat and ensure it is not sick or hurt.

Some snakes are naturally aggressive and more apt to bite. Take extra precautions with such breeds. Even happy, satisfied snakes can be surprised and bite. Venomous snake bites look no different initially than non-venomous bites. But the severe consequences that sometimes follow can be dire.

Treatment for a venomous snakebite is cost prohibitive, extremely painful, and can cause permanent injury or even death. After initial treatment , it is often necessary to remain in the hospital for up to 24 hours for close monitoring. Substrate Bedding You will need a layer of substrate that your pet can burrow into A natural odourless variety is best Clean bedding regularly and change it weekly.

Snake Hides Snakes will need a snake hide on both the heated and non — heated sides of the terrarium. This allows the snake to hide away in whatever temperature he needs. You will need to get bigger hides as the snakes grow Some types of snake will need lots of branches and vines to climb on and hide in.

Food All snakes are carnivores. Luckily for us most of them will accept their food frozen. Most will eat rats or mice, while smaller snakes may live on large insects. Dead mice and rats of various ages can be purchased in frozen packages.

Aim to buy food about the same size as the middle of your snake. Some snakes may eat 2 or 3 mice at a sitting — some may only eat one. Refer to the specific requirements for your snakes size and species. Water Clean water is important for snakes, just as it is for other animals.

Clean and refill the water bowl at least twice a week. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. You can opt-out if you wish.