Children's
Suitable starter snakes are the Stimson's python, the South-west carpet python and the woma python (also known as Ramsay's python and sand python). If an owner can show that they have cared for a snake for 12 months without an incident or escape they are eligible to move up to the next category.
To keep a reptile as a private zookeeper, you must obtain a license from the state or territory wildlife authority. Suitable starting snakes are the Stimson python, the southwest carpet python and the Woma python (also known as the Ramsay python and sand python).
However, snakes don't have the intellectual capacity to feel emotions such as affection. But this lack of brain power doesn't mean that snakes don't enjoy spending time with humans. They just aren't capable of forming a bond with you in a way that a dog or cat does.
Like any pet, snakes offer company and stress relief for their owners. Snakes do not require daily walks in the park and they are quiet during the day and at night. With infrequent defecation, a pet snake's habitat is also an easy clean-up.
Royal pythons can become quite docile with careful handling. Gently scoop up the snake with one hand near the head and the other by its tail. Always support the whole snake and never grab them as it can cause stress which may lead to biting.
The Corn Snake is the most popular beginner snake. Native to the United States, they can be found in terrestrial habitats. These snakes are red-brown to orange, typically with dark red-black blotches, but a variety of colors can be found in many captive-bred snakes.
The Coastal Taipan is often regarded as the most dangerous snake in Australia. They are extremely nervous and alert snakes, and any movement near them is likely to trigger an attack.
Non-venomous Australian snakes include pythons, file snakes (a sea snake), and blind snakes. The amethystine python is by far the longest snake in Australia, it grows up to 5 - 6 metre. They live in northern tropical Queensland, mostly in rain forests.
1. Which species of reptiles can I own? You can keep some native dragons, geckos, lizards, snakes and turtles as pets. However, under NSW law, you may only own native reptiles bred in captivity which have been bought from a licenced breeder or dealer.
The target species is the little whip snake (Suta flagellum), considered by some to be the cutest snake in the world, though we often find less endearing tiger snakes and eastern brown snakes as well (hence the gaiters and gloves!).
The brown tree snake is not considered dangerous to people as it is weakly venomous and rear fanged.
Common Death Adder (Acanthophis antarcticus)
The 'death' in this snake's name is not a bluff – the common death adder can deliver the fastest strike among all venomous snakes recorded in Australia. It is capable of causing human death within six hours after a bite.
Don't handle your snake too often or for too long.
This type of behavior only hurts the hobby. Because they're nocturnal, ball pythons are generally easier to handle during the day. You'll often find that your ball python will be more alert at night, and they'll generally be less tolerant of handling during such times.
Snakes do not typically like being pet, but some that become accustomed to being handled don't mind the human interaction. Snakes can definitely feel when you pet them but the sensation is not as desirable as it is for many domesticated animals.
Since snakes carry diseases like salmonella that can infect humans, your pet should be kept confined in an appropriate cage or room. Snakes were not intended to be cuddled or held.
Unlike mammals that can demonstrate complete emotions like love, joy, or even jealousy, snakes do not demonstrate deep feelings like these. So even though they have emotions, their feelings are a bit primitive.
Snakes aren't capable of understanding the concept of loyalty, so nothing you can do will make your snake “loyal” to you. The best you can hope for with a pet snake is that they tolerate you and don't see you as a threat.
Vipers, pythons and boas have holes on their faces called pit organs, which contain a membrane that can detect infrared radiation from warm bodies up to one metre away. At night, the pit organs allow snakes to 'see' an image of their predator or prey — as an infrared camera does — giving them a unique extra sense.