So you’ve decided to give someone a snake as a gift. After all it’s a lot more original than a puppy and they’ve been talking about getting one for months now. As well intentioned as you might be in deciding to do this you should consider it three times over before going through with it. In a previous article about the 3 traits of a good snake owner some important things too look for were discussed. That article dealt mainly with reflecting upon yourself. Now however in this article we will be looking at the potential for good stewardship in other people.

Is it a passing fancy?

Did little Johnny or Susie come home from school one day ranting and raving about getting a snake and they haven’t let up since? Obviously you are going to be the best judge of your child and the one to know if it is just a phase they are going through. Sit them down and have a serious talk with them about the responsibilities of snake ownership. You’ll quickly see how serious they are by how much “homework” on the subject they’ve done. And by how much money they’ve put aside or are willing to put aside.

If they can’t give you a better reason than “because it’s cool”, or “because so-and-so has one” you might want to consider a less needy present. Like a pair of woolen socks or something because at least they’ll get some attention. The snake will be played with for a day or two and put away in the tank and possibly left to die.

Are they capable?

All animals require a certain level of responsibility when it comes to their care, but snakes are a whole different ball game. A snake requires exacting temperatures, and humidity levels. They often will refuse to eat at all and rarely ever on your terms. Everyday they present new challenges and the person you are going to give the snake to must be capable of meeting those challenges. Financially they can be a burden. Remember the initial cost of the snake might only be $30 or $40 but the upkeep can be incredible. You’ll need a tank/tub, under the tank heaters, hides, substrate, to name just a few things you’ll need to purchase. Then you’ll need to get into thermostats, forceps, frozen rats/mice (perhaps even pigs), and whatever else you might need.

If the person is capable you then need to start considering other people who will have to deal with the snake as well. Sometimes they are the most important people to consider.

Other people

A while back I met a man and a woman and they told me a story about how they nearly got divorced and only managed to stay together by hours and hours of marriage counseling. I didn’t get the details of everything but basically the wife had always had snakes as a child and she had hinted around to a friend of hers that she was thinking of getting another one. The husband was away on business and one day the wife was surprised by her friend who had bought her a corn snake. They set it up in the bedroom (beautiful setup judging by the pictures I saw) right next to the bed. She had it for about a week and one day she was at work when her husband got home. There’s no need to bore you with the details but it turns out he hates snakes.

The friend who got the snake who doing a kind deed for the woman, but she neglected to speak with the husband which caused a great deal of strife. So before you get a snake for someone else sit down and talk with everyone who will be involved. If someone is dead-set against the idea don’t get the snake. You’ll only cause problems.

You’re getting the snake

If it turns out that everything falls into place it’s great that you are going to get the snake for the person. Like a puppy, or kitten, or any other animal you should set the budget and then let the person who it is being given to pick it out. Trust me they’ll be just as happy knowing about it as they would be if you just surprised them with an entire setup. Most snake people are pretty particular about their setups and that is true even of the newer herpers.