a pet for my son...

[sara3]

my son wants an unusual pet, like a snake or reptile. it will be at his dad's so I don't mind what it is!

my son is 11 and relatively sensible!

does anyone have any suggestions? any advice re up-keep and expenses involved would be appreciated.

[Alcan]

A corn snake is an easy snake to care for if you have never had reptiles before. They are fairly cheap nowadays and are far easier to keep than any lizard. They seldom bite and grow to a manageable length unlike, say, a constrictor or python. There are a number of good books available and any reptile seller worth his salt will be more than willing to give advice. The only mention is that you must be prepared to feed DEAD mice and be available to handle the snake regularly. Please remember....a snake is a living creature too and not a fashion item.

[Rosetta]

Hi Sara. Is your son likely to want to bring it home to you, say if his dad is on holiday. If that is a possibility what would you be happy with. The reason I ask is I absolutely loath snakeg and couldn't share a street with one never mind a home. Lizards I could manage, I hope this site helps.

http://exoticpets.about.com/od/lizardsaspets/a /lizardspets.htm

[badcompany]

he's 11,so he needs something furry,warm blooded and something that can shock and scare his friends.......................all roads point to a tarantula.......



http://www.tarantulas.com/choosing.html

[sara3]

thanks Alcan, we did look into a corn snake a while ago. he (or his dad) could deal with the dead mice! are they expensive? and the err... glass thingy you keep them in?! a heater? (a novice, huh?)

hi Rosetta.. I could deal with a snake in the short term. I'd rather handle a snake than a reptile but will look at your link, thanks x

badcompany.. you've gotta be kidding!

[badcompany]

hahaha! i thought as much!

[lankeela]

Giant African Land Snails are easy and fascinating. They live on lettuce and cucumber, and have a peat based bedding in their plastic tank. They grow very quickly to their full size, mine are about the size of tennis balls. Cheap and interesting.

[sara3]

thanks lankeela, sounds pretty disgusting to me so maybe just what he'll want!

[doglady]

Just a couple of things. Snakes are reptiles. Tarantulas are not warm blooded!

Snakes are much easier to look after than lizards and need a lot less input. They also poo less!! You really get used to the dead mice. Buy them singly, defrost them and feed them. You really don't need to buy in bulk unless you get to a large collection of animals.

[B00]

Oh eww at snakes or anything with more than 4 legs (a spider).

How about a rat? They are really very sociable and very easy to care for and they're something that won't gross you out when/if you have to look after it occasionally.

[johnny.5]

hi xara
wow what a great idea swap shop
well if he is a good worker then perhaps i'll offer you a ickle fluffy kitten
is it a deal ?

[sara3]

nk, Jimbo never gets my name right.. very funny though matey.. he's yours for the kitten!

liked the crocodile idea very much ;o)

doglady.. good advice, thanks. (ewwww!)

Boo.. I don't think I could look at a rat :o/ (I'm a wuss!)

[sara3]

some of these replies deserved at least 4 stars!

[sheribee]

hi, well if u want something warm and fuzzy, thats absolutely insane and will give hours of ammusement then im sure a ferret would be perfect!!
We have 2 and they are nutcases!! But wonderful!
please dont believe all the horror storie surrounding ferrets, they are wonderful loving animals, but they r a bit stinky if you dont clean them out.
If you need any advice or would like more info i am happy to help you!
They need handling everyday really to keep them used to you, and if they wont be played with at least once a day then they will need a mate too. I have a boy and a girl, and they are sooo funny, they play with u, all rough and tumble and love being chased. I would never be without mine x
good luck and i hope you find him a wonderful pet xx

[sara3]

thanks sheribee.. but he chose a corn snake (thanks Alcan).

Blake the Snake.

cool, huh? :o)