Pet Snake Care

Before you make that trip to the pet store, ask yourself "Why do I want a snake?" Is it because you're trying to impress your friends? Is it because you saw a killer anaconda in a popular film, and you'd like something along those lines to show people when they come over? Do you want to shock or scare your parents and other relatives during holiday gatherings? Thanks to a nearly age-old role in mythology, folklore, religion, and, more recently, horror films and music videos, snakes are in high demand as pets. Unfortunately, many people want a snake for all the wrong reasons and fail to properly educate themselves about pet snake care before giving in to the impulse to accept a snake from a friend or buy one at the store. A snake is not a fashion accessory, party trick, or practical joke. Snakes are highly sensitive and, for the most part, wild creatures who should only be kept as pets for the sheer pleasure keeping and observing a snake can bring. If you fit the profile of a true snake fancier, then you've no doubt studied up a bit already. If you're still deciding whether or not a snake is the pet for you, learn more with the following information.

Snakes, like all pets, have their own unique set of requirements when it comes to temperature, housing, and dietary needs. The size of your snake's enclosure depends, of course, on the size of the snake you plan on owning. A good way to judge the amount of space your snake will need is to allow square foot of floor space for every foot of snake, provided the snake is under 6 feet long. For snakes over 6 feet in length, a square foot of floor space is adequate. Snakes need to feel secure in their new home, as they will spend a lot of time basking or hiding. A good solution is to get an adequately sized aquarium and secure the top with a pegboard to allow for proper ventilation. Mesh should not be used as a curious snake can rub his nose rose on such material. The furnishings in a snake cage can be relatively simple. Line the cage bottom with aspen shavings, reptile carpet (or Astro turf), or pea gravel. Add a hiding place such as a pre-made "cave," or a cave you make yourself out of various sized rocks to your pet snake care list along with a small potted plant, whether fake or real, and a shallow dish of water for soaking.

As snakes are cold blooded, their body temperatures depend directly upon the temperature in their environment. Snakes have no self-cooling or heating systems. They simply move into and out of the heat. It's imperative, then, that you maintain a daytime temperature of between 80 and 85 degrees and a nighttime temperature between 65 and 75 degrees in your snake's tank. An adhesive thermometer and a heat lamp or cage heater that goes beneath the cage will help you accomplish these things. A snake that is even a few degrees below its optimal body temperature will often stop eating.

Speaking of eating, you should probably reconsider owning a snake unless you're 100% sure that you can handle feeding live or dead mammals to your pet. Smaller snakes will eat baby mice (called "pinkies") and medium to large snakes will eat either pinkies or adult mice. Larger snakes may require larger meals in the form of baby chicks or baby rabbits. Figuring out what your snake wants out of his meal may take some doing. Some snakes are terrified of live food and will only eat a mouse after its neck has been humanely broken (this kills the mouse instantly). Some snakes enjoy hunting and will not eat food that has already been killed, and some snakes don't care either way. While most snakes can live for weeks without food, it's best to feed an adult snake once a week or every ten days. Baby snakes should be fed more often to support their growing bodies. Check with a specific care guide for your snake to figure out how much food to offer your pet per feeding.

Once you've ascertained that your motivations for snake ownership are driven only by your love for these creatures, use your newfound patience to spend time searching for a variety of snake that fits your budget and your personality. Only buy a snake from a reputable source, and make sure you've either got an excellent book on pet snake care handy or an expert snake keeping acquaintance who can address any questions you may have and help you on the road to blissful snake ownership.

About The Author: Barry S. Mcgee is a pet enthusiast. His site at: http://www.squidoo.com/petcareonline provides advice and information on all aspects of pet care for all types of pets including dogs, cats, ferrets and others and makes it easier for pet owners to choose the best solution for their companion's care.

For answers to all your pet care questions, please visit: http://www.squidoo.com/petcareonline

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Animals - Cute, Cuddly and Costly

Today a staggering 50% plus of UK households own a pet, from cats and dogs to snakes and birds; it seems we love having pets share our homes with us. People own pets for different reasons, predominantly for companionship, but also for children, security and to show them off! It is not just a recent fad either, throughout England's long and established history, pets have played crucial parts in family lives. Cats are renowned mice and rat catchers, which made them essential in combating the bubonic plague, and dogs "man's best friend" have always been associated with royalty.

Currently there are around 9 million pet cats in the UK, and over 7 million dogs. Figures suggest that our feline friends are more popular than canine critters due to our hectic working lives becoming increasingly complex, therefore independent cats are more favourable than more dependant dogs. Surprisingly more exotic pets are on the increase, such as snakes, reptiles and tropical fish, despite these animals requiring more attention and specialist demands.

There is growing recognition that pet ownership can have a real impact on our physical and psychological well being. Owning pets can benefit people of all ages. Simply taking your dog on a walk or playing with cats around the house is a form of exercise. Petting and stroking animals has been proved to lower blood pressure and reduce heart rates. Additionally having a pet can help speed up recovery times and build up a child's immune system.

With all the benefits pets can offer their owners and friends, what is stopping you adopting a furry friend into your home? Well, to be honest pets can cost an unexpected fortune. A massive 73m was spent last year in the UK, just on pampering dogs!

Unfortunately rising vets' bills can be too much for some owners, therefore, if their pet gets seriously ill or injured; the only option for this 7% of owners is regrettably drastic. Britain's dog owners spend over 800 million on vet fees each year, with the average cost of treatment weighing in at 154 a year. To make matters worse, over half of dog owners in the UK suspect some vets inflate their fees by recommending non-essential treatment.

In conclusion a pet is a fantastic addition to any home or family. Don't be afraid to be adventurous and go for more unusual pets if you can provide the care and attention required. Encourage friends and family to play and care for your animals, since it is mutually beneficial for everyone, especially the pet! However just bear in mind exactly how much any animal can cost each year, regardless whether or not it needs to visit the vet. If an animal does need medical attention or treatment, do not feel pressured into purchasing it from the vets itself, shop around, and especially look on the net. By following these tips, keeping a pet can be amazing, enjoyable and relatively cost effective!

Charlie Newman writes on behalf of Vet Meds Plus http://www.vetmedsplus.co.uk/ a UK Veterinary dispensary supplying the same medicine for animals as you get from your own vet, but at a fraction of the cost.

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Secret DNA Test - 5 Steps To Know Before You Start DNA Testing

Paternity test could be done much simpler when DNA samples were secretly obtained from other persons' personal belongings such as toothbrush, comb and bandages.

It sounds sneaky to obtain other persons' DNA samples by this methods but these methods are best way of getting DNA samples for DNA testing without upsetting or unnecessary provoke other persons.

How do we get the samples of DNA of other persons?

Step 1 - Look out for the toothbrush...

Discreet samples from the toothbrush or used bandaged can be sent to distinctive DNA testing centers but earlier it must be put in the large or regular envelope. Seal the envelope tightly with cellophane tape or paper glue. The best DNA test results are normally obtained from toothbrush.

Step 2: Locate suitable DNA testing center

Find one suitable DNA testing center to have the DNA sample analyzed for accurate results. Choose any DNA testing center according to your desirable locations. If you could not find any one of these centers in your area, try to look out for one via internet search.

Most of the DNA testing centers offer free DNA testing kits that available for people from all over the world. In this case, you will be charged for a small fee for postage fees. The results will be sent to you via mail, email and phone.

Make sure you read the terms and conditions of the chosen DNA testing center to clarify the agreement between the DNA testing center and their clients. It is advisable that you should have the habit of reading and understand the terms of conditions of the company's service before you make a decision.

Step 4: Start "Window Shopping"

"Window-shopping" for DNA testing centers is a must because DNA testing is indeed a competitive market and most of these DNA testing centers have already started to have promotional packages that give discounts to their first and frequent clients.

Hence, DNA testing is getting simpler and fast because of the improving cutting-edge DNA testing technology.

Step 5: Educate yourself about basics of DNA testing

You need to have some brief understanding on how DNA testing actually works. Basically, there are several methods in DNA testing in determining various kinds of relationships such as paternity test, siblings test, ancestry DNA test, and also twin zygosity test.

You will encounter some biological terms in your DNA testing report and do not hesitate to ask DNA testing consultants for questions.

When you have familiarized with all of these five steps above, start taking DNA sample secretly and send it to your preferable DNA testing center as soon as possible.

J.J. Yong, a DNA blogger with wide interest in DNA testing, genealogy, phylogenetics - as long they are related to DNA. He truly believes that amazement of DNA is like bringing us closer to humanity or humility of mankind.

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