Reptiles that don´t require daily maintenance

[TownesVanZandt]

In August this year the total ban on keeping reptiles were lifted in Norway and we are now allowed to keep some non-venomous ones. I am looking into the possibility of acquiring one (preferably a gecko), but since I am often away from my apartment for 3-7 days due to work, I cannot provide daily maintenance and care at all times. I do however have a friend that lives close by and she can fill up the water bowls for me, but she´s easily freaked out by bugs so she cannot feed them.

I was talking to a guy at one of the pet stores that has reptiles about it and he said that a snake would be a better option than a gecko, due to the crested geckos requiring daily misting and leopard geckos requiring to be fed live insects every second day or so. Considering how they keep their tarantulas however, I am a bit skeptical about the quality of petstore advice about reptiles, so I am asking here instead.

So, here´s the list of reptiles that we´re allowed to keep. Will any of these be suitable for me?

Leopard Gecko
Crested Gecko
Madagascar Day Gecko (Phelsuma madagascariensis)
Uromastyx ocellata (not an option)
Bearded Dragon (As much as I love them, I don´t have the space)
Spiny Tailed Varan (Varanus acanthurus) Also not an option
Ocellated Lizard (Lacerta lepida)

Green Tree Python (There´s no way I´m keeping one)
Ball Python
Carpet Python (Morelia spilota) Also not an option
Common Tree Boa (Corallus hortulanus) Not an option
Boa constrictor (Even if I had all the place in the world, I would never get near a snake of that size )
Rainbow Boa (Epicrates cenchria) No, no
Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula)
Cornsnake (Pantherophis guttatus)
Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum)

In addition there´s some turtles, but they don´t interest me.

 

[schmiggle]

Norway has a white list of exotic reptiles you're allowed to keep? Given the climate, that seems a bit excessive. Why was there a complete ban in the first place?
I would also have said a snake is a good choice, given that they only eat once a week and several of those listed (corn, king, and milksnake) are native, at least in part of their range, to relatively arid climates.

 

[ShyDragoness]

I'd also say a snake would be your best option

 

[TownesVanZandt]

Norway has a white list of exotic reptiles you're allowed to keep? Given the climate, that seems a bit excessive. Why was there a complete ban in the first place?
I would also have said a snake is a good choice, given that they only eat once a week and several of those listed (corn, king, and milksnake) are native, at least in part of their range, to relatively arid climates.

Yes, now we have a whitelist, which was a political compromise. I´m not sure why they decided to ban them back in 1977, but Norway and Iceland were the only European countries to have a total ban, which is strange considering no escaped reptiles can survive in our climate. The reason for them to allow some now were that it is estimated that more than 100.000 reptiles were kept illegally in Norway, many in less than adequate conditions because people could not keep them openly or take them to the veterinary etc. Sweden have always been quite liberal when it comes to keeping exotic pets and people just drove across the border, bought whatever they wanted and brought them into the country.

Do you have any experience with snakes? I have done some research online and it seems like it´s a general consensus that cornsnakes are the best option as a first snake. I do however like the looks of the ball python, but they are prone to stop eating and have more complicated requirements when it comes to humidity?

 

[basin79]

If you're often away for 3-7 days then I wouldn't recommend a reptile at all.

 

[schmiggle]

Do you have any experience with snakes? I have done some research online and it seems like it´s a general consensus that cornsnakes are the best option as a first snake. I do however like the looks of the ball python, but they are prone to stop eating and have more complicated requirements when it comes to humidity?

I have no experience with snakes, and I would definitely say Basin's advice is better than mine in this context (and many others ). Having said that, what I've read about ball pythons suggests that they stop eating like a tarantula, that is to say, randomly and it doesn't necessarily indicate poor health.
@basin79 I would have thought a snake would be ok as long as the neighbor takes care of certain humidity and heat requirements. Where is the problem I am missing?

 

[basin79]

I have no experience with snakes, and I would definitely say Basin's advice is better than mine in this context (and many others ). Having said that, what I've read about ball pythons suggests that they stop eating like a tarantula, that is to say, randomly and it doesn't necessarily indicate poor health.
@basin79 I would have thought a snake would be ok as long as the neighbor takes care of certain humidity and hear requirements. Where is the problem I am missing?

Stats breaking down & heating equipment breaking down would be my main concerns. Snakes fouling their water bowls could be a problem also but if there's someone who would be willing to swap out the bowl and spot clean the enclosure that shouldn't matter.

I just don't see the point in getting a reptile if you're not there to look after it a large part of the time.

 

[TownesVanZandt]

Stats breaking down & heating equipment breaking down would be my main concerns. Snakes fouling their water bowls could be a problem also but if there's someone who would be willing to swap out the bowl and spot clean the enclosure that shouldn't matter.

I just don't see the point in getting a reptile if you're not there to look after it a large part of the time.

Thanks for your advice It's not like I'm away as much as I'm home, but for now I need pets that allows me to do some work in another city. It's only a year long temporary position though, so the best option might be to just stick with my tarantulas until I finish this or find a job that doesn't involve traveling. But you know how it is, when you want something you want it now and not in a year

 

[jake9134]

Having kept ball pythons and cornsnakes, i can give some pros and cons to keeping both
Ball python:commonly from the savanna.
Pros:
Don't need much humidity, a large water bowl that they can get into during a shed works
can go long periods without eating or drinking
easier clean up and poop less.
very docile
this can be a pro or con but they live incredibly long, 40+ yrs
Cons:
sometimes won't eat for long periods (my first rat pet, the feeder out grew him before he would eat it)
took mine forever to take pre-killed food, the key was the temp
needs a bit more space
nocturnal and not very active unless hungry, hides most of the time
may become meaner if not held often
Cornsnake
Pros:
eats pre-killed readily, warm or cold doesn't have to be the perfect temp
more active and curious, seen at various times during the day, but will still hide quite a bit.
will almost never bite, you have to do a lot wrong to be bitten.
more tolerant of cold temps.
drink a lot
Lifespan up to 23 yrs, 6-8 yrs typically
capable of withstanding very cold temps, they can hibernate, but wouldn't ever allow it below 45 degrees F
Cons:
need a bit more humidity when shedding but keep it dry otherwise, their hide is a clay flower pot that I mist when they look like they are about to shed
become anxious and try to run, if not held for a while
The cage has a smell even after cleaning
their poop is projectile and often accompanied by a goo that shoots out.
if you scare them they can poop on you or whoever is handling them, and its incredibly smelly.
I use paper towels as the substrate because they poop often and it makes it quick and cheap to clean, aspen works and will help with smell.

Both would need some heat especially while digesting, but they can get by for a week without additional heat if your house it 65+ degrees F.
Both will last a week without eating or drinking with no problems. Both are escape artists, like all snakes. make sure the lid is secure, weights are not enough.
Temperaments of both can very pretty widely for each individual. The ball saw me as food after a while, would slowly bite me as I held it. not defensively more like he was trying to swallow my hand thinking its food. But the cornsnakes poop like crazy. If you can handle Ts then either will be just fine.
Hope that helps, and sorry for the long post I have been keeping ball pythons and cornsnakes for over 20 years

 

[TownesVanZandt]

Having kept ball pythons and cornsnakes, i can give some pros and cons to keeping both
Ball python:commonly from the savanna.
Pros:
Don't need much humidity, a large water bowl that they can get into during a shed works
can go long periods without eating or drinking
easier clean up and poop less.
very docile
this can be a pro or con but they live incredibly long, 40+ yrs
Cons:
sometimes won't eat for long periods (my first rat pet, the feeder out grew him before he would eat it)
took mine forever to take pre-killed food, the key was the temp
needs a bit more space
nocturnal and not very active unless hungry, hides most of the time
may become meaner if not held often
Cornsnake
Pros:
eats pre-killed readily, warm or cold doesn't have to be the perfect temp
more active and curious, seen at various times during the day, but will still hide quite a bit.
will almost never bite, you have to do a lot wrong to be bitten.
more tolerant of cold temps.
drink a lot
Lifespan up to 23 yrs, 6-8 yrs typically
capable of withstanding very cold temps, they can hibernate, but wouldn't ever allow it below 45 degrees F
Cons:
need a bit more humidity when shedding but keep it dry otherwise, their hide is a clay flower pot that I mist when they look like they are about to shed
become anxious and try to run, if not held for a while
The cage has a smell even after cleaning
their poop is projectile and often accompanied by a goo that shoots out.
if you scare them they can poop on you or whoever is handling them, and its incredibly smelly.
I use paper towels as the substrate because they poop often and it makes it quick and cheap to clean, aspen works and will help with smell.

Both would need some heat especially while digesting, but they can get by for a week without additional heat if your house it 65+ degrees F.
Both will last a week without eating or drinking with no problems. Both are escape artists, like all snakes. make sure the lid is secure, weights are not enough.
Temperaments of both can very pretty widely for each individual. The ball saw me as food after a while, would slowly bite me as I held it. not defensively more like he was trying to swallow my hand thinking its food. But the cornsnakes poop like crazy. If you can handle Ts then either will be just fine.
Hope that helps, and sorry for the long post I have been keeping ball pythons and cornsnakes for over 20 years

Thanks a lot for this information I will think about this for some time so I don't make any rash decisions, but if I'm going for a snake I really would like a ball python. They are incredible beautiful.

What size would be a good option for someone without any previous snake experience? I suppose I should avoid the smallest ones who haven't been eating pre-killed mice for a while and who might not yet be used to being handled, but would an adult specimen also be too much snake to handle for a newbie? Also, are males and females different in temperament or is the size mostly what separates them?

 

[basin79]

Having kept ball pythons and cornsnakes, i can give some pros and cons to keeping both
Ball python:commonly from the savanna.
Pros:
Don't need much humidity, a large water bowl that they can get into during a shed works
can go long periods without eating or drinking
easier clean up and poop less.
very docile
this can be a pro or con but they live incredibly long, 40+ yrs
Cons:
sometimes won't eat for long periods (my first rat pet, the feeder out grew him before he would eat it)
took mine forever to take pre-killed food, the key was the temp
needs a bit more space
nocturnal and not very active unless hungry, hides most of the time
may become meaner if not held often
Cornsnake
Pros:
eats pre-killed readily, warm or cold doesn't have to be the perfect temp
more active and curious, seen at various times during the day, but will still hide quite a bit.
will almost never bite, you have to do a lot wrong to be bitten.
more tolerant of cold temps.
drink a lot
Lifespan up to 23 yrs, 6-8 yrs typically
capable of withstanding very cold temps, they can hibernate, but wouldn't ever allow it below 45 degrees F
Cons:
need a bit more humidity when shedding but keep it dry otherwise, their hide is a clay flower pot that I mist when they look like they are about to shed
become anxious and try to run, if not held for a while
The cage has a smell even after cleaning
their poop is projectile and often accompanied by a goo that shoots out.
if you scare them they can poop on you or whoever is handling them, and its incredibly smelly.
I use paper towels as the substrate because they poop often and it makes it quick and cheap to clean, aspen works and will help with smell.

Both would need some heat especially while digesting, but they can get by for a week without additional heat if your house it 65+ degrees F.
Both will last a week without eating or drinking with no problems. Both are escape artists, like all snakes. make sure the lid is secure, weights are not enough.
Temperaments of both can very pretty widely for each individual. The ball saw me as food after a while, would slowly bite me as I held it. not defensively more like he was trying to swallow my hand thinking its food. But the cornsnakes poop like crazy. If you can handle Ts then either will be just fine.
Hope that helps, and sorry for the long post I have been keeping ball pythons and cornsnakes for over 20 years

65f for a week is pushing it in my opinion.

 

[MatisIsLoveMantisIsLyf]

I Think im gonna make you feel bad, but your only option are snakes. They need weekly maintance and only feed 3-4 times a month (once weekly or so). They need minimum care, and after all, they dont eat bugs .

 

[TownesVanZandt]

I Think im gonna make you feel bad, but your only option are snakes. They need weekly maintance and only feed 3-4 times a month (once weekly or so). They need minimum care, and after all, they dont eat bugs .

Haha, true but since she's freaked out by crickets and mealworms there's no way I can ask her to deal with frozen mice or rats. But that won't be necessarily either, it's not often that I will be gone for a full week and it's OK for her to change water and check that the heat mats are working when I'm away.

I have been reading about and watching videos of ball pythons all day and the more I watch the more I want one. If and when (probably when) I decide to get one I will need some advice as to how to set up an enclosure properly.

 

[schmiggle]

65f for a week is pushing it in my opinion.

This is absolutely true, particularly with a gorge feeder like snakes--they need outside heat to help them digest their food quickly enough that it doesn't rot inside them, so I know many species bask after feeding. If your house is cool, you will need someone to keep track of your heating equipment, as Basin said earlier. I think large pythons often hide when feeding, but then again, they live on the hot, humid forest floor.

 

[Nir Avraham]

Almost all species of lizards requires daily care. If you really want a lizard, you can take a leopard gecko. I feed mine every week. I just put 30 cockroaches or 100 mealworms in the dishes and they are all super healthy and growing very well.
But, I think that the best option for you is a snake. I'll go with a milksnake or a kingsnake.

 

[TownesVanZandt]

I'll go with a milksnake or a kingsnake.

Why would you recommend a milksnake or a kingsnake over a ball python or a cornsnake?

 

[Chris LXXIX]

Cracked me up that Boa or huge snake is a no, ah ah

Joking aside, in the past the idea touched me as well, but then I always given up the whole thing.

I still continue to believe (and I could be damn wrong, uh) that they (snakes, I mean) require a lot of more attention (heathing, light etc) than the normal inverts I'd love to keep.

With that said, given the chance (but I can't, since venomous snakes are banned here since forever) I would love to keep one of the badass Italian vipers we have here in Northern Italy mountain woods. They are amazing to see, so elegant IMO.

Not exactly venomous like Cobra or something, but the bite require the antivenom shot no matter, nothing to take easily.

 

[TownesVanZandt]

Cracked me up that Boa or huge snake is a no, ah ah

Haha, I´m actually afraid of snakes, so I need something small and as docile as possible

I still continue to believe (and I could be damn wrong, uh) that they (snakes, I mean) require a lot of more attention (heathing, light etc) than the normal inverts I'd love to keep.

With that said, given the chance (but I can't, since venomous snakes are banned here since forever) I would love to keep one of the badass Italian vipers we have here in Northern Italy mountain woods. They are amazing to see, so elegant IMO.

Not exactly venomous like Cobra or something, but the bite require the antivenom shot no matter, nothing to take easily.

Does that viper have horns? At the Balkans they have two types of vipers. One is the common European adder that we also have in Norway and the other one have horns and more potent venom. It might be the same species as the one you have in Italy? The scientific name is Vipera ammoytes I think.

 

[schmiggle]

Haha, I´m actually afraid of snakes, so I need something small and as docile as possible




Does that viper have horns? At the Balkans they have two types of vipers. One is the common European adder that we also have in Norway and the other one have horns and more potent venom. It might be the same species as the one you have in Italy? The scientific name is Vipera ammoytes I think.

Vipera aspis and Vipera ammodytes are both present in Italy, and both are more dangerous than Vipera berus, the common European adder. But you lot in Italy ain't got nothing on the timber rattlesnakes we have in western MA the US in general has a greater diversity of venomous snakes than Europe, as far as I know.

 

[Chris LXXIX]

Haha, I´m actually afraid of snakes, so I need something small and as docile as possible

Well, ah ah, I admit that I will be extremely uncomfortable to be in the same room where there's a (venomous only) snake on the loose... with a Theraphosidae (no matter which) not, but with one of those I will probably bring a weapon in no time

Does that viper have horns? At the Balkans they have two types of vipers. One is the common European adder that we also have in Norway and the other one have horns and more potent venom. It might be the same species as the one you have in Italy? The scientific name is Vipera ammoytes I think.

More than one, five actually (including V.ammodytes)



Vipera walser was the last one discovered, living in a very little area near Biella city (not so distant, KM speaking, from where I live) and is amazing to see