Snakes and Birds...Bad Combo?

[Wings]

HI guys! Haven't been on in a while, had to do some stuff. Well there is a weird chain events leading to a result many of you will be shocked by. Yeah instead of another bird, we've decided to go a little on a whim and get a snake. I know, off turn of events, but I'm worried about my bird. Could I keep them in the same room (opposite ends), and (using common sense), not let them out at the same time? Or should i just keep the snake in a separate room? Thanks so much!

 

[ShellyBorg]

I would keep the snake in a different house then the bird!
Snakes are notorious for escaping cages and eating the other pets. I know of long time snake handlers and at least once a year I get a call to come help find a snake...

 

[Wings]

Jesus, not a good combo i'm guessing Anyway, when I get the snake (I'm set on it), were just going to keep it in our basement to make things easier

 

[weco]

From your avatar pic, it appears your budgie's cage has the guillotine type doors, the ones that slide up & down & that a snake looking for a warm meal can very easily enter that cage and enjoy that meal.....

While I respect your right to own a snake, I believe that without a cage that is constructed so that it will guarantee that a snake cannot get to your bird, you are actually abusing the bird.....especially if the bird ever sees the snake and believes that it might be prey for the snake.....

 

[MikeyTN]

I'm not a fan of snakes so to me it's a really bad combo but that's just me since I have a phobia with snakes....

 

[BACON]

Guess it depends on what snake you're looking at, I guess also the budgies also make an easier meal than other larger parrots, but I'm sure with a little common sense they will be fine.
At the minute I've got my amazon down stairs and I've a corn snake in my bedroom.
Just take care

 

[Featheredsamurai]

Get a high tech inclosure with locks, traditional terrariums are very easy to get out of.

(vision snake cages)

 

[khaiqha]

I'd be less concerned with the snake escaping than the bird landing on its cage and messing with the electrical equipment - heating pads/lights, etc.

 

[JerseyWendy]

What kind of snake are you looking to get?

I love snakes, but could never bring one into the house as my husband is utterly petrified of them.

AND...after hearing what happened with my friend Tab and the snake....I wouldn't want to bring a snake in the house BECAUSE I have parrots.

 

[Blancaej]

I just went to a live reptile show a week ago or so. Have you ever owned a snake before? Like birds there is a huge rehoming issue with snakes & reptiles. Know what you are getting yourself into. Research research research! Make sure you get the right size for your space! Some can get quite huge! People often purchase a snake and realize later they bit off more then they can chew!

I personally would not bring a snake in the house for my birds sake. Plus I have no interest in them! But that is beside the point!

 

[Ravennessa]

What sort of snake are you thinking of?
Most people get a corn as first snake, and they are amazing escape artists..

I love reptiles and have chosen to not have snakes in my house because the smell alone from prey items can make your snake agitated.. That'd be the first reason to not have them in the same room.. and you'd have to wash your hands very rigorously if going to the snake after the bird.. or you will get tagged...

Depending on what snake, get the snake from a reputable breeder.. IF you end up wanting more snakes (which is common, they are like pringles, we have something we call RAS, reptile acquiring syndrome) and you don't get them from a good breeder you run a big risk of getting IBD, inclusion body disease... Its a nasty nasty thing.. snakes should be quarantines just as birds when introduced to a new house hold..

Let me know what kinda snake you are looking for and I can put you in touch with the right peeps!! Oh and I'd go with the cage on top, it's called a boaphile, the guy installs heats and light to your snakes need. He is amazing with his cages, order soon though there's a waiting line for them.. and depending on what breed of snake, you can buy a smaller cage with an end where you can add on an extensions once the snake grows.. (too big of a space for a young snake makes them aggressive due to insecurity) I HOPE I am allowed to post this if not, don't ban me, just yell at me.. Join redtailboa.net you have several of the better breeders in the US there that can give you even more tips

 

[brianlinkles]

What type of snake are you thinking of? My daughter went with me to a bird show that was sponsored by a pet shop that brought some baby corns with them. While I was busy selling my jewelry and t-shirts she was playing with the snakes. (this is the daughter that is a little frightened of my bigger parrots) I was shocked to see her so gravitated to these little guys. She picked out a ghost corn snake and just held it the whole day. Well needless to say we went home with him and she just loves her little snake (tilly) I do know that the owner of the shop told us exactly what Ravennessa stated, wash your hands very, very well after holding your bird or you will get bitten. You should never have your snake any where near your bird, this will for sure stress both of them out. Corn snakes are probably the best snake to start with, they don't get huge and they are very easy going. What made you switch to snakes?

 

[BACON]

A snake in the home in my opinion is no more dangerous than having a dog or a cat. I'm sure there is more fatalities among pet bird owners with these than snakes.

As above, corn/rat snakes are probably the best to start with and are usually pretty placid
Again.... Why the change???

 

[Ravennessa]

Hey, I love all animals, I never saw myself as a bird person until Jacob found me.. But now I am discovering its like having a high energy feathery dog... so now Im thinking that in the future when I have less pets and a house of my own I may take in either a macaw or an amazon depending on how life turns (we are talking 5 years away now).. And previously Ive been all about dogs and reptiles.. so... You never know why you change.. Sometimes you just discover, oh I like this too!! LOL

 

[haleybird]

Cats and dogs are predators to birds, just like snakes are...I think as long as you are responsible about keeping them separate and making sure the hygiene aspect is taken care of, you should be fine...

I was really interested in ball pytons for a very short time, but then I realized my lifestyle and my love for birds wouldn't be a good combination for keeping one, so now i just admire them and move on. My brother and his fiance have a tortoise, uromastyx, and I wouldnt be surprised if they got a snake, so if need be I can always get a reptile fix at their house! Lol. Tortoises are so cute, especially when they eat.

I plan on being a one creature household...my hy will be it for me (although lately I've been thinking about keeping a few canaries in a big sunny aviary, for their lovely song and chipper persona).

I think acquiring any animal involves a whole bunch of thought, research, and of course, commitment. I'm sure once you've thought about all of the important things you can come to the best decision. I'm not saying that buying on a whim is a bad thing, because a few great relationships have sprung from it (its harder to be sure, learning on the fly), but the majority of impulse purchases end up in homeless creatures, sadly.

Do keep us updated with what you decide! Snakes are fascinating and cute little creatures. On the whole, I like them!

 

[Wings]

We are going to get a BCI (common boa constrictor), yes i know what I'm getting into, and we have snake experience. We have special "locks" that go onto the guillotine doors so they don't open at all unless I unhook them. We are planning to get a "vision" cage, it is virtually inescapable, with lighting and heating "cove" built in, so the bird couldn't get to them. I planned this out, so thanks everyone for your input! Defientely going to have the snake in the basement, and the bird upstairs...

 

[Wings]

I changed over for many reasons. I found that one bird is enough! It's better to spoil my bird (more than she already is LOL), than get another one. A snake doesn't require the social interaction a bird needs so I could still pay most of my attention to my bird And I've always liked snakes, one of my favorite things is the morphs...so...many...morphs LOL I hope you guys understand I'll keep you updated!

 

[JerseyWendy]

We are going to get a BCI (common boa constrictor), ........

Well....better than an Anaconda, I guess.

 

[Ravennessa]

If you are looking into BCI, talk to Donnie and Michelle, they have prima reptilia..
index
They are amazing and always have nice snakes around and if you are looking for a specific morph they can def guide the way!

 

[Wings]

As a matter of fact I have been talking to them! Really nice people! Jersey, if i wanted an anaconda it would be the "yellow anaconda" the greens are too large/aggressive, the yellows are still large and aggressive but not 20 feet LOL.