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I would love to get a Cornsnake, but

Norwolf

Norwolf

New member
I have this ethical debate with myself about it. I love reptiles, feel a connection to them, but there is a part of me that thinks it's not right to keep one in captivity. There is a part of me that feels it's not right to breed animals to live in a cage -- that they should have their freedom. I'm not trying to start a debate with anybody else, but it would be great to get feedback. I'm probably going to get one anyway....
 
I can only offer my thoughts as this pertains to pigeon rescue. Is it better to release a bird and know it will have an average lifespan of two years, in the wild, free, or live a long healthy life for 25 years in captivity. Plus, cornsnakes are more or less domesticated at this point.
 
Being able to feel closer to animals by having pets gives us better motivation to help wild ones. We just need to give them the best care we can.
 
Many times keeping an animal in captivity will give it the chance at a much longer and healthier life than it could even remotely have in the wild.
 
Life in captivity has its pros and cons. In captivity they do not have to compete with an environment for food or shelter nor worry about predators like in the wild, but yes they are confined. Given their natural habits even in the wild they tend to spend most of their day coiled up in a small place asleep while hunting at night and with a decent sized cage this can easily be mimiced in captivity on a smaller scale. They live longer in captivity not having to worry about cars, mean people, predators again, and infection- there are no vets in the wild:) Also those born in captivity don't know the difference to be honest and unlike dogs, cats, monkeys and other mammals they can't reason in an emotional way meaning they aren't any happier whether in a cage or not. If its an animal you want and can afford to keep go for it!!
 
not to mention, keeping certain species in captivity ensures they won't become endangered or go extinct. you'd technically be doing your part in helping guarantee that the species survives (not saying that it's in any danger though...lol!)
 
Welcome to the board. It is a great support network for responsible snake keeping.

I have a few thoughts, but please excuse me for being a little bit less than organized...

Sometimes I feel that way when I go to a zoo.
But most zoos take very good care of the animals (as stated above, they are given a better chance at a longer life with a scientific level of care) and they give so many many people the opportunity to gain an understanding, appreciation, and love of animals. I see that nice fat Polar Bear at the Lincoln Park Zoo... he's a lot better off there and I and wonder why humans aren't doing more to protect the global environment. If each person who sees that bear uses one less plastic bag per day...

Also, I think you could ask the same question about all pets. But no one questions dog ownership, horseback riding, dairy cows, wearing wool... Snakes/reptiles haven't been domesticated as long, so I guess they are targets for this issue.
Do they not have enough of a "purpose"? But why do people have cats? Companionship? Hold a snake and tell me that little guy isn't a good companion. :)

I know that, unfortunately, you can't say this about all pet owners, but I do think that the bulk of us have a respect for nature and desire to promote that value.

The reason I got my pet snake was two-fold:
1. It would not be a responsible choice to have a more traditional pet - I don't have a lifestyle suited for a dog.
2. I want my children to appreciate and care for animals. I want them to grow up with respect for the beauty of nature.

HTH.
 
Thanks everybody for your replys.

You've helped me to decide to get a snake. Yesterday i got a six month old Normal Corn. His colors are very dark and striking. Now I have a lot to learn...
 
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