Spiders and snakes as pets

[chickpea1982]

My DC (aged 8 and 6) desperately want a snake and a spider as pets. DC1 (aged 8) has done some research and suggested a corn snake. DC2 has his heart set on a red kneed tarantula (!).

Obviously I would rather not have either of these in my home, particularly if I end up having to look after them (on top of 3 kids, a dog, a garden and a job). However, I'm trying to keep an open mind, and want to make my kids happy

Does anyone have any experience of keeping a snake or a spider as a pet? Is it a good idea or will I just regret it?!

Giant land snail? Corn snakes are lovely but as others have said, they are pretty boring. I could imagine children of that age losing interest fairly quickly. Stick insects, leaf insects are also super easy and interesting.

@Stardustmoon I had to chuckle at 'how about a snail cos snakes are boring?' 😁😁😁🤣

I don't think I could cope with a tarantula in the house even if I knew it was in a cage but I have a spider phobia.
A snake I would be fine with.
Would rather have a snake than hamsters/birds which are noisy, smelly and a pain to clean.
My friend got her DD a snake and said it's the best pet they've had because it's so low maintenance but also interesting (she is getting used to the frozen mice in the freezer)

@uptherefordancing 🤣🤣 that is a fair point. I love snails though! I have always found them more active than snakes. But I totally get that to most people they are pretty boring!

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