My son had just turned 5 when we got him a Woma python...
But he had/has many pets since he was a toddler, firstly gold fish, then yabbies, water snails, a cat, hermit crabs, guinea pigs, chickens, blue tongue lizard and huge stick insects etc.
Plus had daily contact with the family dog (who recently died) from in-laws across the street.
So in a way, I'm trying to say he's been taught from early age to be gentle w/ cat and dog and to help out with cleaning/feeding etc. - That's my rule!
Plus he really understands now about life and death are part of keeping pets (not "just going to heaven")
But above all, at 5yo of age, although they have good intentions they're a bit more clumsy, so I make sure I supervise all the time when he handles any of them.
So in a short answer, they're never too young to have a pet, as long they're supervised by an adult.
Plus, a reptile is a lot easier to keep (no brushing, training, walking) and I believe more suitable for a child - plus there's the wow factor and he'll be the cool dude at school.
4 days a week w/ snake is plenty.
He may enjoy feeding it, so I would try plan feeding for last day he's w/ you so snake is digesting the next 3 when he's away.
I would say any Childrens family (x3) or a Woma are good starter snakes. And although I've been bitten by any of those 4 (somewhat "mellow") species described above, that's pretty much normal w/ any hatchling, regardless of species.
Good luck.
P.S. show us some photos when you get it.
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...I think rather than worryingabout the snake and your son bonding....maybe it is another way you can help to keep that conection with your son as it will be something you do together.
+1
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