The ownership of a snake brings with it certain responsibilities regarding nutritional and housing requirements. A natural diet and environment should be duplicated as closely as possible for the pet snake. However, snakes are a very diversified group of reptiles.

They can be land dwelling, water dwelling, both or even tree dwelling. Because of the many differences among the species, it is very important to find out the specific needs of your particular type of snake as to diet, environment, and housing guidelines.

The following is general information regarding snake care and is not specific for any type of snake.

The cage for a snake should be large enough to allow the animal to stretch out and to move about freely. Snakes will use both the horizontal and the vertical surfaces of its enclosure, so owners should add to the cage some clean branches that are large enough to support the snake’s weight.

Common choices for housing are a glass fish aquarium or a Plexiglas or wood cage. Do not use a wire cage as a snake can become injured from rubbing or striking against the wires. Whatever kind of cage you choose to use, make sure to lock or tape down the lid, as snakes are notorious escape artists.

Newspaper or artificial turf should be used as a cage lining. Artificial turf may even help with the shedding process. It is important to clean or change the lining as soon as it becomes soiled. In addition the enclosure and all “props” should be cleaned with a very dilute chlorine bleach solution every 1-2 weeks. Other items to add to the cage varies with each species, but in general include a “hide box” to provide security, rocks to rub on, and a large water bowl to soak in.

Snakes are cold-blooded animals so an external source of heat is necessary to regulate its body temperature. Good external heat sources are a heating pad under one end of the cage or a “Hot Rock” (available at most pet stores) in the cage, or a heat lamp placed outside of the cage.

If a “Hot Rock” is used, a large flat natural rock should be placed on top of it to keep the snake from becoming burned. Be sure to monitor the heat sources regularly as they can sometimes develop areas of greater heat that can accidentally burn the snake. It is recommended that, regardless of which heat source you choose, a thermometer should be placed in the cage to closely monitor the temperature. Ideal temperatures vary between the species.

It is absolutely necessary to supply your snake with at least twelve hours of light per day. A “Vita-lite” should be used as it provides a wide spectrum of light rays. A black light can be substituted for the “Vita-lite” for no more than 30 minutes each day. The light should be placed so that the snake cannot gain access to it and it should be no more than four feet above the cage.

A soft plastic mesh or screen should be used to shield the light. Do not use glass or hard plastic shields as they filter out some of the important UV light rays. Ideally you should replace the bulb every 6 months. Conversely, a snake also needs about 12 hours of darkness every day.

Relative humidity levels in its environment will vary from about 35% to 70% depending on the particular snake. This is one of the reasons owners will need to research their species of snake thoroughly.

Maintaining proper humidity levels when the snake is shedding it’s skin will make the process easier for it. Ways to add humidity include misting with a spray bottle, water dishes and swim dishes. Some species may even enjoy frequent swims in a large sink or bathtub full of luke-warm water.

Being able to provide the proper food is one of the biggest reasons to research your type of snake thoroughly. Regardless of the type of snake you have, do not feed them live prey (except for insects). The snake can receive severe injuries and infections if the prey animal bites it. The size and type of prey and how often you will need to feed depends upon the species and age of snake, and the time of year.

As already mentioned, healthy snakes will shed their skin, usually 4-8 times a year. How often the shedding process takes place depends upon many factors, such as environmental humidity, temperature, growth rate, feeding frequency, and age. Snakes should shed their skin in one piece beginning with the nose and ending with the tail. Patchy shedding is abnormal.

The shed is normally preceded by a 1-2 week period of “opacity” when the skin becomes dry and dull and the eye scales are milky colored. You should not handle your snake during this time because its vision is reduced due to the opacity and it may become defensive and unpredictable. Also you could damage the underlying new skin just by the handling of the snake

Snakes, like other pets, should be seen once a year for a veterinary examination to help detect any diseases that may not be visibly apparent, and to judge the overall health of the animal.

Signs of illness that would indicate the need for an immediate exam include:

• Open mouth breathing
• Wheezing
• Nasal discharge
• Excess salivation
• Long term refusal of food
• Inactivity
• Abnormal feces
• Difficulty shedding
• Swellings
• Parasites
• Visible sores