Keeping snakes as pets!

Reptiles are growing in popularity as pets with snakes, particularly becoming more fascinating; thus, with regular handling can be quite tame. Nevertheless, snakes are obviously not the right pets for everyone. They have unique requirements and should only be kept by those with the commitment to understand and meet their needs.

Did you know?

That:

• Snakes are very adept escape artists, so make sure you have an escape proof terrarium (a container in which living plants and creatures are kept in an environment that replicates the natural environment), keeping in mind that snakes are persistent about finding and squeezing through any small gaps.
• Providing a temperature gradient and making sure the warm side of the terrarium is warm enough are essential to your snake’s health and ability to digest its meals.
• Terrarium built fully of glass is suitable for the varieties of smaller snakes, those that require high humidity, because the glass will not be affected by damp problems. If your pets require low to medium humidity then a glass fronted wooden terrarium would be suitable.
• Snakes will eat anything that moves that they can overpower. But, do not put prey in that is too large for a smaller snake as it might cause injury. It is highly recommended that snakes are fed with frozen rats which have been thawed to room temperature are the most convenient for the hobbyist. It is essential that your snake be trained to feed this way as a healthy rat is quite capable of seriously injuring even a large snake.

What are the basic housing requirements for keeping snakes as pets?

1. Space: Must have adequate space to build a suitably sized terrarium that may contain enough environmental enrichment which replicates the natural environment. As in the case of height, a terrarium should be made tall enough especially when considering keeping snakes that naturally dwell in trees.
2. Use of Glass: Glass made terrarium is suitable for the variety of smaller snakes, and those that require high humidity, because the glass will not be affected by damp problems. If your pets require low or a medium humidity then a glass fronted wooden terrarium would be suitable.
3. Environmental Enrichment: The plants and natural elements in each terrarium should mirror the natural elements of the different types of snakes. Essential features though include a pile of leaves and bark, a terracotta pot, a hide box or a hollow log that the snake has narrow access to where it can hide and sleep.
4. Heating: This should be provided at one end of the cage, creating a temperature gradient between 20-28 degree centigrade. At this hot end, a heating pad or shielded heat lamps can be provided, allowing the snake to get even warmer if it desires.
5. Drinking water: Add some water in a shallow water dish that can’t be tipped over. Ensure that the cage is kept dry, as these snakes do not do well in humid environments.
6. Substrate: Line the cage with butcher paper or any other paper without ink for easy cleanup. Gravel, kitty litter or wood shavings should never be used because they trap moisture and waste. These materials also provide hiding places for parasites especially when they are not properly disinfected.