Snakes

Snakes have been kept by man for hundreds of years.  Their low maintenance and small space requirements, combined with their ease of handling have made some types of snakes popular pets. Like all reptiles, snakes have some very specific care needs in order to remain healthy and to thrive in a captive environment.

Housing

Snakes should be housed in a glass or acrylic tank with a very secure screen lid. The length of the tank should preferably be at least the length of the snake and the width of the tank should be at least 1/2 the snakes' length.

Substrate

The covering used for the floor of the terrarium is called the cage substrate. The substrate should be absorbent, easy to clean and should be non-abrasive to the delicate underside of the snake. Cage carpet, Critter Country, or reptile bark works well for most types of snakes.

Loose, dry substrates are recommended for burrowing snakes. This increases the sense of security for these snakes which like to burrow and hide. A base, such as cage carpet, should be used under the loose bedding to prevent the snake from being burned if an under tank heater is used, or from lying directly on cold glass.

Sand, untreated pine shavings, aspen and reptile bark can be used for burrowing snakes, but cedar shavings or chlorophyll treated wood shavings should never be used as they may contain toxins which can kill the snake.

Dirt and soil are not recommended as these substrates are difficult to clean, retain moisture and may contain parasites which can harm the snake.

Cage Furniture

Snakes need an area to retreat or hide which provides security and darkness. This is important for the snake's sense of security. Caves and hollow logs make good retreats. Climbing snakes need a sturdy tree limb with branches for perching.

Heat Source

Many snakes die or fail to thrive due to inadequate heat. These cold blooded animals depend on outside heat sources to raise their body temperatures and increase their metabolic rate. They also need sufficient heat in order to properly digest their food.

To maintain a tropical type snake such as a Python or Boa, the terrarium needs a constant minimum air temperature of 78-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperate climate snakes, such as Rat Snakes and King Snakes, require an air temperature of 72-85 degrees.

In order to maintain these temperatures in the tank, it is necessary to provide heat sources such as an under-tank heater and an additional radiant heat source such as a heat lamp set over the screen. Snakes should always have a heat gradient, meaning that the heat sources should be placed so that the snake can move to a warmer or cooler area as needed to regulate its body temperature. Basking lights are a good way to focus heat onto a branch or rock where the snake can go to warm itself. Place two thermometers in different areas of the tank so that you can monitor the inside air temperature in each area.

A heat rock is beneficial for all types of snakes, allowing the snake the option of lying more or less of its body on the rock to obtain heat as needed for proper digestion of food. However, a heat rock should never be used as the sole source of heat.

Light

All snakes need some hours of darkness to remain healthy and secure, so heat lamps that also provide light should not be used more than 12 hours a day. A ceramic heat emitter is an excellent way to increase the air temperature of the terrarium without providing light.

Diurnal snakes, those that are active in the daytime, such as Garters and Green Snakes need ultraviolet light to remain active and healthy.

Water

All snakes need access to fresh water for drinking. The water should be changed daily and the water bowl cleaned at least once a week. Choose a water bowl which is small enough to prevent the snake from curling up inside and soaking. Although snakes may need the opportunity to soak prior to shedding, constant soaking can cause health problems.

Hygiene

Snakes require a clean, dry environment in order to remain healthy. Feces should be picked up and removed on a daily basis. If using disposable bedding, it should be removed and replaced when it becomes moist or soiled. Permanent substrates such as cage carpet or indoor-outdoor carpet should be removed and cleaned when they become soiled. Clean these by soaking them in a solution of 1 part bleach to 30 parts water. Soak for at least 110 minutes and let air dry completely, preferable in sunlight. It is best to keep more than one piece cut to fit each cage so that you always have a spare piece of substrate prepared, clean and dry.

Wipe the inside of the cage with clean water as needed. Once a month, disinfect the entire tank, water bowl and cage furniture with the bleach water solution and let it sit for at least 10 minutes, then rinse with fresh water.

Reptiles are highly susceptible to poisoning from pine cleaners such as Pinesol and Lysol. Never use these cleaners on the snake cage, bowls or furniture.

Feeding

All snakes are carnivorous and must be fed live or pre-killed prey. Prey should be no larger in width than the greatest mid-body width of the snake. Hatchling snakes require very small prey. Baby snakes should be fed 1-2 food items every 3-7 days. Adult snakes should be fed 1-4 food items every 9-15 days.

If a loose bedding is used, the snakes should be fed outside the terrarium in a bag or pillow case. This not only prevents the snake from ingesting bedding, but also prevents the conditioned response some snakes develop of lunging for food when the terrarium is opened. Snakes kept together should be separated before feeding to prevent possible injury.

Because most snakes eat whole animals, it is only necessary to supplement with vitamins on an occasional basis.

Health Problems in Snakes

Snakes are typically healthy if cared for properly. Most snake illnesses are caused by unsanitary conditions.

Colds and Respiratory Infections

Symptoms include labored or raspy breathing, a "deflated" appearance, lethargic tongue and bubbles or mucous around the nose or mouth. Most colds occur because the snake was not provided adequate heat. By keeping the ill snake warm, at least 90 degrees Fahrenheit, most snakes will recover on their own. If the snake does not improve in 3-5 days, seek the assistance of a veterinarian.

Mites

Mites are a common parasite problem in snakes. your snake can acquire mites from dirt, soil, prey and outdoor ventures. Mites appear as tiny dark red or black specks on light colored snakes. On dark snakes, you may notice white specks, which are the mite feces.

PETCO carries products which can be used to treat mite infestation problems. It is necessary to carefully treat both the snake and its terrarium environment according to product directions.

Other Signs of Illness

Snakes should be checked frequently for possible health problems. Signs of disease include: bloating, regurgitation, excessively runny or foul smelling stools, skin blisters, scabs, sores, or a slimy, bubbly or bleeding mouth. If your snake shows any of these signs, it should be taken to a veterinarian specializing in exotic pets.

Different Snakes Have Different Needs

There are a large variety of snakes which can be kept as pets, each of which has different needs. Buy a book on your specific kind of snake so you can better understand its particular needs and can better care for it.