The Base Requirements For Housing A Pet Snake

A recent news item concerning a reptile that
escaped prompted me to recall the necessary
features of a snake's habitat. Of course, the
snake's house must be secure, but also a
comfortable place to be.

The tank.

First and foremost, the cage should be secure.
We don't want our pet reptile to go wandering,
and it's our responsibility to make sure that
the reptile can't harm itself. There should be
no pointed or cutting edges anywhere inside the
tank and the cover should have locking clips. A
totally glass tank could be used, if the cover
is well ventilated and can't get too warm.
Modern reptile houses have wooden backs and
sides, and glass doors which can slide, which
cuts down on weight and helps make them cheaper.
The sliding doors can additionally be fixed in
place using special devices.

Food And Water.

Reptiles need water, and although some kinds of
reptiles can go for quite a long time without
taking in water, most pet snakes also like to
dive in now and again. No other liquids are
required by the snake except for fresh clean
water replenished every couple of days or so.
Reptile food is a really varied subject, and
many snake care guides cover this in great
detail. Smaller snakes migh eat small insects
and crickets, whilst bigger boas and pythons
will digest large rats. Mice and rats can be
given either dead or alive, but the snake must
be relaxed before it will eat.

Bedding and Surroundings

Normally, a reptile is quite happy with either
sawdust or hay scattered across the cage floor.
Although not the brightest of creatures, some
additional items in the cage will help to
stimulate them, keeping them mobile and in good
health. A stone or piece of wood will do nicely.
Reptiles also need to hide away, so a little box
or cover will help it to hide when needed. Pay
attention not to put something into the tank
that could have parasites, fungus or small
insects.

Comfortable Environment.

Snakes are cold blooded, which just means they
assume the ambient temperature. A cold snake
will move slower than a warm snake, and
generally be less happy. A good snake care guide
should give you the ideal temperature for each
species. A good heating source may take the
shape of a synthetic rock, with an electric
heater element inside. Another type of heating
is by infra-red lamp suspended from the top of
the cage, or a normal incandescent lamp might be
utilized. The last example would also provide
light, but is not ideal, as the temperature is
better controlled thermostatically. A separate
lamp could be timed to simulate day and night.
Finally, make sure you take greta advice on how
to buy a pet snake.

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James Bavery is an amateur herpetologist writing
occasional articles about pet snakes and care of
reptiles. How to buy a pet snake.

http://www.reptilesite.com/reptiles-buy-pet-snakes/
http://www.reptilesite.com/news/what-to-know-before-buying-a-pet-snake/

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