HOW TO CARE FOR A SNAKE

Caring for a snake requires careful attention to their specific needs and environment. Here's a
comprehensive guide to help you care for your snake:

Housing:

​ Enclosure:
● Choose an appropriately sized enclosure based on the snake species. Snakes like ball
pythons generally require a 20-gallon tank for juveniles and a 40-gallon tank for
adults.
● Ensure the enclosure has a secure lid to prevent escapes.
​ Substrate:
● Use appropriate substrate like aspen shavings, cypress mulch, or coconut husk. This
helps maintain humidity levels and provides a comfortable surface for the snake.
​ Hideouts:
● Place at least two hiding spots in the enclosure. Snakes feel secure when they have
places to retreat to. These hideouts can be caves, hollow logs, or commercial hide
boxes.
​ Temperature and Lighting:
● Maintain a temperature gradient in the enclosure. Use heat pads, ceramic heat
emitters, or overhead heat lamps.
● Provide a basking spot with a temperature range suitable for the snake's species.
● Use a UVB lamp if your snake is diurnal, as it aids in vitamin D synthesis.

Feeding:

​ Diet:
● Know the specific dietary requirements for your snake's species. Common pet
snakes, like ball pythons, typically eat rodents.
● Feed appropriate-sized prey items, and adjust the frequency based on the snake's age
and size.
​ Feeding Enclosure:
● Feed snakes in a separate enclosure to avoid them associating your hand with food.
This prevents accidental bites during handling.
​ Hydration:
● Provide a shallow water dish large enough for the snake to soak. Ensure the water is
clean and change it regularly.
HOW TO CARE FOR A SNAKE

Health and Handling:

​ Regular Checkups:
● Monitor your snake's behavior, shedding, and eating habits. Any drastic changes
could be signs of health issues.
​ Handling:
● Handle your snake regularly to promote socialization, but be gentle and avoid sudden
movements. Start with short sessions and gradually increase the duration.
​ Shedding:
● Provide a humidity box filled with damp moss during shedding periods. This aids in
the removal of the old skin.

Maintenance:

​ Cleaning:
● Clean and disinfect the enclosure regularly, removing waste and replacing substrate.
● Disinfect water bowls and hideouts as needed.
​ Quarantine:
● Quarantine new additions to prevent the spread of potential diseases.

Additional Tips:

​ Research:
● Familiarize yourself with the specific needs of your snake species. Different snakes
have different requirements.
​ Enrichment:
● Provide environmental enrichment, such as branches, rocks, or other items for
climbing and exploration.
​ Emergency Preparedness:
● Have a vet experienced with reptiles on standby.
● Be familiar with common snake health issues and know what to do in case of an
emergency.

By following these guidelines and tailoring them to the specific needs of your snake species, you'll be
well-equipped to provide a healthy and happy life for your pet snake. Always consult with a reptile
veterinarian for species-specific advice and guidance.