About Snakes

Snakes are carnivorous reptiles characterized by their elongated, legless bodies and lack of external ears or eyelids. As pets, they require specific temperature gradients, humidity levels, and appropriate enclosures to thrive. Understanding the specific needs of your snake species is essential for proper care.

• Lifespan

  15-30+ years depending on species, with proper care and husbandry

• Size

  Varies widely by species: from 1-2 foot garter snakes to 6+ foot boa constrictors

• Temperature Needs

  Require specific temperature gradients with warm side of 85-90°F (29-32°C) and cool side of 75-80°F (24-27°C)

• Humidity Requirements

  Varies by species from 40-60% for many colubrids to 60-80% for tropical species

• Feeding

  Carnivorous diet consisting primarily of appropriately-sized rodents (mice, rats) or other prey items

Habitat Setup & Environment

Creating the proper habitat for your snake is crucial for its health and wellbeing. The specific setup will depend on your snake's species, size, and natural habitat:

Habitat Essentials

A proper snake habitat should include:

• Heating Elements

  Under-tank heater and/or overhead heating (ceramic heat emitter) with thermostats to prevent overheating

• Hides

  At least two secure hiding spots (one on the warm side, one on the cool side) where your snake can retreat

• Water Bowl

  A sturdy, heavy water dish large enough for the snake to soak in, but not so deep that it risks drowning

• Enrichment

  Branches, plants (live or artificial), and other décor to create a more naturalistic environment and provide climbing opportunities for arboreal species

• Secure Lid

  Escape-proof lid with proper ventilation - snakes are excellent escape artists!

Diet & Feeding

Snakes are strict carnivores that require whole prey items to meet their nutritional needs. Proper feeding practices are essential for their health and wellbeing.

Feeding Basics

• Prey Size

  The prey item should be approximately 1-1.5 times the width of the widest part of your snake's body

• Feeding Schedule

  Varies by age and species: hatchlings typically eat once every 5-7 days, adults every 7-14 days or longer for larger species

• Prey Type

  Most pet snakes eat rodents (mice, rats) that can be purchased frozen and thawed. Some species may require other prey items like chicks, quail, or fish

How to Feed Your Snake

Follow these steps for proper feeding:

1. Thaw frozen prey items completely in the refrigerator, then warm to slightly above room temperature (using warm water, never microwave).
2. Use feeding tongs to offer the prey item to your snake, moving it slightly to mimic natural movement.
3. Some species prefer to be fed in their enclosure, while others may benefit from being moved to a separate "feeding enclosure" to prevent cage aggression.
4. Do not handle your snake for at least 48 hours after feeding to prevent regurgitation.

Health Care

Preventative care is the best approach to keeping your snake healthy. Regular monitoring, proper husbandry, and attention to your snake's behavior are key.

Signs of a Healthy Snake

• Clear Eyes

  Clear, bright eyes (except during pre-shed when they appear cloudy)

• Good Body Condition

  Rounded, not triangular body shape; no visible spine

• Normal Breathing

  Quiet, even breathing with no wheezing, bubbling, or open-mouth breathing

• Clean Scales

  Smooth, clean scales with no stuck shed, mites, or unusual discoloration

Common Health Issues

Handling & Safety

Proper handling techniques are important for building trust with your snake and ensuring both your safety and the snake's wellbeing.

Handling Guidelines

• Support the Body

  Always support your snake's body weight, never let it dangle or hang

• Short Sessions

  Keep handling sessions to 15-20 minutes, especially for young snakes or new pets

• When Not to Handle

  Avoid handling for 24-48 hours after feeding or when shedding (pre-shed through completion)

• Clean Hands

  Always wash hands before and after handling to protect both you and your snake

Safety Considerations

Even docile pet snake species deserve respect and careful handling:

• Never handle snakes when you're tired, under the influence of substances, or otherwise impaired.
• Have a second person present when handling large or potentially defensive snakes.
• Be aware of your snake's body language - hissing, striking position, or rapidly moving away indicate stress.
• Have a hook or tongs available for species known to be more defensive.
• Never handle venomous species without professional training and proper safety equipment.

Popular Pet Snake Species

There are many snake species kept as pets, each with unique care requirements and characteristics:

Ball Python (Python regius)

• Size: 3-5 feet
• Lifespan: 20-30+ years
• Temperament: Docile, shy
• Care Level: Beginner
• Special Needs: Higher humidity (50-60%), secure hides

Known for their docile nature and manageable size, ball pythons are one of the most popular pet snakes. They get their name from their defensive behavior of curling into a ball.

Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus)

• Size: 3-5 feet
• Lifespan: 15-20+ years
• Temperament: Active, curious, generally docile
• Care Level: Beginner
• Special Needs: Climbing opportunities, secure enclosure

Corn snakes are one of the best beginner snakes due to their manageable size, ease of care, and generally docile temperament. They come in a wide variety of color morphs.

King Snake (Lampropeltis spp.)

• Size: 3-6 feet depending on species
• Lifespan: 15-20+ years
• Temperament: Active, can be slightly more defensive
• Care Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Special Needs: Secure hiding spots, proper handling

King snakes are known for their striking patterns and colors. They are hardy, adaptable snakes that are relatively easy to care for but can be a bit more active and food-motivated than some other species.

Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor)

• Size: 6-10+ feet
• Lifespan: 20-30+ years
• Temperament: Generally docile but can be defensive
• Care Level: Intermediate
• Special Needs: Large enclosure, proper handling techniques

Boa constrictors are larger snakes that require more space and experience to keep properly. Their size makes them better suited for experienced keepers, but they are generally docile when properly socialized.