Herp Nutrition

When you first get a snake as a pet, you are probably just thinking one thing: “This is so cool!” You sure would be right. Owning a snake is a great experience. You might not think your snake needs much care besides a place to sleep and some food. Your snake though, will require daily attention and good reptile care. If you devote your time to making your snake happy, it will go a long way in keeping his quality of life high and enjoyable.

Reptile Care Requirements of Your Snake

1. Cage - The reptile care of your snake is very important. You’ll want to find a suitable cage your snake cannot escape from. It needs to include either bark or sand, or both, so the snake can feel comfortable and as if they are in their normal habitat. It will also need something to hide in. A snake will want to feel protected as it sleeps. Snakes are natural climbers, so consider giving them an area for your snake to climb and get off the bottom of the cage.

2. Water Dish - Good reptile care will include a water dish, so your snake can get itself underwater. Your snake will also need a mister, so it has the humidity it needs. Locate a good reptile care book to find out just how much humidity your snake will need.

3. Warmth - One of the most important things a snake needs is warmth. Your reptile care book will be able to tell you just what temperature is best for your snake. Heating lamps control the temperature and there are even heaters to heat the bottom of the cage. Consider getting a thermometer to help keep the temperature even.

4. Food - The next step is to figure out what kind of food your snake needs. Anytime you change your snake’s food or eating pattern, your snake can become ill. Good reptile care means consistency. Most snakes will eat mice, worms, or lizards. You can get these and keep them frozen until feeding time. You’ll need to thaw the food to about room temperature before giving it to your snake. Good reptile care will mean supplements are also required for you snake, mainly vitamin D and calcium. Be sure to change the water daily in the cage.

5. Humidity - Your snake will shed its skin, as it is a normal process. Most snakes will shed every two or three months. As long as you keep the humidity level correct, there should not be any problems. Good reptile care will include spraying the snake with water once the shedding has progressed past the snake’s eyes. If you need to help the process along, you might soak the snake for about an hour in warm water. Then gently help peel the skin off. Don’t pull to hard though, as you can damage the snake’s skin.

Once you are familiar with the reptile care of your snake, you will be able to set a routine, which will benefit both you and your snake. Good reptile care is very important to help maximize your snake’s enjoyment of his new life.