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Step 1
Research your pet snake's species. Familiarize yourself with its care requirements, temperament and poisonousness. Find out what the species' heat, humidity and enclosure size requirements are. Learn its proper handling techniques.
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Step 2
Establish a secure habitat for your pet snake. Consider the size and aggressiveness of your pet snake when choosing its housing. Set up an infrared basking lamp, shelves and climbing branches in the habitat to provide your snake with "hot" and "cold" spots.
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Step 3
Heat your snake's habitat to a temperature beneficial to your snake's species; use at least two thermometers to ensure that the habitat's temperature is optimal.
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Step 4
Clean your snake's habitat and habitat equipment somewhere other than your kitchen. Exposing food preparation and eating areas to the snake's equipment could put you at risk for Salmonella poisoning. Use bleach to disinfect the cleaning areas.
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Step 5
Check your pet snake for any illnesses of injuries on a regular basis. Take your snake for regular checkups at an exotic pet's veterinarian. Ask to have your pet snake inspected for ticks and mites. Symptoms of common illnesses include lack of appetite, weight loss, odd stool, sluggishness, excessive playing in water and a tipped head.
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Step 6
Feed your pet snake only what its particular species eats. Consider buying snake food in bulk and refrigerating it, especially if you opt to feed your snake pre-killed prey like mice. Keep fresh water in a large, shallow container at all times for your snake to drink. Be sure to sanitize the container if your pet snake bathes or soaks in the water.
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Step 7
Keep a routine for your pet snake. Feed and clean your snake's habitat at specific set times. Using routines to interact with your pet snake helps make your pet snake feel comfortable and safe in its environment. Deviating from your routine may result in your pet snake's stress level rising and a refusal to eat.
