How to care for a snake

A guide to everything you need to know about how to properly care for a pet snake.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• a proper respect for all thing reptilian.

1. Decide which snake is right for you. Take into account what size you are comfortable handling alone, what your experience is, and what your nerve level is (the bigger the snake, the bigger the bite). Also find out the laws of snake owning in your state - ie, which breeds are illegal to own.
2. Get the supplies needed for a snake. These include:
   -a cage: the length plus width of the cage should be twice the length of the snake. Ex. If your snake is 3 feet, the perimeter of your cage should be 6 feet.
   -a book detailing the care of your specific breed of snake.
   -substrate - this may be a form of bark or sand, depending on the region of the world your snake comes from (ie: tropical = coconut bark, desert = sand).
   - heaters - heat lamps with bulbs on top of the cage, and bottom of cage heaters. NEVER USE HEAT ROCKS!!! This could cause serious burns to your snake.
   -thermometers - to regulate heat. Some snakes require greater heat than others.
   -food supply - mice, rats, even goldfish depending on the species of your snake.
   - water supply - a bowl to submerge in, and a mister depending on how much humidity your breed of snake requires.
   - snake hook - if you are timid about reaching into a snake cage.
   - transport - a smaller cage or pillowcase (with no holes!)
   - alcohol - especially important for larger constricting snakes. If you find a snake wrapping itself around you, and you cannot get it off, rubbing alcohol poured onto the snake will cause it to release. Should be kept near cage.
   - IF KEEPING A VENOMOUS SNAKE - have the antivenin of your species. This can be expensive. However, if you are keeping a snake that is not native to your region, antivenin may have to be flown in. The longer you wait to get antivenin in your system, the longer it takes to be effective. If you are bitten by one of your snakes, bring your antivenin with you to your local ER. They will be able to administer it to you. DO NOT TRY TO ADMINISTER IT YOURSELF!
3. -Find a reliable herp (reptile) vet and keep his number with your other snake supplies. Like any other animal, snakes do get sick, and it is easier to have the number ready then to have to find a vet as your animal suffers.

Tips & Warnings

• Learn to read your snakes cues - this can prevent nasty bites.
• Know what you're getting into. Snakes can live 15-20 years +. Decide if this is a commitment you are willing to make.
• decide if you have the room for more reptiles. Often snake owning does not end with one snake.
• Be prepared for bias about snake owners.
• Problems can occur with owning a snake including illnesses (such as mites or mouth rot), difficulties in handling, and bites. Some bites won't break the skin, some will need antibiotics, others still will need stitches or antivenin.