How to Keep a Pet Snake Disease Free

There are many positives to owning a pet snake. It doesn't have fur that will shed or cause an allergic reaction, nor does it require trips outside or demand attention and a snake is quiet. Reptiles can live for 10 to 20 years, so owning a snake is a long-term commitment. Take the care of your pet seriously to keep it disease free.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Research several kinds of snakes and how to care for them before you choose your pet. Purchase the necessary supplies, set up your snake's habitat and have it in proper control before you bring the snake home (see Resources).

2. Set the temperature in part of the snake's home warm to promote proper digestion of its food, and keep another part cooler for sleeping. A snake can't regulate body temperature because it's cold-blooded.

3. Adjust the lighting in the environment to keep a pet snake disease free. A reptile needs periods of light and dark for hunting and keeping its body rhythms in correct balance.

4. Provide the proper amount of humidity so the snake will shed its skin.

5. Feed your reptile weekly or biweekly. Purchase commercial food that is specifically for your kind of snake, or find a good source of live food.

6. Limit the time you handle the pet snake to two or three times per week. It's important to keep the snake clean and healthy to avoid the transmission of bacteria such as salmonella to people.

7. Keep your pet snake disease free by cleaning, sterilizing and disinfecting the cage regularly.