How to Make a Cage for Snakes

While snakes may be some of the easiest animals to take care of in terms of reptiles, it is important to set up their living area in a way that fits best with them. Knowing what a snake needs in their habitat and creating an environment that is healthy for them will allow them to lead a long and happy life.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Large aquarium
• Fake grass
• Heat lamp
• Heating pad
• Large bowl(s)
• Tree limbs

1. Know the snake. Every snake depends on you to make sure they can survive out of the wild. Since they are cold blooded creatures, they need to have their home built around having a large amount of space, as well as having heat available.

2. Pick the aquarium. No matter how small your snake is, it needs a lot of room. Make sure that you get something that will allow them to climb, burrow and slide into the places that they can enjoy. Keep in mind that your snake will probably grow. Knowing how long it will get can help you to determine the size of the aquarium you should consider.

3. Put in the essentials. You don't want to leave the snake on a cold aquarium floor. Putting in fake grass or some type of padding will allow them to move around like it is their natural habitat. You will also want to put a heating pad under one area of the aquarium, as it will give them extra heat when they don't want light. Make sure that this is covered by something so they don't burn their skin.

4. Add in the extras. Every snake will feel much more at home when they have a habitat that is like the wild. You will want to add in something like a branch that they can climb on. You should also remember that snakes like the dark. Putting in something like a log that they can crawl under will help them feel more at home. You will also want to add in a water bowl, but make sure that it is large. Snakes not only drink from these bowls, but will use them to bathe, especially when they are shedding.

Tips & Warnings

• The more heat the better. Even though you will have a heating pad, a heat lamp can also help to keep them warm. Make sure that you keep it in an area where they can still get out of the light.
• Remember that part of the space you have will be used for them to eat. Since they will most likely enjoy the live animals, having enough room for them to catch their prey is also important. This means that nothing in the aquarium should be too close together.
• Make sure that the lid of the aquarium closes completely. Since snakes can climb, they can also push up the top lids with their noses. Having latches or even a brick over the top will ensure that your snake stays in its natural habitat.