How to Set Up a Snake Cage

Snakes can make for both fun and interesting pets. They can provide their owners with years of relatively trouble free and educational ownership. In order to keep your snake happy, his living environment needs to be set up correctly. This guide explains how to set up a snake cage.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Snake cage
• Lock and lid
• Substrate
• Heat source (lamp/pads)
• Thermometer
• Hygrometer
• Water bowl
• Two hiding places

1. Make sure the cage is escape proof. The snake cage should have either a key pad lock to prevent the top from being pushed open.

2. Size the cage to the snake. Smaller snakes, babies in particular will feel insecure in too large a cage. Full grown adult snakes will feel stressed in a cage that is to small. To choose a size of cage for an adult snake, first measure the length of the snake. Get an enclosure with a perimeter that measures twice the length of the snake. Arboreal or tree dwelling snakes will require a tall enclosure to give them room to climb.

3. Line the enclosure with a substrate. Newspaper makes a cheap and easily removed cage liner. You can also purchase reptile cage liner from your local pet store.

4. Make sure the cage has the correct range of temperatures. Snakes are cold-blooded animals, and have to keep warm from outside sources. A snake enclosure should provide several choices in temperature. This is done by heating one end of the enclosure only. You can use heating pads under half of the enclosure or heat lamps. If using a light, it will need to be off during the night hours. Different snakes will require different temperature ranges. Talk to your vet or pet shop to find out the ideal temperatures for your particular snake.

5. Place a thermometer inside the snake cage to measure the temperature. Some snakes have specific humidity requirements. A hygrometer can be used to monitor humidity. Misting the enclosure from time to time can help keep it more humid when necessary.

6. Provide a water bowl for your snake. The water bowl should be weighty enough so that it will not tip. It also needs to be large enough to allow the snake to soak in.

7. Finally, give your snake a hiding place. This can be as simple as a tiny box or a plastic container with a hole cut into the side. There should be one hiding place on each end of the enclosure.