Things You'll Need:
- Tank or cage
- Water bowl
- Heat
- Light
- Rock
- Mice or rats
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Step 1
Provide your snake with a glass cage or tank (aquarium) to live in. It should be big enough for him to slither around in, and also have room for other accessories (water bowl, rock, light and heating element).
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Step 2
Feed your pet snake meat, such as rats or mice. Snakes are carnivorous and usually need to eat meat one to two times a week. For larger snakes, increase feeding times or give them rabbits instead of small rodents. Just be sure the food is dead: Live rats, mice and rabbits may attack your pet snake and actually harm him.
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Step 3
Assist your pet snake when he sheds skin. Snakes shed their skin approximately every three months; during this time, yours may need extra water in his water bowl to soak in. Also, this water will need to be changed more often. If your snake is having difficulty shedding a patch of his skin, rub it off (gently) with a finger.
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Step 4
Examine your pet snake's nose and eyes on a bi-weekly basis. This point is especially important if you have a snake that likes to escape from his cage or tank. Usually, these snakes will use their noses to break free, which can cause injury. Also, a snake's eyes will reflect illness, so if they look dull and lifeless, it's a sign that something is wrong.
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Step 5
Take your pet snake to the vet at least once a year. This practice will ensure that any illnesses, disease or injuries you can’t detect will be discovered in an examination. It will help extend the life of your pet snake.
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Step 6
Clean your snake's living quarters every seven days. Try to do it at a standard time, always on the same day of the week. This cleaning should include the removal of any parasites, feces and grime. Don’t forget to change the water, too, and wipe down the sides of the cage or tank.
