Making a Snake Cage

If you have decided to keep a snake as a pet, then you will need to make a snake cage. It is interesting to watch a snake, so you will want to make sure that the cage you are making offers a good view of the snake from several angles. Because snakes are reptiles they are cold-blooded and will need for you to provide heat in their cage. How do you go about making a snake cage?

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Large aquarium, 20- to 50-gallon size Mesh or screened folding lid Sand or aspen bedding Sunning rock Heat lamp Ultraviolet light Thermometer

1. 
   Start with a large aquarium

   Find an aquarium large enough for your snake to move around, sun itself and have hiding and feeding areas. When choosing an aquarium consider the adult size that your snake will reach, or you may be replacing it periodically with a larger one.

2. Add bedding about an inch deep in the bottom of the aquarium. Use either play sand, reptile sand or aspen bedding for your snake. You may want to take into consideration your snake's habitat in the wild when choosing the bedding and fixtures for your cage.

3. Make or purchase a screen or mesh lid for your aquarium. Find one or make one with hinges that allow you to open one side of the tank without uncovering the entire aquarium. This will allow you to feed your snake and clean out debris without allowing your snake a chance to escape.

4. Place a rock with a flat surface or hollow rock that your snake can lay on to sun itself under the heat lamp. You also will need an ultraviolet light for your snake. The hollow rock can also serve as a hiding area for your snake. If your snake likes to climb, add a limb angled across the tank.

5. Fill a water dish and bury it slightly into the sand or bedding to allow the snake easy access. If your snake's usual habitat is wetlands, you may want to provide a dish with a larger circumference but not more than an inch deep.

Tips & Warnings

• Depending on the species of snake, you may want a climbing stick or hiding area. If you decide to build a cage from plywood for your snake, base your design on an aquarium. Add mesh or screen to the front of the cage as well as the top and use hinges to allow easy access for you and to prevent escape. Check the field guide if you are not sure about your snake's natural habitat preferences.
• Make sure your lid fits tightly and doesn't have holes that will allow your snake to escape or another pet to enter and harm your snake. Secure your heat lamp to prevent fire if another pet should knock it off from the cage.

Resources

• Field guide to identify snakes
• Snake care guide
• Caring for your snake

[dirtbikemanly2]

on 10/25/2009 i have found a baby snake how long do you suggest i keep it email me back at [e-mail]