How to Build Your Own Snake Terrarium

Snakes, such as this Dumeril's boa, make unique pets.

A snake is a rewarding pet, but its housing requirements require some planning. To keep your snake stress-free, a terrarium must be the proper size, escape-proof, and have the correct temperature and lighting conditions. Choice of a proper substrate, and addition of places to hide will also contribute to the health of your snake.

Things You'll Need

• Glass terrarium
• Screen terrarium lid
• Fluorescent reptile bulb
• Fluorescent fixture
• Timer for light
• Water dish
• Hide box
• Commercial reptile bark
• Round-domed clamp light
• Red incandescent light bulb
• Dimmer switch (optional)
• Thermometer

Instructions

1. Determine the appropriate terrarium size. Choose a terrarium size that will permit the snake to live comfortably over the next two years of growth. Select a screen terrarium lid that is tight-fitting and specifically designed for use with reptiles.

2. Determine the location for the terrarium. Place the terrarium in a room that is well-lit, and has a well-defined day-night cycle. If this is not possible, select a fluorescent bulb and fixture designed for use with reptiles. Place the bulb on a timer to coincide with daytime and nighttime. Do not place the terrarium where it will receive direct sunlight, as the terrarium may overheat.

3. Place a commercial reptile substrate on the bottom of the terrarium to a depth of 2 inches. Do not use sand or a substrate of a small particle size that the snake may easily ingest. Place a water dish and hide box at one end of the terrarium.

4. Install the red light bulb in the clamp light and place it on the screen top at one end of the terrarium. The red light will remain on constantly, and will be used as the heat source for the snake. The light is placed at one end of the terrarium so the animal may move from the hot end to the cool end, finding its own optimal temperature.

5. Place the thermometer on the substrate in the terrarium, directly below the light. Wait an hour, and check the temperature. Adjust the temperature by using red bulbs of different wattage, or by raising the clamp light upwards. The light may also be adjusted with the addition of a dimmer switch.

6. Place the snake in the terrarium and secure the lid. Do not handle the snake for a week, to allow it to get used to its new terrarium.

Tips & Warnings

• Snakes can be escape artists. Be sure the lid to the terrarium is securely fastened.

• Always wash your hands after handling your reptile, to prevent an infection by Salmonella or other disease.

• Do not use a heat rock to heat your terrarium. Heat rocks do not provide enough heat for a terrarium, and may burn your animal if it sits on the rock.

• Consult a licensed electrician on the installation of the dimmer switch, if used.

References

• Cheap Pet Store: Reptile Cage Terrarium Set Up