Pet Snakes

Gray rat snakes are native to the United States, ranging from Florida to Mississippi. These semi-arboreal snakes are usually dark colored -- tan, brown or grey with dark patches. Rat snakes reach an…

Most reptiles make it obvious they are ready for breeding; their behavior changes drastically, they change color and sometimes even shape. But snakes are a little more subtle in their breeding signs.…

Red-tailed rat snakes, which are native to the rainforests of central and southeast Asia, are arboreal snakes that can grow up to eight feet long. They have slim, bright green bodies with reddish…

Queen snakes (Regina septemvittata) are non-venomous snakes found in North America mainly to the east of the Mississippi River and as far north as Ontario, Canada. They can be identified by the pale…

Dogs as police companions is a common and long-standing practice. The dogs become an extension of the human's abilities, as they can smell and hear beyond the human range. Dogs are trained from…

Garter snakes are one of the most common North American snakes to keep as pets because of their small size, and they're easy to care for. You can easily build a homemade habitat for your pet garter…

Although snakes have no legs, a daring escape from their enclosure is not an uncommon occurrence. Once a snake is loose, calling it back does not work like it does for cats and dogs. Instead, you must…

Wisconsin is home to 20 snake species, some of which are easy to recognize at a glance, while others could be mistaken for another species. In a state with two venomous species, identification can be…

Wabash County is in northeastern Indiana and is home to two wildlife preserves and dozens of reptiles and amphibians. The sparsely populated county also has several species of snakes that can be found…

Think of a snake not wanting to come out of hiding as you not wanting to get out of a warm bed on a cold winter day. If the snake is comfortable and feels safe, he isn't coming out. If you keep your…

Each species of snake has its own distinguishable characteristics. These characteristics, primarily appearance- and location-based, can be used to identify by sight a snake found in the wild. There…

Snakes make fascinating pets and, while these predators can be beautiful and friendly, during shedding time, they can get aggressive and snap at you. Snakes usually stick to a fixed feeding routine…

Snakes are carnivores and must therefore have access to prey, such as rats, to thrive. In the wild, snakes follow a specific feeding schedule that differs depending on the environment and type of…

Bull snakes have numerous habitat options since they live in a wide area of the U.S. They can be found in the central plains, the dry regions of the southwest and even as far north as Canada. They…

Having your baby corn snake escape its enclosure is probably one of the most heart-wrenching, yet most common, problems snake owners face. Regardless of what type of enclosure you have, baby corn…

The term alternative habitat generally refers to man made or synthetic materials, place in a natural setting either intentionally or as waste material, being used by wildlife as a stand-in for their…

Red rat snakes, sometimes referred to as corn snakes, feature brownish-gray or peach bodies with thick, red rings. Average red rat snakes reach about five feet in length while some may attain eight…

Pine shavings are used for horse, chicken and poultry farm bedding. Pine is used as bedding because it controls the odor of animal waste and repels parasites and other insects. Pine is an absorbent…

Not all pet owners choose to have a traditional animal such as a cat or dog; some people are drawn to pet snakes. Since snakes are reptiles, they require different care than our canine and feline…

Snakes are an attractive choice of pet for some people because many species are easy to maintain and do not require as much time to care for as more traditional pets. Breeding snakes for different…

Snakes are no limbed reptiles consisting of a head and skeletal muscle system that is known for its strength and flexibility. Reptiles are warm-blooded creatures, meaning that the warmth and stability…

Heat treat pine shavings to eliminate most of the toxic aromatic hydrocarbons, called phenols, which pine naturally gives off. Phenols cause a strong odor and can lead to respiratory illnesses such as…

Pets are naturally inquisitive, but sometimes their curiosity can get them into trouble. Your pet could get bitten by a snake as it investigates tall grass, woods and shaded areas. Immediate…

A garter snake is a small snake found in many parts of North America, and is sold in some pet stores as an ideal pet for reptile-lovers and individuals with allergies. Garter snakes must be housed in…

Corn cob bedding is made from crushed or ground corn cobs. It is used to cover the floor of animal cages, so it functions as a toilet, provides a soft surface for walking, and may be used to burrow or…

There are many things to consider when selecting the proper bedding for your snake, including ease of cleaning, moisture retention and safety. Different snake species have different requirements, so…

There are many poisonous snakes that can mean danger to your cat outdoors. Though not as common as snake bites to dogs, snake bites to cats can occur, and owners should be know how to react in case of…

Snakes make excellent indoor pets. They are relatively low maintenance and require little husbandry; snakes do not have dander or other allergens, and they can be docile and fun to handle. Snakes,…

Queen snakes are water snakes that can grow to be two feet in length. They are slender snakes that are typically gray in color, but they can also be found in light brown to olive green, with some…

Wood shavings, sometimes labeled as wood chips, are small slivers of wood that you can put into an animal's cage as bedding. Wood shavings are offered from a variety of different wood types. Some…

Snakes are carnivores, meaning that their diet strictly consists of meat---usually insects, small mammals, or birds. Dietary needs will vary depending on the breed and size of the snake. Consult your…

With proper selection and diligent care, snakes can make excellent, hardy pets; but from time to time, they are prone to skin problems. Skin problems on snakes can be persistent, recurring issues, but…

It is not safe to use aquarium rocks (gravel) as pet snake bedding. Other substances similar to gravel, like kitty litter or corn cob, should also be avoided, according to James Harding of Michigan…

The health of your snake depends partially on the humidity of its habitat. If the air is too dry, shedding can be difficult, leading to a loss of blood supply as the snake grows too large for its…

Many snakes, such as the king snake, corn snake and ball python make excellent, quiet pets. Caring for a pet snake is relatively easy and inexpensive. However, it is crucial to your snake's health…

Many people enjoy the company of a reptilian friend. Snakes are commonly sold at large pet stores, and make quiet, undemanding pets. Still, there are some important details to consider when setting up…

Whether your pet is the impressively large red-tailed boa constrictor, the small rosy boa, or the rare sand boa, feeding it is basically the same. In the wild, boas thrive on a diet of small mammals,…

The northern water snake is a nonvenomous, beneficial snake commonly found around lakes, streams and freshwater marshes ranging from southern Ontario to North Carolina. Although they don't display the…

Mites are small parasites that feed on the blood of a host animal. You may notice that your snake has a mite infestation if you see small black dots (though they can also be red or orange) moving on…

Snakes are cold-blooded animals and therefore are unable to regulate body temperature. Instead, they rely on the ambient temperature of the environment. As such, it is important for snake owners to…

Owning a pet snake requires much more care than many people may realize. There is a lot to learn about the habitat requirements, dietary needs and especially the proper health care of your pet…

If you have snakes as pets, then you know how important it is when you are setting up snake cages. You have to make sure that your snake has plenty of space and a heat source. Since snakes are…

Repelling snakes requires eliminating rodents and hiding places. Keep the grass mowed and repel snakes with tips from a certified animal control officer in this free reptile pets video.

A red-tail boa snake is usually a well-mannered exotic pet, but they can get very large. Get more red-tail boa snake information from a reptile specialist in this free video on exotic pets.

Emerald tree boa snakes are arboreal snakes, meaning they will spend most of their lives in trees. Find out more emerald tree boa snake information from a reptile specialist in this free video on…

Venomous snakes pose a threat to pets as well as people. When our pets spend time outside in warmer weather (or in the case of climates like California, year 'round)--there is always the risk of snake…

If you are going to have a snake as a pet, you will need to learn about the habitat it needs to be comfortable at your house. Your snake should not be able to escape from its snake terrarium, and the…

When you just can't find the right enclosure for your pet snake at a pet store, it's time to get creative and make or order a custom cage for your snake. Many enthusiasts choose to customize basic…

Sea snakes don't breed well in captivity and are not recommended as pets. However, attempts are being made by zoos and aquariums to breed them to keep various species from going extinct. There is…

Many vets, pet stores and reptile specialist can provide a plethora of information on your King Snake. Learn more in this free video series and guide.

Watch an exotic animal health technician explain care for pet snakes by providing information about bathing and shedding.

Watch an exotic animal health technician explain the risks of having your pet snake interact with other pets in your household.

Watch an exotic animal health technician explain if pet snakes right for you and your family.

Watch an exotic animal health technician explain the ramifications of having a pet snake in a home where a family member is uncomfortable with snakes.

Watch an exotic animal health technician explain which species of snake are not recommended as pets.

Watch an exotic animal health technician explain how to choose the right pet snake, providing tips for choosing the right pet store.

Caring for a pet snake is different than caring for a pet dog or pet cat. Snakes require specific living conditions and food in order to thrive. As a result, it’s important to understand how…

You have always dreamed of owning a pet snake and now you have decided to purchase one. If you have not already set up your snake's habitat you need to do that first. Pet stores usually carry young…

Transporting a pet snake is not difficult if done correctly. Next time you need to take your pet snake to the vet, home from the pet store or just out for the day, try these tips to transport him…

Find out the importance of a water bowl in your tank, and what size to use in this free video.

Learn how to make sure your pet snake has shed its eye caps and what can happen if it doesn't shed them in this free pet care video on caring for a sick pet snake.

Learn about common treatments for illnesses and parasites in pet snakes and how to keep a healthy habitat for your snake in this free pet care video about caring for sick pet snakes.

Learn how to check for internal parasites in your pet snake and what to do if your snake has parasites in this free pet care video on caring for a pet snake.

Learn how to watch for and treat constipation in your pet snake in this free pet care video about caring for a sick pet snake.

Learn how to treat loss of appetite in your pet snake, by force feeding it if needed; learn more tips on caring for a sick pet snake in this free pet care video.

Learn how to treat ticks, lice, and mites on pet snakes in this free pet care video clip on caring for an ill pet snake.

Learn how to assess the health of a pet snake by checking it's colors: dark, vibrant colors means a healthy snake; get tips about caring for pet snakes in this free pet care video.

Pet snakes are not for everyone. They are fascinating, and if you handle them on a regular basis, they do become tame. Carefully research different types of snakes before buying to see which one would…

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…

Snakes swallow their food whole and it usually takes a long time for this food to digest. Sometimes, in the process of digestion, snakes can get constipation. This is a condition when the snake is…

Mouth rot in pet snakes is an infection in the mouth that can elevate to a very serious condition that affects deep tissue and even bone. If you feel your snake has mouth rot, you must treat him…

It is common for pet snakes to not eat when they feel stressed. A change in environment is one of the biggest causes of stress in snakes. Therefore, if you just brought a new pet snake home, and he…

Pet snakes purchased in pet stores often have internal parasites. It is important that if your snake has internal parasites, you get it treated by a veterinarian. The veterinarian will most likely…

All snakes shed their skin periodically as they grow. Because snakes don't have eyelids, they also shed the clear skin over their eyes, called eye caps. On occasion, the eye caps on some snakes,…

Keeping a pet snake requires special care. If you are a new snake owner, feeding a snake will take some research to familiarize yourself with your snake's eating habits. Without the proper knowledge…

Snakes are becoming a very popular pet in the United States. Pet snakes, though, can be expensive. You need to be sure that the housing will keep the snake in. While a simple glass or plastic aquarium…

There are a number of reasons to bathe a pet snake, and really, it's quite easy as most snakes love soaking in a warm tub now and then. Bathing your snake helps relieve constipation, kills mites and…

Snakes are cool reptiles to have as pets. Occasionally a snake will develop the pesky problem of striking at you. If you don't do everything possible to correct the problem, you will soon have a pet…

Snakes are reptiles in the suborder Serpentes within the order Squamata. They are largely legless and have elongated bodies, although primitive snakes such as boas and pythons still have vestigial…

If you're in the market to sell a pet snake, you'll have to do some basic research as you prepare for your big sale. Ready your pet snake for sale by finding out what species of snake you have, its…

If you're a new pet snake owner, you may have been attracted to owning a snake because of its minimal feeding requirements. However, feeding pet snakes requires research and can be a little daunting…

When we think of pet care, the things that we usually think of first are feeding, grooming and medical care for our pets. For all snakes, especially tropical snakes, the humidity level in the cage is…

Snakes have not been traditionally considered to be cuddly pets. It would be unusual to venture down the reptile aisle in the pet store and discover a selection of snake toys. However, by using…

Pet snake breeding varies slightly between each type of snake, but there are basic precautions that you should take to ensure your pet snake's health both before and after breeding. Keep in mind that…

Snakes, like most animals, will instinctively hide an illness to avoid becoming vulnerable to predators. Furthermore, snakes lack the expressiveness of mammalian pets that allow the pet owner to tell…