Nature provides everything your animal needs to grow, thrive and reproduce. If not, we wouldn't have these creatures to enjoy in the first place. Nature also provides water, food, shelter from predators, and the means to properly regulate body temperature. When you decide to keep a reptile in captivity, the responsibility for providing these requirements falls entirely upon YOU.  

What you must do....

• Provide an adequately spacious and escape-proof enclosure. Several sizes of all plastic cages with snap-on tops and good ventilation and made specifically for reptiles are available at retail pet stores. All you have to do is remember to fasten the tops properly. Standard aquariums with built in sliding tops are also a good choice. Custom designed enclosures with sliding glass fronts and optional lighting are available for a little higher price.  

• Have fresh water availably at all times. Snakes and most other reptiles do drink and may need enough water to soak in prior to shedding their skin. Sanitize and refill a water bowl that becomes soiled. This happens regularly so check often. Having a water bowl in the enclosure increases the humidity; the larger (wider) the bowl, the greater the humidity.

• See that proper temperatures can be accessed for thermoregulation. Most cold-blooded animals need a choice of temperatures to stay active and healthy. Supplemental heat at one end of the enclosure can be provided by a basking light or under the cage heat pads. Ideal temperatures vary somewhat from species to species, but mid 70s at one end to high 80s F will suffice for most temperate snakes.

• Feed on a regular schedule. Once a week feeding is sufficient for most snakes. Faster growth may be promoter by feeding at five day intervals.

• Hiding places are essential to keep most snakes stress-free and healthy. Keep a hiding place near each end of the enclosure to give your animal a chance to feel secure and still thermo-regulate.

 

 

What you must not do….

• Never, ever leave a reptile or its cage in the sunlight with no means of escape. You have probably seen pictures of reptiles basking in the sun. They do bask regularly but they know when to quit. Reptiles left in the sun can “cook” in a surprisingly short time.

• You must not use cedar or other aromatic substances in your reptile’s cage. The oils that give cedar a pleasant odor are toxic for reptiles. Aspen bedding or newspaper or even gravel are better choices that can easily be replaced when soiled.

• Please don’t release into the out of doors any animal not native to your area. The web of nature is woven the way that it is for a reason. Let’s leave it that way.

• Don’t ignore an animal that is in obvious distress. As the animal’s caregiver this is your responsibility. When you’re not sure what the problem is or what to do next, ask the advice of someone who has experience with your reptile species.

If you have read this far, we know you’re interested in caring for your reptile's properly. For more detailed information we recommend “Reptiles and Amphibians for Dummies” by Patricia Bartlett. The Bartlett's have been keeping, studying and writing about reptiles and amphibians for several years. Reading this book cover to cover will give you a great deal of information on the most often kept species. You can also “cook book” right to  the sections on your animal.