Pine, cedar and aspen shavings should not be used as they can become lodged in the mouth while eating, as well as cause respiratory and skin problems.Īvoid corn cobs, moss, and alfalfa pellets as these are prone to hold moisture and promote bacterial growth, and are non-digestible.Īppropriate heat is essential for the survival of your snake. The papers are cheap, readily available, and easily changeable substrate sources, while the Astroturf is more attractive although must be kept dry.ĭecorative ground cover such as commercially prepared shredded cypress or fir bark can also be used. Preferred substrates include newspaper, butcher block paper, paper towels, and Astroturf like reptile carpeting. Make sure they are capable of supporting your snake’s weight and affixed firmly in place.īoas and pythons are very strong, and can easily topple flimsy structures when moving about, leading to injuries. Make sure to provide a hiding place for your snake to retreat to.Ī plastic container or cardboard box turned upside down with a cutout for access works well, as long as you make sure there are no sharp edges on which your snake can injure itself.įor smaller snakes a hollowed out half log can be used.Ĭlimbing structures incorporating branches, rocks, and various platform levels can be constructed as enrichment for your snake. Semi-arboreal species such as some of the carpet pythons will require a more vertical type enclosure with multiple branches for climbing and elevated hide boxes. In general larger is better, especially as you want room to provide hiding areas and landscaping. Size varies greatly depending on the species of snake you plan to house.Ī 30-gallon aquarium can be sufficient for a ball python, while a Burmese python will require something more in the neighborhood of six to eight feet in length by two to four feet in width by three to four feet in height. Wire cages do not maintain temperature control and predispose to injury and escape. Tanks made of glass, plastic, wood, and plexiglass have all been used successfully.Īvoid untreated wood or other porous materials as they are difficult to clean. Larger species will require custom designed snake enclosures which you can build yourself or purchase through a specialty store. Select a habitat especially designed for housing snakes, such as glass tanks with a combination fixed screen/hinged glass top. Make sure the top of the terrarium fits tightly, and is secure.īoth boas and pythons can push quite hard with their heads and lift most tops (even those held down with bricks or weights) up enough to slip through. Snakes are amazing escape artists and suitable housing capable of containing them must be provided. Never handle your snake without washing your hands after handling their prey, the scent can confuse them and lead to accidental injury.īoas and pythons are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk). These snakes, like all constrictors, should not be handled around your neck. When the snake is comfortable with you, it will spend some time wrapped around your hand or arm, actively interested in its surroundings as evidenced by tongue flicking and alertness to movement.īe sure to keep these sessions relatively short (10-20 minutes) as the snake cannot maintain its body temperature outside of its enclosure and may be stressed by handling. These species have been known to cause harm to people due to ignorance and improper handling.ĭaily contact will help to establish a level of trust and confidence between you and your snake.īegin by allowing your snake to explore and discover your scent, making sure to avoid sudden movements. Males have longer anal spurs and a smaller head Basic Husbandry General Information Vital Statistics
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