basic care- snakes - spca.org.tlive!in!different!environmentsthat!require!...
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Basic Care: Snakes There are many different species of snakes and their natural habitats can range from desserts to rainforests, grasslands to mountains to swamps, rivers and oceans. Snakes live in different environments that require different levels of humidity as well as day to night temperatures. Furthermore, snakes are very sensitive to their environment, thus any habitat changes may cause anxiety or even be harmful to snakes. Consequently, having a snake is not the best choice for pet, as they are cold-‐blooded animals, and it is very difficult to simulate their natural living environment. However, if you do chose to have a snake as a pet, please follow the guidelines below.
You will need:
• Aquarium: You’ll need a glass or plastic aquarium with a strong sturdy lid/lock and an adequate ventilation system. The minimum size of the aquarium should be equivalent to ¾ the length of the snake’s body (squared).
• Aquarium Surface: It should be easy to clean and easy for the snake to move around in. Some good examples of bedding are: dried coconut fibres, bark, wood chips or coconut skin and should be around 2cm in depth. Aside from looking nice, proper bedding also helps the snake with molting.
• Accessories: Any good pet store will sell fake rocks/accessories that have places for snakes to hide in. Make sure the ones you use are big enough for the whole snake to fit inside comfortably with extra moving room. You can also add in some real rocks and leaves if you like.
• Water: Every aquarium should have a water pool that the snake can submerge itself in entirely. Make sure it’s heavy enough as to not tip over when the snake slithers in. The water should be changed every one to two days to avoid contamination by the snake’s feces. Other than enjoying being in water, soaking also helps snakes with molting.
• Sticks: Although most of the time snakes like to spend their time on the ground, some do like to slither up trees or into trunks. Some dried solid bark or thick branches are also useful for the snakes to hide behind or slither around.
• Heating: Commonly heat lamps and hot stones are used to heat the aquarium. Consult your veterinarian for what is best for your snake.
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Basic requirements:
When you first bring your snake home, he will need a dark and quiet environment so he can get used to his new surroundings. If the snake shows anxious behaviour (by constantly slithering around) cover the aquarium with a dark cloth for a few days so the snake can calm down. Because snakes are cold-‐blooded animals, you should keep the temperature around 25 to 30 degrees celsius in the day and 5 degrees cooler at night. Normally an electric blanket is better at heating the aquarium than heat lamps are. The blanket should be put under the aquarium, on the outside, and should only take up 1/3 of the area so the snake can adjust his body temperature himself.
Food:
Different species of snakes have different food requirements. For instance, frogs and fish are the main diet of the Colubridae snake, whereas Elaphe snakes eat mice and eggs and the Python eats rats, rabbits and even foul. The size of the food should depend upon the size of the snake and should be fed once or twice a week. Since snakes are very sensitive animals, you should NEVER pet or play with them during or after feeding as it could cause them to vomit, which can be dangerous. If your snake does start vomiting, stop feeding him immediately, check that the aquarium temperature is sufficient and call your vet for advice.
Handling:
When taking your snake out of the aquarium first pet them for a few minutes so they can get used to your touch. Then slowly pick them up from their middle section so they have as much support as possible while being lifted. They will slowly get used to your smell and touch and will wrap themselves around your hand and arm. Snakes are very sensitive animals and shouldn’t be pet from above or in front of their faces. Always pet their body around the middle, slowly and gently.
Cleaning:
Snakes will defecate 2 to 4 days after they eat. Their feces should be cleaned up as soon as possible to avoid any harm that can be done by the ammonia in their excrements.
Before molting snakes can become nervous and anxious. During this time, you should stop your regular cleaning and feeding routines, slightly increase the humidity in their aquarium and wait for them to finish molting. Some signs that molting is approaching are: decreased appetite, darkening body colour and cloudy whiter looking eyes. When all the signs indicate molting is approaching, leave your snake in peace and wait for molting to finish. Once your snake has finished molting, carefully examine him to make sure there aren’t any excess scales left on his body. If there are, carefully peel them off with tweezers after soaking his skin with warm water (30 degrees Celsius). If your snake often molts unsuccessfully, consult with your vet to make sure there aren’t any other underlying health problems.
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Health:
A healthy snake will have healthy looking scales and a round full body. He shouldn’t be lethargic and should move around his environment freely. His eyes shouldn’t look swollen and the mouth shouldn’t have mucus around it and should be able to close fully. After molting there shouldn’t be dead skin left on his body and should be blister and wound free.
Molting can also indicate how healthy your snake is. If snakes can’t molt properly or at all, it could indicate disease, malnourishment or an environment that’s too dry. If any of the above conditions are present, they shouldn’t be taken lightly and immediate contact with your vet is recommended.
Before taking on the responsibility of raising a pet, please make sure you have the ability to care for them for their whole lives. Appropriate space, financial capability, understanding your pet’s unique needs and time requirements are all very important aspects to look at before committing. Snakes usually don't have strong binds to their owners like dogs or cats do, which should be recognised before taking on a snake. The Taiwan SPCA reminds you, inappropriate animal care and neglect can be punishable by law, so please think it through carefully before becoming a pet owner.