Your snake must be kept in an environment with a suitable temperature range, humidity and daylength. Disease problems in snakes are commonly associated with poor maintenance of these, particularly temperature.

• Each species of snake has a preferred body temperature (PBT) and their enclosure should provide a temperature range of 2-3ºC either side of this PBT.

These temperatures are best achieved through the use of 40-75 watt blue globes or infrared heatlamps in, or over, one end of the enclosure. Provision of branches or rocks placed under and around the heat source allow the snake to sit at varying distances from it and a hollow log or upturned flower pot provide a cool retreat.

• A source of ultraviolet light, either through exposure to unfiltered, natural sunlight, or an artificial UV light will help prevent Vitamin D deficiency and skin and bone disorders. Remember to replace the light regularly (every 3-6 months) as it will lose strength, even though the light still works.

• The enclosure (ideally made of wood and perspex) should be large enough for the snake to move around and stretch out.
• Thermometers and humidity gauges are essential.
• Humidity should be maintained between 35-75% depending on the species and this can be achieved by placing a shallow dish of water in the enclosure.

For most of the year snakes will feed once a week to once a fortnight, depending on size. In winter, most snakes will feed less often or not at all.

• Willingness to eat and digestion in reptiles depends largely on the temperature at which they are housed — in particular, a sudden drop in temperature after feeding may lead to regurgitation or decay of food in the stomach.

• All snakes eat whole prey such as mice, rats, chicks or rabbits depending on the size of the snake.

• Prey must always be offered dead, as live prey may attack your snake.

• Fresh drinking water must also be provided daily to your snake.

• Worm every 6 months.
• Book a yearly health check to check faeces and detect general health problems.

• Annual blood screening and/or bacterial cultures are recommended for certain pet snakes.

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