Snake Feeding and Accommodations

Feeding

One of the reasons snakes will not eat is the environment you provide for them. If he is in fear of his quarters he will not eat. Your snake needs a hiding place within his home where he can go when he wants to feel secure. He will then come out for his food and water when he wants. Bark or a pile of rocks works well but a cardboard hut will work also. The easy to keep species of snakes eat rodents or goldfish. "Feeder" goldfish are available on a regular basis at your local pet shop. If feeding mice or rats it is a good idea that they not be live. If not eaten they can hurt your snake and he will be unable to get away because he is caged. If you use a live rodent you must remove it immediately if the snake is not hungry.

Accommodations

Snakes by nature will try to get out of difficult places therefore an escape-proof cage is a necessity when keeping a snake. The cage should have adequate ventilation but if using screen there should be very little on the sides of the cage. The snake can rub his nose on the screen and it can become infected. Glass aquariums are good for small snakes and wooden cages with glass sides can be constructed for larger snakes. A water bowl with a flat base should be in the cage so the snake can soak its body. It should be large enough for him to get his whole body in, but make sure it is flat enough to allow him to crawl out and not get stuck. It is very important that the cage be kept dry. Snakes can get blisters on their body from too much dampness. You also need to decide which type of substance you will use on the bottom of your snake's cage. Sand or paper towels work well. If you use sand it must be removed and washed or replaced every two or three months. It can be washed with water and no soap. It cannot be placed back in the cage wet but it can be put in the oven and baked until dry. It is usually easy to keep the cage dry, as the snake does not produce liquid urine but rather crystals that will appear an as chalky white substance.