Sensible snake care

Snake care

Their slithery scales and forked tongues may make many of us squeamish, but their cleanliness and easy maintenance make snakes ss-sensational pets.

Around 3% of Australian households play home to pet reptiles with an estimated 538,000 pet reptiles dotted across the country. Snakes are the top choice for reptile lovers with 36% of reptile owners welcoming one – or more! – into their home.

As the most popular reptilian pet amongst Aussies, let’s sense-check our skills in caring for our slithery snake friends to ensure their happiness and everyone’s safety.Choosing the right snake for you

Snakes can live up to 20 years and grow over 100cm long. Some popular snakes to take home as a pet include the Spotted Python, Children’s Python and Stimson’s Python.

Get a licence

All native reptiles are protected by law. They can only be acquired through a licenced keeper or supplier and reptile owners must obtain the relevant licence in their state or territory to home a pet snake. There are different licencing requirements for NSW, ACT, QLD, VIC, WA, SA, NT and TAS so make sure you do your research to obtain the right licence for your pet.

Habitat

Choosing a snake that you can accommodate with an appropriately sized habitat will ensure a good quality of life for your pet. Research the length your snake is expected to grow when fully matured and its natural habitat. Different species may have a preference for desert, forest or meadow-like environments and it’s best to try and replicate this in their enclosure and provide plenty of room for them to grow and stretch. Some snakes possess Houdini-like skills, so make sure your snake’s enclosure has a lock that cannot be easily opened by your snake pushing against the lid. Use heating lamps and devices to maintain a balmy 32-35 degrees Celsius on one half of the enclosure, allowing your snake an area to cool down if desired.

Food

Snakes are carnivores, so a diet of mice and birds such as quails will be best to fill their stomach. Clean water is essential and the bowl should be cleaned regularly. Some snakes like to soak themselves in water, so where possible provide a bowl large enough for them to take a dip.

Care

Clean branches, rocks, other climbing and hiding areas and water bowls in your snake’s enclosure weekly. Spot clean daily and remove droppings. Handle pet snakes with care, and make sure they are awake before handling them or removing them from their enclosure to ensure they don’t become startled or agitated. Wash your hands before and after handling your pet snake to avoid the spread of human diseases. It may look like your snake hasn’t moved for days or weeks, which can be normal, however regular monitoring of your pet’s behaviour and any visible changes in their appearance will help to pick up any emerging health problems. If your snake has cloudy or swollen eyes, blisters or burns, or a swollen jaw seek advice from your vet immediately. If you’re planning to head away, browse the reptile experience of house and pet sitters to engage someone who enjoys the company of snakes as much as you do.

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