The team at Glenwood Pet Hospital can provide care for our scaly friends, including snakes. Snakes should be seen by our reptile veterinarian at least once a year so we can monitor for any changes in appetite, weight, and behavior. If you notice any of these deviations, or have concerns about the health of your snake, contact Glenwood Pet Hospital to schedule an appointment.
How Do I Best Care for My Pet Snake?
At Glenwood Pet, we strive to emphasize client education as part of our dedication to ensure pets are well taken care of. If you’re considering owning a snake as a pet, here are the essentials you’ll need to consider to properly care for your pet snake:
Correct diet
Ceramic Heat Lamps
Fogger or moist system
Well-ventilated enclosure
Full spectrum lighting
Pet Snake Care in Erie, PA
Our team is always here to answer any questions or concerns you have about your snake. Various species require specific types of care, and your exotic veterinarian can help determine the best care for your pet snake.
Adequate Diet
Young snakes should be fed once a week and adult snakes should be fed once every two weeks. Because they are carnivorous, they consume whole prey such as rats or mice. The size of the prey should correlate with the size of the snake and should be frozen prior to consumption.
Proper Housing
An enclosure fit for a snake is typically twice the length of the snake itself, well ventilated, and made of strong and nonabsorbent material such as terrariums. A suitable substrate such as newspaper, butcher paper, artificial turf, and coconut fiber is also important. Snakes enjoy hiding and burrowing and numerous hiding boxes should be allotted for that purpose. They will also need to be provided with full-spectrum lighting to prevent stress or other health issues. Ask your reptile veterinarian for specific environmental recommendations for your snake.
Normal Shedding
Snakes shed their skin in one cohesive piece. Prior to shedding, your snake may become aggressive, and their eyes may turn cloudy. If there is skin still stuck to your snake or their eyes are still opaque after they have shed their skin, please let our team know.
