A snake needs proper care, just like any other pet. But since they are not like the common household animals we already know a lot about how to care for, in this case you need to make the effort to learn how to look after a pet snake before you buy one.
Snakes do need all the usual pet care supplies of a safe and comfortable shelter, food and water.
Here is a bit of an introduction to some of the specific needs that snakes have to stay healthy and secure.
What do snakes eat?
When snakes live in the wild they hunt and feed small rodents and reptiles. So, you might think that you have to feed your snake live rodents like mice.
But in fact, your snake can be injured by its meal trying to defend itself from being eaten, so good pet owners instead feed their snakes prey that has been humanely killed and then frozen for your convenience.
That means you just get your supply of pre-killed meals and store them in the freezer, then just thaw it out before you feed your snake.
How often should I feed my snake?
Like many adolescent species, young snakes tend to eat more than adults because they are growing so fast.
So you need to feed them a bit more often than when they become adults, for instance young snakes get fed once every 5 days until they are 9-12 months old.
After that they should be fed every 6 days.
Once they are 3 years and older you only need to feed it once every 10 to 14 days.
So once your snake is an adult, you have much less work and less demand on your food budget, as it is only around once a fortnight you
What Reptile Lighting Needs : Reptiles and amphibians are quickly becoming the largest non-dog and feline pet group in the United States. We are often asked about this lighting for pets and it seems like a lot of people really don’t know what lighting needs for their pets are.
Metabolic Bone Disease and stress are the two leading causes of ill health and, ultimately, death in pet reptiles and amphibians. Both may be caused by inadequate lighting from the pet’s house. There are many different types of lighting and it is important to research the needs of the species you are keeping. The terms that will be discussed here include photoperiod, heat, UVA rays and UVB rays.
Different species of reptiles and amphibians have different periods of activity during the day. Some are active during the day (diurnal), some are active at night (nocturnal) and some are active at dawn and dusk (crepuscular). It is usually unwise to mix this group in one cage unless sophisticated lighting arrangements can be made. . maintained. All reptiles need a proper photoperiod or day and night cycle to stimulate their normal activity patterns.
Animals that do not have the proper photoperiod become stressed and most often deteriorate to poor health and eventually die. There are special lamps in the pet market to provide light day or night. The nocturnal red light not only helps the reptile in promoting normal activity, but also allows the owner to easily observe its activity.
Reptiles and amphibians are known as ectotherms, animals that must move in and out of heat to maintain their body temperature. Lighting can be the main source of heat in a terrarium. Pet reptiles need a temperature gradient to provide a higher heat source and a place to escape the heat when they … Read more
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How to Take Care of Your Reptile : Adding a new member to the family is always a big step. We are not talking about humans, although we are talking about pet reptiles! These incredibly diverse animals can bring a lot of fun and character to your home.
Depending on the reptile you have, you may even have a reptile that regularly joins you outside of its cage! With enough research, anyone can make a great reptile owner, but even knowing the basics can help. We’ll cover some of the basics for lizards and boas in particular, but these tips can be applied to most other reptiles.
Regardless of how much you think you may know about reptiles in general, it is always highly recommended that you do extensive research on the specific breed you are looking for. That way, you’ll be better prepared and able to manage any surprises that may arise when you take better care of your new reptile. Getting good information about your pet is not only better for you, but also how you can ensure the best life for your new friend.
Lizard Care Tips
You could say that lizards are the only reptiles that have a penchant for escaping, but actually reptiles in general have a desire to crawl, creep, and dig out of their designated cages. Because of this, you’ll want to protect your lizard’s habitat. There are many options for cages, including aquariums, plastic cages, and wire cages. Make sure the one you choose can provide the required temperature. You’ll want to give your reptile both hot and cold temperatures as they love to bask in the sun and have plenty of room to climb.
Boa Care Tips
Having a boa is great! They are known for their docile and easy-going nature, … Read more
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