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− | [[Image:Snake_terrarium.jpg|300px|thumb|right|WikiCommons]] | + | [[Image:Snake_terrarium.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''Snake terrarium''' - WikiCommons]] |
| ==Introduction to housing== | | ==Introduction to housing== |
| Captive husbandry of snakes presents several basic problems. The biology of most free-living snakes has not been recorded and it may be impossible to match nature in a captive situation. Improper husbandry is the most important cause of disease in snakes since it compromises a snake's immune system and leads to opportunistic infections. Important aspects of snake husbandry include the cage environment, nutrition and water. | | Captive husbandry of snakes presents several basic problems. The biology of most free-living snakes has not been recorded and it may be impossible to match nature in a captive situation. Improper husbandry is the most important cause of disease in snakes since it compromises a snake's immune system and leads to opportunistic infections. Important aspects of snake husbandry include the cage environment, nutrition and water. |
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| ==Humidity== | | ==Humidity== |
− | [[Image:A_shed_snake_skin.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Humidity is an important husbandry factor in preventing an incomplete shed (dysecdesis) - WikiCommons]] | + | [[Image:A_shed_snake_skin.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Humidity is an important husbandry factor in preventing an incomplete shed [[(Snake dysecdysis|dysecdesis)]]''' - WikiCommons]] |
| A relative humiditiy of 50-70% is adequate for most species but some species have more specific requirements. Desert species require 20-30% while a higher humidity is required for rainforest species (e.g. emerald tree boa). The humidity can be increased by spraying the environment and by adding water-retaining substances such as moss, peat or vermiculite. | | A relative humiditiy of 50-70% is adequate for most species but some species have more specific requirements. Desert species require 20-30% while a higher humidity is required for rainforest species (e.g. emerald tree boa). The humidity can be increased by spraying the environment and by adding water-retaining substances such as moss, peat or vermiculite. |
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| ==Branches== | | ==Branches== |
− | [[Image:Snakevisualsecurity.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Housing with branches that provide visual security - ©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]] | + | [[Image:Snakevisualsecurity.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Housing with branches that provide visual security''' - ©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]] |
| Arboreal species require branches in a high tank to reflect their free-living environment. These branches must be strong enough to support the weight of the snakes and be securely propped to prevent accidents. Only non-resinous oak, fruit or other hardwoods should be used. | | Arboreal species require branches in a high tank to reflect their free-living environment. These branches must be strong enough to support the weight of the snakes and be securely propped to prevent accidents. Only non-resinous oak, fruit or other hardwoods should be used. |
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