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==Housing Considerations==
 
==Housing Considerations==
 
Considerations for cages include size, shape, security, ease of cleaning, ease of access and positioning.
 
Considerations for cages include size, shape, security, ease of cleaning, ease of access and positioning.
*Cage size is related to size and [[:Category:Snake Species|species]].  As snakes grow they need larger cages.  Neonates can be kept in relatively small containers but adequate ventilation is necessary.  Obesity is a problem in large captive snakes and for this reason they should be provided ample space within an enclosure for physical activity.
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* Cage size is related to size and [[:Category:Snake Species|species]].  As snakes grow they need larger cages.  Neonates can be kept in relatively small containers but adequate ventilation is necessary.  Obesity is a problem in large captive snakes and for this reason they should be provided ample space within an enclosure for physical activity.
*Arboreal species require high cages with a three dimensional climbing area while floor area is important for terrestrial species.
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* Arboreal species require high cages with a three dimensional climbing area while floor area is important for terrestrial species.
*Security is of major importance.  Cages that are sealed along their seams and have doors or lids that close simply and securely are essential.
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* Security is of major importance.  Cages that are sealed along their seams and have doors or lids that close simply and securely are essential.
*Cages should be able to be easily cleaned since they are continually being contaminated with faeces. Cages that can be steam-cleaned are advisable for the larger species.
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* Cages should be able to be easily cleaned since they are continually being contaminated with faeces. Cages that can be steam-cleaned are advisable for the larger species.
*Doors or lids need to be simple and give adequate access.
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* Doors or lids need to be simple and give adequate access.
*Ideally cages should be placed against an interior wall and out of direct sunlight.
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* Ideally cages should be placed against an interior wall and out of direct sunlight.
 
==Temperature==
 
==Temperature==
 
All snakes are ectothermic and each species has a  [[Preferred optimum temperature zone|preferred optimum temperature zone (POTZ)]].  The ambient cage temperature should be at the lower end of a [[POTZ]].  The cage should also have a "hotspot" at the upper end of the [[POTZ]] so that a temperature gradient is established.  This is essential since it allows a snake to choose the temperature appropriate for its present metabolic state.  A night temperature drop of about 5°C is adequate.
 
All snakes are ectothermic and each species has a  [[Preferred optimum temperature zone|preferred optimum temperature zone (POTZ)]].  The ambient cage temperature should be at the lower end of a [[POTZ]].  The cage should also have a "hotspot" at the upper end of the [[POTZ]] so that a temperature gradient is established.  This is essential since it allows a snake to choose the temperature appropriate for its present metabolic state.  A night temperature drop of about 5°C is adequate.
*Sick reptiles tend to seek the area in the cage that is towards the high end of their [[POTZ]].
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* Sick reptiles tend to seek the area in the cage that is towards the high end of their [[POTZ]].
*Snakes kept at suboptimal temperatures often regurgitate their food.  For more information on snake feeding, [[Snake Feeding|see here]].
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* Snakes kept at suboptimal temperatures often regurgitate their food.   
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** '''For more information, see''' [[Snake Feeding]].
 
==Heating==
 
==Heating==
 
The primary heat source can be central heating, heat tapes or pads, or radiant heat.  A secondary heat source for a "hotspot" is then positioned at one end of the cage.  Lights should not be used as heat sources since this will interfere with the photoperiod.
 
The primary heat source can be central heating, heat tapes or pads, or radiant heat.  A secondary heat source for a "hotspot" is then positioned at one end of the cage.  Lights should not be used as heat sources since this will interfere with the photoperiod.
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*Snakes should not be able to come in contact with any bulbs, and hot rocks are not recommended because of the possibility of burns.  See [[Snake Vesicular Dermatitis|blister disease]].
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* Snakes should not be able to come in contact with any bulbs, and hot rocks are not recommended because of the possibility of burns.   
*Monitoring of both maximum and minimum temperatures is essential and thermometers should be positioned in the cooler area and the basking area.  Thermostats are useful to allow more accurate control of temperatures.
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** '''For more information on burns, see''' [[Snake Vesicular Dermatitis]].
 
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* Monitoring of both maximum and minimum temperatures is essential and thermometers should be positioned in the cooler area and the basking area.  Thermostats are useful to allow more accurate control of temperatures.
 
==Lighting==
 
==Lighting==
 
Lighting requirements for captive snakes are ill-defined.  Snakes satisfy their vitamin D3 requirements from their [[Snake Diet|diet]] but many species benefit from access to unfiltered sunlight (while still remaining withing their [[POTZ]]).  The length of photoperiod may be important for temperate species therefore timers are required for the lighting.
 
Lighting requirements for captive snakes are ill-defined.  Snakes satisfy their vitamin D3 requirements from their [[Snake Diet|diet]] but many species benefit from access to unfiltered sunlight (while still remaining withing their [[POTZ]]).  The length of photoperiod may be important for temperate species therefore timers are required for the lighting.
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Full-spectrum bulbs are sold with a numeric designation. 5.0 bulbs appear sufficient to stimulate the necessary previtamin D synthesis in lizards and are also considered suffifient for snakes. Bulbs should be placed no further than 18 inches from the animal to ensure maximum UVB exposure. Glass refracts UVB radiation, and so glass lids are an inappropriate housing feature. Full-spectrum bulbs usually have an 8 to 14 month activity period.
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Full-spectrum bulbs are sold with a numeric designation. 5.0 bulbs appear sufficient to stimulate the necessary previtamin D synthesis in lizards and are also considered suffifient for snakes. Bulbs should be placed no further than 18 inches from the animal to ensure maximum UVB exposure. Glass refracts UVB radiation, and so glass lids are an inappropriate housing feature. Full-spectrum bulbs usually have an 8 to 14 month activity period.
 
==Substrate==
 
==Substrate==
The substrate should be simple to allow easy cleaning. Newspaper is perhaps the best substrate as it is disposable, cheap and can be used for the majority of species. Other commonly used substrates include carpet, Astroturf, pine and ash wood shavings. Shavings of woods such as cedar, which are high in aromatic compounds, should be avoided because they are toxic. Items that can be ingested e.g. small stones, gravel, corn cob bedding, should also be avoided. Peat and gravel look attractive but hide urates and faeces. Fossorial (burrowing) species such as sand boas require a substrate (such as sand) in which they can burrow. Leaf litter is a good alternative too. Imported materials should be inspected closely to avoid the introduction of unwanted pests, such as [[Insecta|insects]].
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The substrate should be simple to allow easy cleaning. Newspaper is perhaps the best substrate as it is disposable, cheap and can be used for the majority of species. Other commonly used substrates include carpet, Astroturf, pine and ash wood shavings. Shavings of woods such as cedar, which are high in aromatic compounds, should be avoided because they are toxic. Items that can be ingested e.g. small stones, gravel, corn cob bedding, should also be avoided. Peat and gravel look attractive but hide urates and faeces. Fossorial (burrowing) species such as sand boas require a substrate (such as sand) in which they can burrow. Leaf litter is a good alternative too. Imported materials should be inspected closely to avoid the introduction of unwanted pests, such as [[Insecta|insects]].
 
==Humidity==
 
==Humidity==
 
[[Image:800px-Eastern_Green_Mamba.jpg|250px|thumb|right|'''Humidity is an important husbandry factor in preventing an incomplete shed ([[Snake Dysecdysis|dysecdesis]])''' - WikiCommons]]
 
[[Image:800px-Eastern_Green_Mamba.jpg|250px|thumb|right|'''Humidity is an important husbandry factor in preventing an incomplete shed ([[Snake Dysecdysis|dysecdesis]])''' - WikiCommons]]
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==Water==
 
==Water==
Clean fresh water in a bowl large enough to permit immersion/bathing should be available at all times and is essential for [[Ecdysis|ecdydsis]] (and to prevent [[Dysecdysis|dysecdysis]]). At a mimimum the water should be changed and the bowl cleaned daily and preferably after the snake soaks. The feeding area should not be adjacent to the water. Some species require drip systems and spraying to accept water. Many pit vipers will not drink from containers and emerald tree boas prefer to drink when water collects in their body coils following spraying.
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Clean fresh water in a bowl large enough to permit immersion/bathing should be available at all times and is essential for [[Ecdysis|ecdydsis]] (and to prevent [[Dysecdysis|dysecdysis]]). At a mimimum the water should be changed and the bowl cleaned daily and preferably after the snake soaks. The feeding area should not be adjacent to the water. Some species require drip systems and spraying to accept water. Many pit vipers will not drink from containers and emerald tree boas prefer to drink when water collects in their body coils following spraying.
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Aquatic and semiaquatic species require special attention and water quality control is essential. Ideally a filtration mechanism prevents the water from becoming stagnant. Undergravel and sand filters should be used in addition to external filters. Commercially available salts for marine fish tanks can be used for sea snakes and other marine snakes.
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Aquatic and semiaquatic species require special attention and water quality control is essential. Ideally a filtration mechanism prevents the water from becoming stagnant. Undergravel and sand filters should be used in addition to external filters. Commercially available salts for marine fish tanks can be used for sea snakes and other marine snakes.
 
==Branches==
 
==Branches==
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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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.   
 
==Visual security==
 
==Visual security==
Cage furniture should be kept to a minimum but a hiding place is essential. Terrestrial snakes prefer to crawl into small holes or crevices when at rest, and many will not feed if a hiding area is not provided. Silk trees or plants can offer visual security and require minimal maintenance. They help to augment the relative humidity if frequently misted and aid in a snake's ability to camoflage itself.
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Cage furniture should be kept to a minimum but a hiding place is essential. Terrestrial snakes prefer to crawl into small holes or crevices when at rest, and many will not feed if a hiding area is not provided. Silk trees or plants can offer visual security and require minimal maintenance. They help to augment the relative humidity if frequently misted and aid in a snake's ability to camoflage itself.
 
[[Category:Snake Husbandry]]
 
[[Category:Snake Husbandry]]
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