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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]].
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:A_shed_snake_skin.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]]
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.
Inadequate humidity (e.g. excessive air conditioning) leads to stress, dehydration and [[Snake Dysecdysis|dysecdysis]]. Excessive humidity (e.g. inadequate cage ventilation) leads to skin infections. A humidity chamber (a container filled with damp tissue paper) can be provided for [[Ecdysis|ecdysis]]. The problems associated with low humidity can sometimes be overcome by daily water baths for 1-2 hours.
Inadequate humidity (e.g. excessive air conditioning) leads to stress, dehydration and [[Snake Dysecdysis|dysecdysis]]. Excessive humidity (e.g. inadequate cage ventilation) leads to skin infections. A humidity chamber (a container filled with damp tissue paper) can be provided for [[Ecdysis|ecdysis]]. The problems associated with low humidity can sometimes be overcome by daily water baths for 1-2 hours.
*Observation of shedding is a good way to judge the humidity since snakes should shed in one piece if the humidity is adequate.
* Observation of shedding is a good way to judge the humidity since snakes should shed in one piece if the humidity is adequate.
*Excessive humidity is frequently associated with dermatitis. For more information on snake shedding, [[Snake Shedding|see here]]
* Excessive humidity is frequently associated with dermatitis.
*[[Snake Mites|Snake mites]], [[Snake Dysecdysis|dysecdysis]], [[Snake Vesicular Dermatitis|blister disease]] and [[Snake Eye|retained spectacles]] are all influenced by humidity.
** '''For more information on snake shedding, see''' [[Snake Shedding]].
* [[Snake Mites|Snake mites]], [[Snake Dysecdysis|dysecdysis]], [[Snake Vesicular Dermatitis|blister disease]] and [[Snake Eye|retained spectacles]] are all influenced by humidity.
==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.
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.