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==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 [[Snake Immune System|immune system]] and leads to opportunistic infections.  Important aspects of [[:Category:Snake Husbandry|snake husbandry]] include the cage environment, [[Snake Diet|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 [[Lizard and Snake Immune System|immune system]] and leads to opportunistic infections.  Important aspects of [[:Category:Snake Husbandry|snake husbandry]] include the cage environment, [[Snake Diet|nutrition]] and water.

==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.

* Sick reptiles tend to seek the area in the cage that is towards the high end of their [[POTZ]].

* 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.   

* Snakes kept at suboptimal temperatures often regurgitate their food.   

** '''For more information, see''' [[Snake Feeding]].

** '''For more information, see''' [[Snake Feeding and Digestion]].

==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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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.

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 sufficient for snakes. Bulbs should be placed no further than 18 inches from the animal to ensure maximum UVB exposure. Glass refracts UVB radiation which makes glass lids 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]].

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 such as small stones, gravel and 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 also a good alternative. Imported materials should be inspected closely to avoid the introduction of unwanted pests, such as 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]]

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 (for example the 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 (for example excessive air conditioning) leads to stress, dehydration and [[Snake Dysecdysis|dysecdysis]].  Excessive humidity (such as 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.   

* Excessive humidity is frequently associated with dermatitis.   

==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.

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]]