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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.

==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.

==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.