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Caring for a Baby Snake

May 1 2021

Are you considering raising a young snake? There are some advantages to raising your pet from the start. Getting to enjoy that adorable toddler stage is a plus. People often find it easier to bond with animals that they have raised themselves. A captive-born reptile will also be more docile than a wild one. Plus, they are also usually healthier, as they haven’t been exposed to the hazards, diseases, and parasites that wild snakes face. However, baby snakes are quite fragile. You’ll need to do lots of research to learn how to help your tiny serpent thrive. A vet offers a few tips on this below.


 Tank

Make sure you have everything ready before you bring your snake home! When your snake is all grown up, he may need a fairly large habitat. For now, keep him in something smaller. Otherwise, it could be hard for him to find his dinner. Glass aquariums with screen tops are fine. You can also get tanks made of plastic or fiberglass. Just make sure that it offers proper ventilation. For substrate, you can use butcher paper, newspaper, gravel and sand, or aspen or pine shavings. If you use sand, you’ll need to monitor your tiny reptile carefully, and make sure he doesn’t get any caught in his mouth. If he does, switch to another substrate. Your little buddy will also require a hide box and fresh water. Don’t forget to add some accessories, such as branches, plants, bark, logs, or basking rocks.


Temperature

As with any reptile, keeping your pet warm is extremely important. While exact temperature parameters may vary, depending on the type of snake you get, most snakes need a temperature range that stays between 75 and 90°F. Be sure to keep the heat source outside the cage, so your little buddy doesn’t get burned. We don’t recommend heating rocks, as they could scald your pet.


Eating

Getting your new reptilian buddy to eat may be your biggest challenge. It’s not unusual for baby snakes to have pretty weak appetites. Never force feed your snake, unless your vet specifically advises it. This should only happen as a last resort. There are a few other things you can try. Just be warned: these options are not for the squeamish. Ask your vet for recommendations.


Please reach out to us with any questions or concerns about raising a baby snake. We are always here to help!

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