Husbandry and Nutrition

Husbandry is essentially the ‘care’ that you provide for your snake and includes housing, bedding (substrate), hides (caves, plants etc.), heating and lighting.

Each species of snake (and there are approximately 3000 recorded) has very specific husbandry needs and it is important that you know these requirements. Don’t worry, we can help!

If you don’t know the species the vet can help you identify in the consultation.  If it is an unusual species we may have to take some photos and do some research after the consultation.

The vast majority of problems we see are related to problems with husbandry.  Areas you need to consider, and which can be discussed further with your vet are:

• Housing – Is he/she tree dwelling, a desert species, ground dwelling, a water snake?
• Substrate – this is the ‘bedding’ used. Some types can look nice but actually be quite irritating or even poisonous to your snake. Your snake may even eat bedding material which can cause internal blockages. This is something we see quite often.
• Hides – most snakes do not like being out in the open or exposed. They need to be able to choose from a selection of hides in areas of appropriate temperature and humidity. If they cannot hide/rest then this can lead to stress associated and reproductive diseases.
• Heating – Snakes are ectothermic; they are almost completely incapable of generating body heat and require appropriate environmental temperatures to achieve body temperatures necessary for metabolism (movement, digestion). A range of temperatures (the preferred optimum temperature zone or POTZ) is desirable so that your snake can chose a comfortable area.  Again, it is important to know the type of snake you have in order to determine what temperature range to provide.
• Lighting – Diurnal snakes (those active during daylight) need exposure to full spectrum UV lighting (UVA = 400-315nm, UVB= 315-280nm) to support vision and crucial physiological processes such as calcium absorption. Not all UV bulbs are created equally – recent studies have shown that many bulbs on the market do not meet minimum requirements for UV emission. We recommend regular replacement of UV bulbs, every 6 months, as well as monitoring of UV output with a UV meter if possible (we have one, your bulb can be checked during the consult)
• Humidity – Is you snake from a desert or rainforest environment? Humidity requirements will vary drastically. Inappropriate levels can effect hydration, skin health and shedding.

Snake Nutrition 

Again, this subject is very species dependent.

Frequency of feeding is very important as snakes are often overfed in captivity. Young, growing snakes may need feeding every 2-3 days, small to medium adults weekly, and very large species as little as 4-5 times per year!  Ask your vet to suggest an appropriate feeding schedule for your snake.

Captive diets often need supplementation to provide balanced nutrition (for example, calcium and vitamin D3). This can be discussed in detail during your consultation – it is important to understand that, whilst supplementation is often necessary, it needs to be done under veterinary guidance as overdoses are possible and potentially very serious.

Food items used depend on what species of snake you have. The items need to be of good quality and free from disease.

We usually do not recommend feeding of live prey for many reasons, one of which being the potential for injuries to your snake, caused by live prey items such as rats and mice. There are also welfare considerations for the poor prey!