CALIFORNIA SNAKES

While most people assume snake habitats are down low or underground, the truth is that snake habitats are everywhere! Snakes live in rural and suburban areas, in deserts, marshlands, prairies, forests and rainforests, high up in trees, in creeks, rivers and deep down in the ocean. Snake habitats can be warm or cold, and they include every continent except Antarctica. Some snake habitats are in the open (for snakes that like to suntan!) while other snake habitats are covert (for snakes that camouflage or burrow underground).
Today, however, more and more snakes are being raised in captivity as popular pets, and snake habitats have been deemed elemental in the proper care of these snakes. The term “snake habitat” refers to where a snake lives day and night, and keeping your snake alive and well means providing the appropriate habitat for your slippery friend!
Here are some snake habitat hints to get you started.
SNAKE HABITATS: SOME HELPFUL HINTS
Terrariums are the top choice for snake habitats. The terrarium should be large enough to allow your snake to stretch out and move around, both vertically and horizontally, which is necessary for a snake’s respiratory health. The best snake habitats also include an open basking area as well as a hiding box.
Branches, rocks, shelves, ledges and open space mimic natural environments and are thus a great addition to manmade snake habitats.
● “Insider’s Tip” for building your snake habitat: Use silk plants instead of real plants since they are easy to clean and help maintain humidity in the terrarium.
Snake habitats should include a steady supply of water that can be used for both drinking and soaking.
Snake habitats require strict climate control! For this reason, glass or Plexiglas terrariums are optimal to maintain both humidity and temperature. In general, snake habitat temperatures range from 80-85 degrees during the day and slightly cooler at night.
Heat lamps such as full-spectrum fluorescent lamps are the easiest way to achieve proper temperatures, and under-the-tank heat strips work as well (provided they don’t get so hot that they crack the glass). Your snake habitat will also need a terrarium humidifier.
● Snake Habitat Alert: Snakes are pros at escaping their enclosures, so make sure your terrarium has a secure lid or you will be spending lots of time searching for snakes on the loose in your house! Some people lay a heavy object on top of the lid just to be on the safe side.