Tag Archives: snake care

Feeding Pre-Killed Prey To Your Snake

Ball pythons are notorious for being fussy eaters. But they may not be the only type of pet snake to refuse a meal once in a while! The most common feeding problem happens when a captive snake isn’t interested in pre-killed prey. So how do you get your fussy friend to dine? A warm meal always seems to taste better! If you’re serving frozen prey, be sure to thaw it in the fridge or in cold water. Place the pre-killed prey in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes just before serving to heat it up to a … Continue reading →

Snakes: Live Prey vs. Pre-Killed Prey

If you’ll be keeping a snake for a pet, you’ve got a large decision on your hands: do you feed live prey, or do you feed pre-killed prey? There are pros and cons to each choice. The case for live prey is a pretty simple one: live prey is the most natural way to feed your snake. If your snake was in the wild, he wouldn’t be dining on frozen, pre-killed prey. He would hunt and feed when he needed to. Live prey is relatively easy to obtain; you can swing by the local pet store when it’s time for … Continue reading →

Setting A Snake Trap

If searching doesn’t turn up your missing snake, it’s time to set a trap. You can set “sound traps” along the walls — crumble plastic bags and put them on the floor along the exposed walls and between furniture. As soon as it’s dark, turn off all the lights and sit quietly with a flashlight. Listen for your snake on the move — it may take a half hour for him to start exploring. Once you hear the noise of the snake moving past the plastic bags, click on the flashlight and nab him! You can also sprinkle a strip … Continue reading →

Searching For A Lost Snake

Even the most careful snake owner may have to deal with an escape artist at some point. So how do you find your lost reptile? Chances are, your snake is still in the house, so start your searching there. If you happen to have any other small pets that may look like potential snake snacks, be sure to put them in a secure place before you start searching. And now… the hunt is on! Start by looking around your snake enclosure, then along the walls and baseboards. Check bookcases, cabinets, and shelves. Look for your sneaky snake on top of … Continue reading →

Corn Snake Basics

Another good snake for beginners is the corn snake. These snakes are usually docile and easy to care for, and come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. While you may occasionally see a six foot long corn snake, most adult corn snakes are between three and five feet in length. Name: Corn snake (elaphe guttata) Lifespan: An average ten to fifteen years Normal temperature: Between seventy and eighty-five degrees Fahrenheit. These snakes are native to the southeastern United States, and do not need tropical temperatures. Whenever possible, select a captive bred snake instead of a wild caught snake. … Continue reading →

Ball Python Basics

If you’re looking for a good snake for first-time owners, think about a ball python! Ball pythons won’t usually grow to more than five feet in size, and are generally docile and easy to handle. They get their name from their behavior when threatened: a ball python will curl up into a tight ball, tucking its head inside its coils. Name: Ball python (python regius) Lifespan: Average of twenty-thirty years Daytime temperature: 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit with a basking spot of 90 degrees Nighttime temperature: 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit Whenever possible, try to find a captive bred ball python. Wild caught ball … Continue reading →

Snake Basics

When my brother and I first started having allergy problems, our doctor suggested we get a nice, cuddly family snake. If you’ve never had a snake before, here are some tips to help you pick a snake and get started. Things to keep in mind: Some snakes can grow very large and possibly be dangerous. Do your research before picking a snake! Each different type of snake has its own diet and environment requirements. Escapes can (and will) happen — so make sure your enclosure has a secure door and no gaps! And prepare to find all the possible hiding … Continue reading →