Caring for a Baby Snake

Do you want to get a snake? If so, you might be interested in a young one. There are some advantages to raising your pet from the start. People often find it easier to bond with pets that they have raised themselves. Captive-born snakes are also usually more docile than wild ones. Plus, they often tend to be healthier, as they haven’t been exposed to the hazards, diseases, and parasites that wild snakes face. However, baby snakes can be very fragile. You’ll need to do lots of research to learn how to help your tiny buddy thrive. A vet offers a few tips on this below.

Temperature

As with any reptile, keeping your pet’s environment warm is very important. The exact temperature parameters may vary a little from snake to snake. Most tropical snakes need a temperature range that is between 75 and 90°F. Snakes that are able to survive in cooler climates need a range of 75 to 85°F. Keep the heat source outside the cage, so your little scaled pal doesn’t get scalded. We don’t recommend heating rocks, as they could burn your pet.

Eating

You may find that getting your baby snake  to eat is your biggest challenge. This isn’t unusual. Do not try to 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 more information.

Tank

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

As your local veterinary clinic, we are always here to help. Call us anytime!