Your Snake's Habitat

So, you have a new snake? Did you know that one of the most important things for a healthy snake is a proper habitat?

We often encounter snakes that come in with health concerns (burns, respiratory issues, difficulty with shedding, etc.) that are related to their housing. Snakes are wonderful animals, but realize that they have specific needs to be healthy and happy. By providing your snake with the best care you possibly can, you will have one grateful reptile!

Cage

It is important to obtain a cage that is the correct size for your snake. The dimensions are as follows:

Length=snake's body length
Width=half the snake's length

Temperature

One issue that causes health problems and can be easily remedied is the temperature of your snake's cage. The temperature varies depending on the type of snake you have. Here are the correct temperatures for the most common snakes:

Ball Python

Ball Python
Basking spot: 83-85℉
Cool end: 80℉





Corn Snakes
Basking area: 88-90℉
Cool end: 72-80℉

Corn Snake

Dumeril's Boa

Boas
Basking area: 85-90℉
Cool end: 80℉

*Some species of boa, such as the Dumeril's boas, should not be exposed to temperatures above 85℉. The Kenyan sand boa needs a basking area of 95℉*
Ask one of veterinarians about the temperature needs of your specific snake.

Humidity

Ball Python
Enclosure should be 60-70%                                        

Humidity Box

Corn Snakes
Enclosure should be 30-40%

Boas
Enclosure should be 60-70%
*Some species vary*

To keep enclosure humid:

• Mist cage (not animal) 1-2 times a day
• Provide humidity box
• Repti-Fogger with humidity controller

These are just a few of the requirements to get you started. We recommend visiting one of our exotic veterinarians for more tips. They are more than happy to provide you with the most current and accurate information about snakes and answer your questions.

The Loving A.R.M.S. Fund

If you've been to our clinic before, you may have seen this jar sitting at the front desk. The Loving A.R.M.S. (Animals Requiring Medical Services) Fund was started by PCVC to aid animals and their owners, who do not have significant funds to pay for veterinary expenses, and give them a second chance at life.

Throughout the lifetime of our fund we have helped a kitten who was seriously burned, saved an egg-bound snake, and provided emergency surgeries to pets who may not have survived without the fund.

All donations for our fund come from our generous clients. Our hope is that every animal can have a long, healthy life. However, sometimes unexpected events occur, and pets become injured or sick. If their owners are unable to afford the medical expenses, there may be no other option but to have the pets euthanized.

Due to the costs associated with veterinary care, we depend on our fund to help those animals and their owners who do not have the financial means to pay for services (surgeries, treatments, medications, etc.). The more money we receive for our fund, the more animals we can give second chances.

We accept cash and cards. Cash can go right into the jar on our desk. If you would like to leave a donation with your credit card, just tell one of our receptionists that you'd like to make a donation to The Loving A.R.M.S. Fund.