Introduction to Snakes

There are approximately 3,000 species of snakes throughout the world, inhabiting virtually every corner of the globe—from oceans to deserts. All snakes are carnivores, devouring their prey whole. Snakes capture their prey by either injecting venom, grasping and constricting or by grasping and swallowing their prey whole. All snakes are cold-blooded and depend on external heat to maintain their metabolism.

Basic Needs

Snakes in captivity have five basic needs, including:

• Health—The snakes in your store should be examined when they first arrive to see if they appear normal, with no visible health problems.
• Comfort—The environment created for snakes in captivity must be similar to the snake’s natural environment. For example, all tropical snakes require higher temperatures and humidity than snakes indigenous to North America.
• Control—The snake’s housing unit must be both escape- and tamper-proof. If an aquarium is used, the screen cover should lock onto the aquarium. If the snake is eight feet or longer, it should only be handled in the presence of another adult.
• Housing—Aquariums or other housing units must be large enough to accommodate more than the length of the snake and wide enough to permit free movement.
• Food—All snakes are carnivorous or insectivorous. Common prey includes mice, rats, chicks, rabbits, fish, insects, other reptiles and amphibians.