The family of snakes has more than 2000 species, the most common are water and common, or land. When keeping a snake in captivity, you need to create all conditions so that the reptile does not die. An amateur serpentologist should know not only the rules of keeping and breeding, but also feeding snakes.
Most often, a tiger snake is kept in captivity, which has a beautiful color with rings of different colors. But some amateur serpentologists buy common and water snakes at the zoological store.
Most of the common snakes sold at the poultry market or zoological store are caught in the wild. Creating conditions for home maintenance that are identical to natural conditions is an almost impossible task. But to bring them closer to natural conditions is quite within the power of every serpentologist.
Keeping a snake will require a long and spacious terrarium, most of which should be separated for a pool. Cover the top of the terrarium with a net to prevent the reptile from escaping. Lay moistened sand or peat at the bottom. In the corner, arrange a patch of good quality wet moss. He will sleep in it. Driftwood, a scattering of stones, branches, bark - this is what you need for a comfortable stay. But the most important rule, which you should not forget, is maintaining the temperature difference in the terrarium. On the side of the corner where the moss is located, place a heater and heat it up to 35 degrees. On the other side of the terrarium, the temperature should not exceed 22 degrees. A special UV lamp will help create natural light. Turn off the lamp at night.
Pay special attention to the snake's diet. Food should only be live. In captivity, snakes eat live tree frogs, rodents, small fish, snails, worms, bloodworms. All of these can be bought at the zoological store.
Feed a medium-sized snake twice a week. If the reptile is large, it is enough to feed it once a week. Give the snake as much food as he is willing to eat at one time.
It is rational to give special feeding for snakes or crushed dried shells once a month. Alternatively, you can add 1 cup of alkaline mineral water to your aquarium.
Clean the enclosure once a week. Replace moss, sand, peat, and pool water completely. Already dip in a 1% solution of potassium permanganate. This will help prevent ticks. It is not recommended to dip the reptile's head into the solution.
Comfortable living conditions allow them to live in captivity for more than 20 years.
