Snakes

Retained shed (dysecdysis)

SignsSkin comes off in pieces instead of one sheet, eye caps remain and the eyes stay cloudy, skin left on the tail tip

PreventionBefore a shed (cloudy eyes), raise humidity and provide a humid hide with damp sphagnum moss. Water bowl large enough to soak in

Mouth rot (infectious stomatitis)

SignsYellow-white pus or bleeding in the mouth or gums, mouth will not close, drooling, not eating

PreventionKeep correct temperatures so immunity stays strong. Thaw frozen prey completely so the mouth is not injured on frozen food

Respiratory infection

SignsOpen-mouth breathing, bubbles or mucus at the nostrils, head held up, gurgling sounds from the mouth

PreventionAvoid nighttime temperature drops and condensation-level humidity. Ensure ventilation and control heat with a thermostat

Snake mites

SignsBlack specks floating in the water bowl, black dots around the eyes or between chin scales, soaking in water for long periods

PreventionQuarantine new animals in a separate room for 1–2 months. Heat-treat driftwood. If found, see a vet and treat every animal

Food refusal (anorexia)

SignsNot eating for weeks to months. Pathological if accompanied by weight loss or a visible spine

PreventionReview temperature, hides and prey size. Seasonal fasting in ball pythons can be monitored as long as weight holds

IBD and other viral diseases

SignsIn boas and pythons: head arched back (stargazing), body twisting, regurgitation, progressive weakness

PreventionStrict quarantine and no sharing of equipment. No effective treatment once it develops; preventing spread is the top priority

Thermal burns

PreventionHeat mat under about one third of the floor. Cover heat lamps with a wire guard; never place them where the snake can touch them

First aidWhite, red or black discoloration on the belly is a burn. Do not cool it; cover with clean gauze and see the vet the same day. Switch bedding to paper

Bites from feeder mice

PreventionDo not feed live prey. Thaw frozen prey completely in lukewarm water and offer with tongs

First aidCheck the wound; see the vet if it is swollen or infected. Never leave a live mouse in the cage

Rostral (nose) abrasion

PreventionCaused by rubbing the nose on gaps or mesh. Close gaps and add hides so the snake settles

First aidIf the wound is moist or raw, see the vet. Left untreated it progresses to mouth rot

Spinal injury

PreventionSupport the middle of the body when holding; never let it dangle. Check before closing doors so it is not caught

First aidDo not move it; place in a container and keep warm. If part of the body does not move or it bends abnormally, see the vet the same day

Salmonellosis

RouteOral, via hands or equipment that touched feces or the skin

PreventionWash hands with soap after handling. Never wash equipment in the kitchen. Keep infants and young children away

Reptile mites

RouteFrom the animal's skin or cage to human skin

PreventionStrict quarantine. If found, deep-clean the whole cage and see the vet

Dermatophytosis (ringworm)

RouteContact with an animal that has skin lesions

PreventionHandle animals with skin problems in gloves and wash hands thoroughly

Amoebiasis

RouteOral, via hands or water contaminated with feces

PreventionWash hands after cleaning. No eating or drinking while cleaning

Food

• Frozen mice or rats, fully thawed and warmed
• Juveniles 1–2 times a week, adults once every 1–2 weeks
• Prey no thicker than the widest part of the snake's body

Water

• Always provide a bowl large enough to soak in
• Change daily. Replace immediately if soiled (breeding ground for mites and bacteria)

Toys & play

• Climbable driftwood or branches (essential for arboreal species)
• Deep bedding or tunnels to burrow in
• A quiet environment that does not disturb nighttime exploring

Nest, bed & hideout

• Snug, dark hides on both the warm and cool side
• A humid hide (sphagnum moss) for shedding

Bedding & litter

• Aspen, paper chips, paper towels
• Cedar and pine bedding are toxic. Never use
• Remove feces and urates daily. Full change and wash monthly

Cage / housing material

Glass, acrylic or plastic enclosure. Lockable front-opening is ideal

Size & space

Width at least two thirds of body length. Adult corn snake: 60 cm or wider

Layout

• Heat mat on the warm side, water bowl on the cool side
• One hide on the warm side and one on the cool side
• Secure climbing branches so they cannot fall

Placement notes

• They escape through vents and cord gaps. Seal all gaps
• Keep away from direct sunlight and heater vents

Exercise, free-roam & walks

• Handle 2–3 times a week, about 15 minutes each
• No handling for 2–3 days after feeding or before a shed
• Never take outdoors. Never leave unattended even indoors

Temperature & humidity

TemperatureWarm side 30–32°C, cool side 25–27°C, nighttime 22°C or above

HumidityCorn snake 40–60%, ball python 50–70%

Summer & winter

• Summer: use AC if room exceeds 30°C. Watch for stuffiness and condensation
• Winter: two heat sources plus a thermostat; keep insulation ready for power outages

Nail trimming

No nails. Instead: after each shed, check that the skin came off in one piece including the eye caps and tail tip

Brushing, skin & coat care

Shed care: raise humidity when the eyes turn cloudy. Remove leftover skin gently with a damp towel after a warm soak

Other care

Wash the water bowl daily. Check for dirt around the vent. Weigh and record monthly

Protection from predators

• Keep dogs and cats out of the room; use a lockable cage
• Never take outdoors: crows, cats and escape are risks
• Never house with other snakes (cannibalism, infection)

Foreign-body ingestion

Swallowing bedding with prey causes intestinal blockage. Feed on a dish or paper. If no feces and the belly swells, see the vet

Being stepped on

When out in the room it blends into the floor. Close doors so no one walks through, and carry it when moving

Getting pinched

Catching the body in a door edge or sliding door causes spinal injury. Check the whole body is inside before closing

Falls

Falls from a desk or shoulder injure the spine. Handle while sitting on the floor; after a fall, check for abnormal movement and see the vet

Escape

An escape may be reported by neighbors. Lock the cage and seal gaps. If it escapes, search behind warm appliances and dark places; lure with water and a hide

Safe release procedure

1. Stay still and calm. Most let go on their own within seconds
2. Drip a little water or alcohol onto the mouth
3. Push the head gently in the direction of the bite and slide it off along the teeth
4. Once free, return it to the cage and leave it alone for a while

After the release

Rinse under running water for 5 minutes and disinfect. Remove any teeth left in the skin. See a doctor for swelling or infection

What to tell the vet & what to bring

Species, age, temperature/humidity settings, last feeding date and prey, last shed date, weight history, photos of feces and shed skin

Checking consciousness, breathing & heartbeat

• Response to stimulation: tongue flicking, movement when the tail tip is pinched
• Breathing: slow movement of the flanks, about once every few seconds when healthy
• Color inside the mouth: pink when healthy. Pale or bluish is dangerous

Stopping bleeding

• Press gently with clean gauze for 5 minutes
• Do not press on bleeding inside the mouth; lower the head and see the vet
• Bleeding that will not stop needs the vet. Do not crush mites yourself

Transport

• Place in a cloth bag or pillowcase, then in a plastic container
• Wrap a hand warmer in a towel so it does not touch the snake. Transport dark and quiet