Tips First-Time Snake and Reptile Owners: Set Yourself Up for Success!

Owning a reptile can be an exciting and rewarding experience. These fascinating creatures bring a touch of the untamed wild into your home, offering a unique perspective on pet ownership. However, unlike more common pets, reptiles have very specific care needs that require thoughtful attention. If you're a first-time snake or reptile owner, this guide will help you get started with essential tips for ensuring your pet thrives in its new environment.

Tip #1. Research Your Reptile Species Thoroughly

Before bringing home a snake, lizard, or other reptile, it's essential to know the exact species and its unique care requirements. Reptiles come in a variety of sizes, temperaments, and habitat needs, so through research helps you make an informed decision. Some important aspects to consider include:

- Diet: Some reptiles are herbivores, others are carnivores, and some require a mix. For example, corn snakes eat mice, while uromastyx are primarily herbivores, and bearded dragons require a varied diet of greens and live insects to thrive.

- Temperature & Humidity: Reptiles are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. Research the optimal temperature range and humidity levels for your specific species. Some species are intolerant of hot temperatures, such as the crested gecko, so they may not make a good choice if the space you plan on keeping them has unreliable air conditioning

- Size: A baby snake or lizard might fit in your palm, but many species grow quite large. For example, some python species can grow up to 10 feet or more. Make sure you can not only accommodate the size your pet will reach as an adult, but also a large, spacious enclosure to house them in.

Tip #2. Create the Ideal Habitat

Setting up the right environment for your reptile is crucial for their health and well-being. The type of enclosure, lighting, substrate, and other features will depend on the species you choose. Here are the basics:

- Enclosure Size: Always provide an enclosure that is large enough for your reptile to move around comfortably and exhibit natural behaviors such as climbing, basking, and hiding.The enclosure must be large enough for the reptile to properly thermoregulate- move completely into and completely out of basking zones to adequately regulate their body temperature.

- Substrate: The material used on the bottom of the enclosure is called substrate. Different species prefer different types of substrate, such as a mix of sand and clay for some desert reptiles or soil and moss for tropical species. Ensure the substrate is clean, safe, and suitable for your pet’s humidity needs.

- Temperature Gradient: Reptiles need a gradient of temperatures, with one side of the enclosure being warmer than the other. For adequate body function, reptiles must be able to completely move out of their basking zone to cool down. This allows your pet to thermoregulate. Use heat lamps, under-tank heaters, and/or ceramic heaters to achieve this. Heating elements should be monitored by being hooked up to thermostats to avoid overheating and burning your reptile. 

- Lighting: Many reptiles, especially those that bask like bearded dragons, need UVB lighting to process calcium and maintain bone health. Make sure you provide the appropriate UVB exposure (strength + distance) based on your reptile’s species. Check out our UVB calculator for guidance on providing UVB to reptiles.
All animals will benefit from a day/night cycle, including those that don’t require UVB for survival, so adding an LED grow light to their enclosure is a good idea. 

- Hides and Decor: Include plenty of hiding spots and climbing opportunities to make the habitat feel secure. Reptiles appreciate privacy, and hiding areas can reduce stress. Don’t be afraid to clutter the enclosure with real or fake plants, branches, and decor. These objects can help a stressed reptile feel less exposed in their habitat. 

Tip #3. Maintain Proper Feeding Practices

Proper nutrition is essential for your reptile's health. Each species has different dietary requirements, so ensure you are offering the right type of food in the right quantities.

- Whole Prey: Some reptiles, like snakes, will eat live, pre-killed, or frozen-thawed prey such as mice or rats. Feeding frequency will depend on the age, species, and body condition of your animal. Frozen-thawed or pre-killed are the safest options, since it protects your reptile from being bitten by a frightened rodent. Ensure the prey size is appropriate for your pet’s size, as feeding overly large prey can cause health problems.

- Insects and Supplements: Feeder insects should be gut-loaded (fed nutritious food) and dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements to ensure your reptile gets the nutrients they need.
A supplement containing vitamin D3 should be added every few feedings, and a multivitamin supplement containing preformed vitamin A should also be used in rotation. Lack of vitamin D3 (Metabolic Bone Disease) and low vitamin A (Hyperkeratosis) are two common deficiencies in reptiles that arise due to lack of proper supplementation. However, too much supplementation can also cause detrimental effects, so it’s best to use these supplements in rotation once per week or so.
Pure calcium can be used every feeding, with a day skipped every few feedings. 

- Feeding Schedule: Different reptiles have different feeding frequencies. For example, adult snakes may only need to eat once every 1.5 weeks to once per month, while juvenile bearded dragons should be fed multiple times per day. Research what is best for the species and age of your animal, and monitor your pet’s growth and body condition to adjust feeding as needed.

Tip #4. Handle with Care

While reptiles can become comfortable with handling over time, it’s important to remember that they are not as social as mammals. Each species has its own temperament, and not all reptiles enjoy being handled.

- Start Slow: Give your new reptile time to acclimate to its environment before handling it. Don’t handle your new reptile for the first week, or even longer if they are not yet comfortably eating in their new environment. Avoid handling for 24-hours after feeding snakes, or while a lizard is basking following a meal so they have an opportunity to digest their food. It is best to avoid handling while your pet is actively shedding or just about to shed, as this can stress your pet.

- Proper Handling Techniques: Always support your reptile’s body with both hands. Never grab a snake by the tail or head or lift a lizard by its limbs or tail. Lift from underneath your animal and avoid grabbing them from overhead if possible; this is where a front opening enclosure comes in handy! Let them move freely in your hands, and stay close to the ground until you and your pet gain confidence with handling and being handled, so there’s less chance of a fall.

- Monitor Stress Signs: If your reptile hisses, strikes, excessively tries to hide, or frantically attempts to escape, they are likely feeling stressed. Minimize handling if your pet shows these behaviors, and try to keep interaction brief and positive while they learn that you are not trying to hurt them.

Tip #5. Monitor Health Regularly

Regular observation of your reptile’s health is critical to catching potential issues early. Common signs of illness in reptiles include lethargy, lack of appetite, sunken eyes, and abnormal shedding.

- Regular Shedding: Reptiles shed their skin periodically. Healthy shedding should happen in one complete piece for snakes, while lizards might shed in patches. Improper shedding (retained skin) could indicate humidity problems or health issues.

- Veterinary Care: Find a reptile veterinarian who can develop a baseline with your pet so they can help spot any medical concerns if they arise. Reptiles can suffer from metabolic bone disease, respiratory infections, and parasites, all of which need prompt treatment.

Tip #6. Be Prepared for a Long-Term Commitment

Many reptiles have long lifespans, with some species living 10-20 years or more. For instance, ball pythons can live over 30 years with proper care. Make sure you're ready for a long-term commitment before bringing home a reptile. This means not only providing food and care but also ensuring you can maintain the right habitat, even as your reptile grows.

If your life situation changes and you are no longer able to properly care for your pet, you can seek out a reptile rescue for assistance in finding a new home for your pet. Never release your pet into the wild, as this can be a death sentence for your pet and can be detrimental for the ecosystem. 

Tip # 7. Understand Local Laws and Regulations

Some reptiles, like hognose snakes, are regulated by local laws. Make sure to check whether any special permits are required to own your reptile. Additionally, some species may be restricted due to environmental concerns or invasive species regulations.

Owning a snake or reptile can be a highly rewarding experience, but it’s important to be well-prepared. By researching your chosen species, creating a suitable habitat, ensuring access to providing proper nutrition, and monitoring your pet’s health, you can set your new reptile up to live a long, healthy, and happy life. The more you learn about your reptile’s specific needs, the more enjoyable the experience will be for both you and your scaly companion!