The 10 Best Cages For Pet Snakes
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Snakes make fascinating pets because they are so different from traditional pets like cats and dogs. Not only are they unique in their appearance and behavior, but they also have very different requirements for care. Housing and dietary needs vary from one species to another, but most pet snakes require a cage that will retain heat and humidity while also providing ample space for movement.
In this article, we’ll talk about the basics of caring for pet snakes and provide some tips for choosing the best snake cage. You’ll also see our top 10 picks for the best snake cage.
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At a Glance: Best Cages For Snakes To Buy
We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Compare Best Cages For Snakes
|
Overall Best
1. Exo Terra Glass Terrarium Kit, for Reptiles and Amphibians |
Best Naturalistic Terrarium
3. Zoo Med Laboratories SZMNT2 Naturalistic Terrarium |
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Materials
Glass, screen |
Materials
Glass |
Materials
Glass |
Materials
Glass |
Materials
Glass |
Materials
Glass, wire mesh |
Materials
Glass, screen |
Materials
Glass |
Materials
Glass, mesh |
Materials
Tank kit |
|
Size
12x12x12 |
Size
48x24x24 inches |
Size
12x12x18 inches |
Size
36x18x18 inches |
Size
24x18x12 inches |
Size
50 x 20 x 12 inches |
Size
8x8x12 inches |
Size
24x18x12 inches |
Size
10 gallons |
Size
20 gallons |
|
Features
Hinged doors, front ventilation |
Features
Sliding doors, key-lock security |
Features
Locking door, front/side ventilation |
Features
Hinged doors, screen top |
Features
Dual doors, front window ventilation |
Features
Waterproof base, hinged doors, key entry |
Features
Screen top, lift and pull top |
Features
Hinged doors, front ventilation |
Features
Includes lighting |
Features
Decorative ReptoFilter, Basking Platform, Dome Lamps |
What To Look For In Cages For Snakes?
When it comes to choosing a snake cage, you need to take the requirements of the particular species of snake you plan to keep. This will help you determine the proper size for your snake cage and the dimensions. You’ll also need to consider factors like easy access for feeding and cleaning as well as ventilation to provide your snake with plenty of fresh air.
Here are some important things to look for in snake cages:
- Appropriate size. Again, sizing depends on the species you plan to keep but, as a general rule, juvenile snakes need a cage at least 10 to 20 gallons in size. Larger snakes need bigger cages. The longest side of the cage should be at least as long as the snake housed in the cage. Snakes must be able to stretch to their full length.
- Retains heat/humidity. Most snakes require a heated tank, so you’ll need to choose a tank that retains heat well. Humidity is also a factor for some snakes, particularly tropical species. With some screen-topped cages, you may need to partially block the screen with plexiglass to balance ventilation and the ability to retain humidity.
- Easy to access. Look for a cage that is easy to access for cleaning and feeding but not easy for your snake to escape from. Locking doors are always a good thing.
- Well ventilated. Your snake requires a hot, often humid environment, but still needs fresh air to breathe. Make sure your snake cage provides ventilation without a risk for escape.
Our Top Picks For The Best Cages For Snakes
Now that you have a better idea what to look for in a snake cage, it’s time to start shopping! Keep reading to see our top 10 picks for the best snake cages.
Exo Terra Glass Terrarium Kit, for Reptiles and Amphibians
Product Info
- Materials: Glass, screen
- Size: 12x12x12
- Features: Hinged doors, front ventilation
- Durable all-glass construction
- Retains heat with plenty of ventilation
- Double hinged doors for easy access
- May not be large enough for very large species
- Some products were damaged on delivery
It features two hinged doors with escape-proof locks that ensure easy access without the risk of escape. Plus, it is all-glass except for the mesh top, so it retains heat well but is still properly ventilated.
Carolina Custom Cages Terrarium
Product Info
- Materials: Glass, wire mesh
- Size: 50 x 20 x 12 inches
- Features: Waterproof base, hinged doors, key entry
- High-quality glass construction
- Ample space for growth and movement
- Sliding front doors for easy access
- Significantly more expensive than other models
It has large sliding doors on the front for easy access as well as a 4-inch waterproof base. This cage comes in a variety of different sizes and they all feature a key-lock security system to prevent escape.
Zoo Med Laboratories SZMNT2 Naturalistic Terrarium
Product Info
- Materials: Glass
- Size: 12x12x18 inches
- Features: Locking door, front/side ventilation
- Perfect size for a juvenile tree-dwelling snake
- Lockable front door to prevent escape
- Front and size mesh ventilation
- May not be large enough for bigger snake species
- Some products arrived damaged
It has a locking front door with front and top ventilation to promote natural air flow. It also has 6 power cord and airline tubing slots so you can easily install tank equipment.
REPTI ZOO Reptile Glass Terrarium Tank Double Hinge Door
Product Info
- Materials: Glass
- Size: 36x18x18 inches
- Features: Hinged doors, screen top
- High-quality glass construction
- Retains heat and humidity very well
- Top ventilation for proper air flow
- Somewhat pricey compared to other models
- Assembly instructions could be better
Exo Terra Glass Natural Terrarium Kit
Product Info
- Materials: Glass
- Size: 24x18x12 inches
- Features: Dual doors, front window ventilation
- Surprisingly affordable for the size
- All-glass construction with mesh top
- Front doors open separately for security
- Some shipments arrived damaged
- May not be big enough for very large species
It still features the same hinged front doors that can be opened separately for security as well as a mesh top for ventilation. This model also has closable inlets for wires and tubing with a waterproof base.
Carolina Custom Cages Terrarium, Extra-Long
Product Info
- Materials: Glass
- Size: 48x24x24 inches
- Features: Sliding doors, key-lock security
- High-quality all-glass construction
- Dual hinged front doors for easy access
- Key-lock doors for security
- Significantly more expensive than some models
REPTIZOO Mini Reptile Glass Terrarium Tank
Product Info
- Materials: Glass, screen
- Size: 8x8x12 inches
- Features: Screen top, lift and pull top
- Highly affordable with decent quality
- All-glass construction with mesh top
- Lift-and-pull door is easy to use
- Small size, only ideal for very small tree-dwelling snakes
- Only allows for top access
Exo Terra Outback Terrarium
Product Info
- Materials: Glass
- Size: 24x18x12 inches
- Features: Hinged doors, front ventilation
- Dual hinged doors for escape-proof access
- Stainless steel mesh cover for ventilation
- Limited edition 3D rock background
- May not be big enough for very large snakes
Zilla Desert Reptile Terrarium Starter Kit with Light and Heat
Product Info
- Materials: Glass, mesh
- Size: 10 gallons
- Features: Includes lighting
- Affordable price that includes equipment
- Comes with two domed light fixtures
- All-glass construction retains heat well
- Light fixtures could be of higher quality
- Not big enough for very adult snakes
- The carpet substrate is not appropriate for most snakes
Tetrafauna Aquatic Turtle Deluxe Aquarium Kit
Product Info
- Materials: Tank kit
- Size: 20 gallons
- Features: Decorative ReptoFilter, Basking Platform, Dome Lamps
- Comes with heating elements and bulbs
- All-glass construction with mesh top
- Properly sized for small and juvenile snakes
- May not be big enough for large species to grow into
- Lighting equipment could be of higher quality
- Most of the furnishings included are not designed for snakes and the filtration is not needed for most snakes
Tips For Maintaining A Snake Cage
Your pet snake will spend the majority of its life in its cage, so it is important to choose a size that your snake can grow into and live in comfortably. The dimensions of the cage are just as important as the size, so keep that in mind. You’ll also need to add certain pieces of equipment as well as decorations and accessories to create the ultimate captive environment for your snake.
Here Are Some Simple Tips For Maintaining A Snake Cage:
- Choose a cage that is large enough for your snake at its adult size – a 20-gallon aquarium is usually sufficient for smaller species. Larger species will need a cage that has a 48 inch or longer side.
- Make sure the tank is properly ventilated but be careful that the ventilation openings are not large enough that your snake can fit through them.
- Equip your tank with under-tank heaters and/or overheat heat lamps to achieve and maintain the proper temperature for your pet snake.
- Keep your day lights on for 10 to 12 hours, making sure to include a light source that provides low-level UVA and UVB rays. Although snakes absorb vitamin D through their food, some studies suggest they still benefit from UVB exposure. Reference: Ancierno MJ, Mitchell MA, Zachariah TT, et al. Effects of ultraviolet radiation on plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations in corn snakes (Elaphe guttata). Am J Vet Res 2008;69(2):294-7.
- Make sure the humidity in your tank stays high enough for your snake – it helps with shedding as well as hydration.
- Give your snake somewhere to hide in the cage – this is important for when the snake wants to take a nap or cool off after spending time under the heat lamp.
Now that you have a better idea of your snake’s housing requirements, you’re ready to start shopping around for the best snake cage! If you’re still not sure what you need, do some additional research on the type of snake you plan to keep.
Final Remarks
Different species of snakes have different care requirements, so make sure you choose a cage appropriate for the snake you have. Take what you’ve learned here and put it into action when choosing your cage, pairing this information with additional research on your chosen species. If you’re still not sure where to start in looking for a snake cage, try out one of the top 10 best snake cages we’ve reviewed above. Good luck!
Robert
None of these are truly good for snakes wire tops and they can't hold heat
Kate Barrington
Hey Robert, we appreciate the comment! It's definitely true that holding in heat is important, but so is ventilation. Many of the cages we've chosen do have wire tops, but the user will likely have a heat lamp on top. Wire tops can also be covered or replaced with glass if needed (such as for species that require higher humidity levels), as long as there are still vents for air.