Enclosure and Space Requirements

               --------------------------------



As a general rule, snakes require relatively little space

because of their limited and nonexertional activity.  Generally

speaking, the size of the enclosure should allow inclusion of

certain required items (discussed below) and still allow the

snake adequate space to stretch out and move about.  Snakes will

use both the horizontal and vertical space within their enclosure

if provisions are made for this activity.



Aquaria or other similar glass or plexiglass-lined enclosures are

usually most suitable because they allow optimum visualization of

and safety for the occupant(s), and help to maintain desirable

environmental temperatures and generally high relative humidity

levels.  Wire-lined enclosures may afford adequate visualization

of the snake but certainly cannot contribute to the maintenance

of desirable environmental temperature and humidity levels.

Furthermore, such enclosures promote injuries to the rostrum

(nose and surrounding tissues) as snakes repeatedly attempt to

escape through the wire mesh.



Any enclosure used must have a secure top and be escape-proof.

All hinges and locks should be secure.  All snakes are potential

escape artists and many (especially the California King snakes)

can escape from almost any apparently secure enclosure.