Eco Tech Hatchling Snake Kit 31 x 21 x 18cm

• Glass enclosure, 31 x 21 x 18cm. A small footprint suited to a hatchling, where a large enclosure can leave a young snake feeling exposed and off its food.
• 5 watt heat mat included. Provides the belly heat a snake needs to digest. It goes under one end of the enclosure only, never the whole base.
• Resin hide and cave. Somewhere dark and enclosed to retreat to, which matters more to a hatchling than floor space does.
• Cage carpet. A reusable washable floor covering, so there is no loose substrate for a young snake to swallow while feeding.
• Feeding forceps. Lets you offer food at a distance rather than by hand.
• Handling hook. Used to lift a snake out without triggering a feeding response, which is the usual cause of a nip at handling time.

Included:

• Glass enclosure, 31 x 21 x 18cm
• 5 watt heat mat
• Resin hide and cave
• Cage carpet
• Feeding forceps
• Handling hook

You will still need:

• A thermostat to control the heat mat. An unregulated heat mat has no upper limit and can overheat, so a thermostat is not optional on any mat, including this one.
• A thermometer, ideally two: one at the warm end and one at the cool end.
• A water bowl heavy enough not to tip.
• A hygrometer if you are keeping a species with a humidity requirement. A hygrometer measures the moisture in the air.

Suitable for:

• Hatchling and small juvenile snakes as a first enclosure
• Keepers who want the heating and handling basics supplied together rather than bought piece by piece

Not suitable for:

• Adult or well grown snakes. At 31cm long this is a starter enclosure only, and a growing snake will need to move up.
• Arboreal species that need height rather than floor space.
• Housing two snakes together. Snakes are kept singly.
• Running the heat mat without a thermostat.

Put the heat mat under one end of the enclosure, not the middle and not the whole base. That gives a warm end and a cool end, which is how a snake regulates its own temperature by moving between the two. Run the mat through a thermostat with the probe placed where the snake actually sits, and let the enclosure come up to temperature and hold it steady for a day or two before the snake goes in. Position the hide so there is one at the warm end and, if you can, a second at the cool end, so the snake never has to choose between feeling safe and being the right temperature.

Cage carpet is washable and reusable, so keep a spare and swap it out rather than leaving the enclosure bare while one dries. Spot clean as needed and strip the enclosure down for a full clean regularly. Check the thermostat probe has not shifted each time you clean.

Contact Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium for the current warranty terms on this kit. These terms sit in addition to your consumer guarantees under Australian Consumer Law, which apply regardless of any manufacturer warranty period.

Does it come with a thermostat?

No. The kit includes the 5 watt heat mat but not a thermostat to control it. Add one before the mat is switched on.

How long will a snake fit in it?

That depends on the species, but this is a hatchling enclosure rather than a permanent one. Plan on moving up as the snake grows.

Does a snake need UV lighting in here?

Requirements vary by species and there is ongoing discussion about UV for snakes, so check what your particular species needs rather than assuming. No lighting is included with this kit.

Can I put two hatchlings in it?

No. Snakes are housed one to an enclosure.

Why cage carpet instead of loose substrate?

Cage carpet cannot be swallowed with food. Loose substrates can be taken in accidentally during feeding, which is a particular risk with a small snake.

Care information on this page is general guidance and is not a substitute for advice specific to your animal. Requirements vary between species and individuals. If you are unsure what your snake needs, ask us in store or speak with a reptile veterinarian.