African House Snake Care Sheet
Snake
1.5 - 3 feet long
15 - 20 years
Carnivore
Diet & Nutrition
African House Snakes are strict carnivores. They can eat either frozen or live prey items. Babies will start with new born pinky mice. An adult will eat adult mice to weaned rats. When feeding frozen prey, be sure the prey is thawed thoroughly.
When feeding live prey, be sure to monitor the feeding to prevent the prey from attacking the snake.
Feeding Schedule
Feed babies 1 - 2 times a week. At 2 - 3 months of age you can reduce to once weekly. Adults can eat weekly, although some keepers feed every other week.
The prey size should equal the largest part of the snake's body in girth.
Housing & Habitat
African House Snakes come from Southern Africa. In the wild they are found in open grass and wood lands. Keep the cage warm and dry and provide plenty of places for hiding. African House Snakes may be kept alone or in groups.
If housed together snakes should be of similar size to avoid injury. Breeders generally keep African House Snakes in separate enclosures until breeding time.
At that point, the breeder will house the snakes together.
Enclosure Size
An adult must have a minimum cage size of 30" Long x 12" Deep x 12" High, although many keepers prefer a larger cage. Babies can start in 10-gallon tanks.
Substrate
Shredded aspen is a perfect substrate. African House Snakes love to burrow. Shredded aspen provides a fluffy substrate easy for burrowing and cleaning. Provide 3-6 inches of substrate.
Temperature & Lighting
Temperature
African House Snakes require a basking spot of 85°- 90°F. The cool end of the tank can be as cool as 70°F.
Lighting
Since this is a nocturnal species, it requires only one light bulb. This is the heat lamp which also emits UVA. There is no current proof that the animal requires
UVB light, although some keepers prefer to provide UVB.
Plant and Fish bulbs are not UVB bulbs.
Humidity & Watering
Humidity
Humidity levels should be between 30% - 50%.
Watering
Provide fresh drinking water daily. African House Snakes like to soak their body in water. Provide a bowl of water large enough so that the snake can fully submerge its body.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What do African House Snakes eat?
African House Snakes are strict carnivores. They can eat either frozen or live prey items. Babies will start with new born pinky mice. An adult will eat adult mice to weaned rats. When feeding frozen prey, be sure the prey is thawed thoroughly. When feeding live prey, be sure to monitor the feeding to prevent the prey from attacking the snake.
What size enclosure does a African House Snake need?
African House Snakes come from Southern Africa. In the wild they are found in open grass and wood lands. Keep the cage warm and dry and provide plenty of places for hiding. African House Snakes may be kept alone or in groups. If housed together snakes should be of similar size to avoid injury. Breeders generally keep African House Snakes in separate enclosures until breeding time. At that point, the breeder will house the snakes together. An adult must have a minimum cage size of 30" Long x 1...
What temperature and lighting does a African House Snake need?
African House Snakes require a basking spot of 85°- 90°F. The cool end of the tank can be as cool as 70°F. Since this is a nocturnal species, it requires only one light bulb. This is the heat lamp which also emits UVA. There is no current proof that the animal requires UVB light, although some keepers prefer to provide UVB. Plant and Fish bulbs are not UVB bulbs. Humidity: Humidity levels should be between 30% - 50%.