Value Vivariums would like to thank www.reptilekeeper.co.uk, for the following information:

African House Snakes are small to medium sized and are one of the most easiest snakes to keep. They are one of the most commonest snakes in Africa and can be found around human habitation, woodland, scrubland, savannah and high grassland.

The males are normally smaller than the females. In the wild they can grow in excess of 3' whereas the female can exceed 5'. Captive bred snakes tend to be slightly smaller in both sexes.

Housing

A 30" x 15" x 15" should house an African House Snake comfortably. A 60 watt coloured bulb in a guard will be enough for this size tank to heat it to the required temperature of 85 - 90 degrees Fahrenheit at the hot end during the day with a 10 degree drop for the night time temperature. Make sure that there are hides at both hot and cooler ends of the vivarium for the snake.

You will need a dimmer switch or dimmer thermostat to control the heat and a thermometer should be placed inside the cage to monitor that the temperature range is correct.

Put logs, branches and/or artificial plants in the vivarium which will give the snake something to climb on and will also make your cage look interesting.

Feeding

Baby House Snakes can sometimes be awkward eaters. Try feeding them one or two pinkies every 4 days and then when they have grown move them onto fluffies. As the snake grows they will move onto larger mice. They are very fast at catching their prey so be careful of fingers when introducing the mouse to the snake.

General Information

Handle your snake regularly as they make lovely pets and are very calm once they get used to it.

If you get a baby snake then it is advisable to put a piece of cardboard in between the glass layers of your vivarium as they are great escape artists.