What Kind of Top to Use on a Snake Cage

When you decide on a snake as a pet, choose the kind of cage carefully. Different snakes have different habitats and climate requirements, and the type of lid on the snake's cage is an important part of regulating these factors. The kind of top you use on a snake cage depends on the snake itself.

  1. Plastic Top

    • Plastic tops retain humidity well, but they don't allow for air circulation. One solution is to drill or melt small holes in the lid. Another way to ensure your snake has enough air is to keep the snake in a plastic tub and drill holes in the sides of the tub. Some plastic tubs come with secure, locking lids and retain humidity well. Choose one with an opaqueness that lets you see the snake but also makes it feel secure.

    Screen Top

    • Screen or mesh tops are not very good options for snake cages. All snakes need some level of humidity to thrive, and a screen top allows all of the humidity to escape quickly. Screen tops are the most common type of lid sold for reptiles, so snake keepers can be creative in order to retain humidity in the cage. One option is to wrap plastic wrap over the cage to keep the humidity in.

    Glass Top

    • Glass lids are a popular option for snake cages, especially if the cage is tipped on its side and the glass is in the front. When using glass, snake keepers also have the option of using glass sliding doors that lock in place. Many prefabricated snake cages are made this way, with glass or acrylic lids. The only downside to this type of lid is that additional ventilation is needed. This can usually be accomplished by installing a vent in the back by cutting out a hole and gluing a furnace grate in place.

    Snake Rack

    • Snake keepers who have many snakes will often construct or purchase a snake rack. A snake rack is a system of shelving and plastic tubs. The shelves are only wide enough to accommodate the plastic tub and there is no space between the tub and the bottom of the shelf above it, creating a sealed cage when the tub is slid back into the rack like a drawer. This can be a good way to keep your snakes or hatchlings without having to get separate lids, especially if you have many snakes or are breeding them.