How to Raise Snakes

Regardless of whether you raise snakes for profit or have them for a pet, the process is still the same. Raising a snake to sell can be profitable but depending on the state and the type of snake, you may need a permit to do both. If the snake is venomous, it may even be illegal.

Things You'll Need

  • Appropriate cage for the size of the snake
  • Cage thermometer
  • Detergent for cleaning
  • Disinfect like chlorine bleach for cleaning
  • Rags for cleaning
  • Paper or other material for floor lining
  • Hiding place for the snake
  • Food that is breed-specific
  • Spray bottle to maintain the humidity
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep the cage to an optimal temperature between 80 and 88 degrees. Snakes are reptiles and they maintain a body temperature the same as their surroundings. All snakes needs vary between the two temperatures. Tropical snakes thrive in the warmer end.

    • 2

      House the snake in a large enough area for the breed. The average space needed to raise a snake is 1/2 square foot of floor area for every foot of snake. If the snake is larger than 6 feet long, you need to increase the footage to 3/4 square foot of area per foot of snake. Increase the space by 25 percent for each additional snake.

    • 3

      Add a bowl of water and a hiding place in the cage. A cereal box, cardboard box with a hole in the corner or crumbled newspaper works well. Make certain that the area allows for a tighter fit by stuffing with newspapers, if the snake is small. Clean the cage each week to week and a half with a detergent and household bleach such as Clorox.

    • 4

      Feed the snake meat. All snakes are carnivorous but their diet will vary according to breed. Before purchasing a snake, find out their natural prey.

    • 5

      Breed the snakes in their natural environmental conditions. You may need to duplicate day/night sequences, temperatures or surrounding landscape.

    • 6

      Remove the eggs or live baby snakes, depending on the breed. Incubate the eggs at 75 to 84 degrees for 55 to 60 days, maintaining a moist environment. Keep the live baby snakes in the moist container and move it. If there are a lot in the litter, separate them to smaller groups of 10 to12. Feed them right after they shed their first skin, which may be immediately.

    • 7

      Calculate the cost of raising the babies. They eat at least twice a week. Add in additional costs, like the cost of maintaining the parents. Find the average market price and either sell to breeders, wholesalers and retailers at the low end or individuals at the higher sale price.