Snake Tanks & Terrariums

Snake Tanks and Reptile Terrariums

Giving your snake a great life begins by providing your pet with a comfortable, well-designed and spacious snake terrarium. Pet snakes need to be kept in a secure enclosure to ensure they don’t escape and get lost. It is important to purchase a tank that is specially designed for snakes or reptiles and includes a secure, ventilated lid. A tank designed for fish, for example, is not appropriate for snakes.

FAQs About Snake Tanks and Reptile Terrariums

What size tank do I need for my snake?

The size of tank you need for your snake depends on the type of snake you have. Pet snakes can range dramatically in size depending on their breed and age. Snakes will continue growing for as long as they live, so older snakes can be quite large.

When shopping for terrariums for snakes, you’ll also want to consider the natural behaviors of your snake. Some snakes prefer to stay on the ground and require a tank that is wider rather than taller. Tree snakes, on the other hand, spend the majority of their lives in tree branches and require a tall snake tank.

If you are still unsure about how to choose the right-sized reptile habitat for your pet, head to your nearest Petco and ask a Pet Care Center Associate for assistance. You can also learn more about how to care for your snake by reading our New Pet Guide for Reptiles.

What type of tank do snakes need?

To provide a safe and healthy environment for your snake, purchase an enclosure that is sized appropriately for their particular species. Both plastic and glass terrariums can make great homes for snakes.

How tall should a snake cage be?

When considering how tall a snake cage should be, make sure to research the natural behaviors of your snake’s species. Certain breeds of snake prefer to stay on the ground and will not need a very tall snake terrarium. The following are some popular pet snakes that prefer ground spaces.

Corn snakes
King snakes
Milk snakes
Pythons
Boas

If your pet is a tree snake, it will require a tall terrarium. Tree snakes spend the majority of their lives on branches. Popular pet tree snakes include the Amazon tree boa, emerald tree boa and green tree python. Rough green snakes also spend a lot of time in trees and may benefit from a tall tank. Learn more from our Rough Green Snake Care Sheet.