An unfortunate part of owning any snake is the possibility of your snake getting mites. Snake mites are very small arthropods that feed on the blood of your snake. Just because your snake gets mites does not mean that you have mistreated the snake in any way it is just something a snake owner must deal with from time to time, just as a dog owner must deal with fleas every once and a while.

The bad news with snake mites is that they are species specific so no matter what type of snake you own you are susceptible, but the good news is that the snake mites will not harm you or your family as they only want the blood of from your snake, not from you. Other family pets such as cats and dogs are also safe and not at risk.

The easiest way to determine if your snake has mites is to examine it thoroughly, which should be done on a routine basis anyway. Most snake mites will congregate around the eyes, nostrils, and the area under the snake’s chin known as the gular fold. Snake mites will look like tiny black or red specks on your snake and you can even sometimes see the feces of the mites that show up as white flakes on your snake’s skin. A lot of times when a snake has mites it will submerge itself in its water dish in an attempt to drown the mites. If you notice your snake over-soaking itself then you should check your snake as well as the water bowl for mites. Just be careful to not confuse dirt in the water for mites.

Dealing with snake mites is no fun, but if you want to be a snake owner it comes with the territory. It is simply something that can and will happen from time to time. But with proper care and early detection, snake mites can be easily controlled and you can go on enjoying your pet snake. 

 

Click here for a detailed articles on the detection, treatment and removal of snake mites

 

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De Flea Pet Shampoo - Kills Mites on Contact! Safe and Easy to Use.
The only EPA registered mite product that requires no warnings on the label. Can be applied directly on the reptile. Contains no pyrethrins or similar chemicals.

NOT FOR USE ON AMPHIBIANS SUCH AS FROGS AND/OR TOADS.

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Of all the different types of tortoises to own, the red footed tortoise is a popular choice because it usually grows to only around 16 inches or less. Even though this is not big in stature, the red footed tortoise does require a good amount of space to flourish and enjoy its life. As the tortoise thrives in humid whether you can choose to house your tortoise either inside or outside.

Indoor Home

If you plan on keeping your red footed tortoise inside, plan on giving it plenty of room to stretch its legs. The enclosure used should be at least four feet by six feet. The substrate used can be anything from newspaper, which is easy to clean, to cypress bark, which is great to help retain humidity. The enclosure should be heated and the ideal temperature for the enclosure is about 80 to 90 degrees in the daytime and down to around 75 degrees at night. A basking spot should also be included where the temperature is kept at around 95 degrees. Make sure that if you keep your tortoise indoors that you have a UVA/UVB light. Also be sure to keep a pan of fresh water in the enclosure at all times.

Outdoor Home

An outdoor home for your red footed tortoise can consist of a sturdy escape proof enclosure at least four feet by six feet that is already densely vegetated. You can build a dwelling that is similar to a dog house and make sure that the temperature of the dwelling is heated if the temperature falls below 70 degrees at night. To help hold in the humidity a mister can be installed. Along with a pan of water, a great addition to your red footed tortoise’s outside home is a muddy wallow, which the tortoise can use if it gets hot.

However you decide to keep your red footed tortoise, be sure that it has plenty of space. This will keep the tortoise happy and will let you enjoy many fun filled years with your pet.