Pet snakes including ball pythons and corn snakes have specific environmental needs that are commonly unmet, causing chronic welfare problems from inadequate husbandry.
Snakes kept in inadequate vivariums cannot thermoregulate normally, leading to chronic immune suppression and respiratory disease. Retained shed (dysecdysis) results from insufficient humidity and causes pain and retained spectacles over the eyes. Feeding response injuries occur when snakes associate opening of their vivarium with feeding. Enrichment — hides, climbing structures, varied substrate — promotes natural exploration behaviour. Contrary to popular belief, snakes are not low-maintenance pets — their needs are specific and demanding.