Snakes kept as pets have complex thermal, spatial, and behavioural needs that are routinely underestimated and underprovided in typical captive conditions.
Snake welfare is constrained by common misconceptions: they do not prefer small spaces (they hide, not seek confinement), they do not need feeding less frequently than thought, and they have complex environmental needs for heat gradients, humidity, and security. Research comparing enriched and standard enclosures consistently finds snakes in larger, more complex environments show lower stress indicators and more natural behaviour. The minimum enclosure requirements in most welfare codes significantly underestimate what snakes need.