Enrichment is a necessary part of raising a snake that is both healthy and happy. In the wild, these popular pet snakes can spend a significant portion of their day exploring their environment, whether that’s through basking in the sun or hunting. 

Providing high-quality enrichment for your snake doesn’t have to be expensive. There are several low-cost snake enrichment ideas that can provide the stimulation and entertainment they need to thrive.

To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of budget-friendly ideas to provide your snake with more enrichment each and every day

Sticks and Other Climbing Objects

You can purchase climbing objects and snake enclosure decorations for your snake at nearly any pet store at a low investment price. 

The most popular climbing enrichment sold at pet stores are dried driftwood which have been cured and sanitized for your pet’s safety. 

However, if you’re searching for a truly budget-friendly option, you can also use sticks you find outside – so long as you’re willing to invest extra time to prepare them for your snake’s enclosure.

Safe Wood for Pet Snakes

The first thing to make sure of when using sticks from outside in your snake’s enclosure is that you’re picking a safe option.

It’s also important to make sure there are no sharp edges to snag on your snake’s skin. To avoid any sticky problems, try to avoid freshly cut wood as well. Fresh cut wood may still be leaking sap. If you find any sort of insects or rots on the stick, you’ll want to find a different option. 

Reptile keepers often use driftwood as a safe, natural option for enclosure decoration options. 

You’ll also want to make sure that you are properly sanitizing the stick you’ve chosen for your snake’s enclosure. There are several methods of doing so, including boiling, low baking, or chemical treatments. 

Regardless of the method you choose, make sure that the stick is completely dry and cool before placing it into your snake’s enclosure. 

Cost-effective Hides

There’s no doubt that some snakes are friendly reptiles that can enjoy spending time with their owners. However, they’ll still need a place to escape. 

It’s important for snakes to have a place to hide because they’re nocturnal animals and may need somewhere to rest during the day without being disturbed. 

Depending on the type of cover your purchase, which you can do so from most pet stores for a reasonable price, your snake may also be able to fulfill other needs with it. 

They may be able to climb onto their cover and bask in their lighting on top of it. This helps replicate their natural habitat and activities. 

For juvenile snakes who are still small, you may even be able to get creative with their hideout. One example may be an empty toilet paper roll that you’ve sanitized and prepared for their enclosure. 

This provides a low-cost and sustainable option for snake enrichment, although you may have to purchase a hideout once they grow larger. 

Plants

Snake-safe plants are one of the best ways to mimic a snake’s natural habitat while also providing an opportunity for enrichment. Your snake will be able to hide in or even climb on the plants in their enclosure, depending on the species. 

However, real plants may pose a steeper initial investment than some of the other budget-friendly enrichment ideas on this list. To help, try looking into fake plants. Just make sure that the fake plants you purchase are high-quality and designed for snakes. Hard or jagged plastics could pose a danger for injuries.

Some wood may be toxic to your snake.

29 Reptile Tank Decoration Ideas for $1