Cape house snake (Boaedon capensis)
Photo: Erikpaterson / CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Reptile · Colubrid

Cape house snake care guide

Boaedon capensis

Beginner

The cape house snake is a beginner-level colubrid from Southern and East Africa. Adults reach 60–120 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. Females are much larger than males; keep alone. Many hobby house snakes are this species.

  • Enclosure 90 × 45 × 45 cm
  • Temp Warm 28–30°C, cool 22–24°C
  • Humidity 40–60%
Plan this build Best plants for this animal

How much does a cape house snake cost in Canada?

Animal$60–150Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$570–1070Enclosure $240–470 · equipment $190–420 · bioactive supplies ≈ $150
Yearly upkeep$150–300Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$780–1520All prices CAD, estimates

Cape house snake quick facts

Skill level
Beginner
Adult size
60–120 cm
Lifespan
15–20 years
Activity
Nocturnal
Native range
Southern and East Africa
Minimum enclosure
90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 48 US gal)
Housing
Best kept alone.
Temperature
Warm 28–30°C, cool 22–24°C
Humidity
40–60%
UVB
Recommended
Diet
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice
Bioactive style
Temperate forest

Cape house snake enclosure & bioactive setup

Give one adult at least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a temperate forest bioactive build.

  1. Leaf litter2 cm
  2. Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix10 cm

Keep a moisture gradient: drier on top and at the warm end, slightly moist underneath and at the cool end.

Temperature: Warm 28–30°C, cool 22–24°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Recommended.

What does a cape house snake eat?

Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one appropriately sized thawed mouse every 7–10 days.

Handling, temperament & health

Usually calm and easy to handle.

Health watch: Watch for obesity and mites.

Cleaning & maintenance schedule

Daily

  • Check temperatures and refresh water.

Weekly

  • Lightly moisten the cool end and lower soil.
  • Spot-clean waste.

Monthly

  • Top up leaf litter; check hides and branches are stable.

Yearly

  • Partially refresh soil in high-traffic areas.
  • Replace UVB bulbs (if used).

Recommended for a cape house snake bioactive

Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 45 × 45 cm).

Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix Bioactive soil layer, 10 cm Qty: 2 × 3L + 2 × 20Lfrom $12.99 Coco Husk Chips - Dried Loose Pack Coco Husk Chips - Dried Loose Pack Optional top layer (coco husk chips) Qty: 1 × 20L · optionalfrom $7.99 Red Oak Leaves 15/Pack Red Oak Leaves 15/Pack Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew Qty: 2 packs$10.99 Cork Bark Flats Cork Bark Flats A hide in each temperature zone Qty: 2 × Largefrom $7.99 Cork Branches Cork Branches Many colubrids climb more than people expect Qty: 1 × 24"from $13.99

Cape house snake FAQ

Is the cape house snake good for beginners?

Yes – the cape house snake is a good choice for beginners. Usually calm and easy to handle.

What size enclosure does a cape house snake need?

At least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (about 35 × 18 × 18 inches, roughly 48 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.

How much does a cape house snake cost in Canada?

Typically $60–150 CAD to buy, about $570–1070 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–300 CAD a year to keep.

What temperature and humidity does a cape house snake need?

Temperature: Warm 28–30°C, cool 22–24°C. Humidity: 40–60%.

What does a cape house snake eat?

Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one appropriately sized thawed mouse every 7–10 days.

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This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.