A-luring Tails
Posted by Alyson on October 9, 2003
Q: I was out for a walk yesterday and I came across about 5 baby snakes on the road, after looking on the internet for an hour I discovered that they were redbellied snakes. I live in Ontario Canada, and I was wondering what I would have to do if I wanted to keep them in my home. what kind of environment do they need?How often do they get fed? and what do they eat? do they need a dry home of moist? please help me!!! incredibly confused from ontario
A: Collecting snakes at this time of the year can be a bit of a problem. Snakes in the north hibernate and may be difficult to feed even if in a warm environment and providing appropriate foods may be a real problem. I would release the snakes and see if you can find snakes in the spring to keep instead.
If you really want to try keeping them now, Redbellied Snakes do well in a terrarium. Try to simulate the habitat where you found them with rocks and twigs providing many hiding places, without the area being too moist or you'll encourage fungal growth (keep water in a small jar lid). These snakes will eat earthworms and you may be able to get a regular source through the winter. They eat slugs and beetle grubs too so when these are available in the spring, I'd include these for a more balanced diet. You might want to try some pet store crickets but I'm not sure that will work.
Good luck.
John Wiessinger ( October 9, 2003)