(Since they’re actually found in 4 nations, they are best described by their River basin range.)

I’ve kept several snakes across the years, as short-term study projects, temporary rehomes or long-term animal companions. For many years, I kept only one snake. Later, as my knowledge of the hobby and various species grew, I naturally got new snakes. I am restricted by two factors, however:

1) Working Class man, single income, tight budget
2) vintage Studio apartment has very limited space & electrical outlets

My preferences are not for Color, Pattern nor Morph, as are popular with many members. Mine are for Original stock lineage, locale-specific, if known. Having only one or two snakes allows me more time for Naturalistic setup & handling. I enjoy interacting with and learning from reptiles, and prefer snakes with these traits.

calm when handled, non shy
feed regularly
active, alert, curious, likes to explore

I’m raising a newly arrived hatchling, and my local climate and plants closely match those of his own home range. In warm weather, I’m looking forward to outside exercising in the vacant lot garden & shrubs next door.

Below is a Flickr link for photos & slideshow of my two vivariums. (Glare & lighting are unique problems yet to be overcome. Please forgive the poor quality of my digital camera.) Snake photos will be posted in later weeks.

Amur River Biome
Temperate riparian biome of Manchurian mixed forest of northern Ussuriland.

Left to right: Alvord boulder, fir tree, hollow stump, fallen log, Wind River driftwood, soak pool
Rocks: Alvord boulder, Cottonwood Creek canyon green, Catlow valley, Ogden Skene, Three Forks ridge
Plants: 6 species - 3 are natural sprigs of cedar, camellia & unknown other plant of green/yellow leaves
Branches: 6 that form a complete arch from left to right
Features: 3 main hide spots, wooden grotto, hidden ravine

Everglades Hammock Biome

Left to right: Bamboo wood hide, rock den/rock ledge, Mopani wood, soak pool.
Rocks: Three Forks flat, Alvord smaller, Cottonwood Creek Canyon rust/brown, Little Butte Creek, Sawtooth Mountains, Page Springs, Steens Road.
Plants: 8 species – all artificial for subtropical focus.
Branches: 5 that form a complete arch from left to right, all joining in the center.
Features: 3 main hide spots, “play shed”, wooden grotto, hidden ravine.

1.0 Elaphe schrencki
1.0 Pantherophis obsoletus rossalleni
Flickr

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