I am not really a snake owner, although my brother keeps several reptiles at his house. I cared for his ball python while he was overseas for two weeks, and since then I've been hunting snakes around where I live and work. (Largo, Florida - Tampa Bay area)

So far, I've found some black racers, a ribbon snake and yesterday a tiny Florida banded watersnake.

I let the other snakes go after just holding them for a while and studying them, but so far, I can't seem to let this little watersnake go. I've already given him a habitat in a clear plastic tub with a water bowl, dirt, woodchips and sticks. Last night, he ate two small feeder fish.

My question is about this snake in general - Is it a good snake to keep as a pet? What will he eat? How often should I fed him? Will he become aggressive?

If this snake is not a good "first snake", what kind should I get? I have three small boys who would like to have a pet snake, so I've been thinking about getting a red rat (my brother has a beautiful one). Should I just let this litle guy go and head over to the pet store and get a ratsnake?

Thanks for your help. My brother reccommended this website to me.



Preston

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• Baby Florida Banded Watersnake - PrestonJarvis, Wed Jul 6 08:47:07 2005