Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I would like some information of the captive care of Storia dekayi and Storia occipitomaculata. Any information would be great.

Depending on the size of the animal, a 10-gallon glass aquarium with tight-fitting screen lid is usually a suitbale size enclosure. Cypress mulch is a great substrate for these snakes, but keep it dry. Access to a cooler, moister area can be provided by placing a small container stuffed with either sphagnum moss or damp soil in the setup. Access to some type of soil is usually a very good idea. Prey items can be added to the soil every week or two. I have kept S. dekayi that readily accepted medium-sized earthworms and small, smooth white slugs, and red-bellied snakes that accepted smooth-skinned brown and white slugs, as well as chopped up large black slugs. Most rough-skinned species were refused. Plastic plants, small stones and pieces of tree bark laid on the surface can complete the decor. Keep handling to a minimum (these snakes stress very easily), and do an ocassional misting. From my own experiences, the use of heat lamps and ultraviolet lighting is optional.
One final note... I have noticed a disturbing pattern in these snakes, which the well-known Rossi describes in one of his works as well. When I kept these snakes through the winter alone, late into spring the snake would die for no apparent reason. It appears that these animals may need access to a mate anually, although this has never been proven. Good luck. Interesting little creatures. This was the animal that opened the door to my life.
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DAVE

0.0.1 green treefrog
0.0.1 Oriental fire-bellied toad
0.1 Western hog-nosed snake
0.0.1 Okeetee corn snake
1.1 red-cheeked mud turtles
0.1 Dubia day gecko
0.0.1 yellow * Everglades rat snake
0.0.1 Eastern mud snake
1.0 Yunnan beauty snake
1.0 scarlet kingsnake
0.1 albino African clawed frog
0.0.1 Northern black racer
0.0.1 African brown house snake (Zambia locale)
0.0.1 Sonoran gopher snake
1.2 European fire salamanders
(parthenogenic) Brahminy blindsnakes *

Thanks for all the infomation. I am surprised that they will only eat small slugs and earthworms. Do you think they would eat a tiny frog or salamander to get some high protien? I saw that Glades Herps had some Storia, i am thinking about ordering from them. Are they a pretty good dealer?
Oh, do think that they maybe dying from lack of hibernation, and not mating? I would think that hibernation might break that awful cycle there.

Hey,

Not sure about the hibernation... I think that even Rossi hibernated his. Glades Herp is a fantastic dealer. I have ordered many snakes from them. I ordered a Florida brown from them once before, and it did quite well. Also, what part of the country do you live in? If you live in a warmer area, and are into the smaller snakes you might want to consider ordering their central Florida crowned snake, which is a really great deal. They require more specialized care and have a more difficult diet than the browns (centipedes), but are absolutely fascinating, and incredible to watch feeding. I highly reccomend it, as they do not come available too often. If you want more info, just contact me via e-mail. Good luck!
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DAVE

0.0.1 green treefrog
0.0.1 Oriental fire-bellied toad
0.1 Western hog-nosed snake
0.0.1 Okeetee corn snake
1.1 red-cheeked mud turtles
0.1 Dubia day gecko
0.0.1 yellow * Everglades rat snake
0.0.1 Eastern mud snake
1.0 Yunnan beauty snake
1.0 scarlet kingsnake
0.1 albino African clawed frog
0.0.1 Northern black racer
0.0.1 African brown house snake (Zambia locale)
0.0.1 Sonoran gopher snake
1.2 European fire salamanders
(parthenogenic) Brahminy blindsnakes *

I was thinking about the crowned-snake. I live in S.W. Virginia and we have thousands of centipedes here. Just go to a rotton log and find 5-6 or more under it! You can even find them in the dead of winter too. I was unsure of Glades Herps, but know i think i will be ordering from them, that is, if my parents permit.

Thanks for all the help. I think i will probably order from them in June. I hope they will have some brown snakes then. They seem to have a good supply of southern ringnecks on hand too, they would be a nice piece to my collection. What snakes have you oredered from them before? Also do they have supplies for your herp as well as live herptiles? I wish they did not have that $100 limit.

Is just for show. There is no such thing as a $100 minimum from them, and the reason why is alot of their snakes are $5-$15. Just call them up and tell them what you want, you won't ever hear anything about a price minimum.
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Mike
KingPin Reptiles Inc.
www.freewebs.com/mikesnake
Updated 3/2/06

Oh, thank goodness. I wondered what in the world i would do with a $100 worth of snakes! You are right, they have the lowest prices for snakes i have ever seen.

Thanks again.

Posted by: caecilianman02 at Sun Mar 5 16:13:14 2006 [ Report Abuse ] [ Email Message ]

Hey,

Not sure about the hibernation... I think that even Rossi hibernated his. Glades Herp is a fantastic dealer. I have ordered many snakes from them. I ordered a Florida brown from them once before, and it did quite well. Also, what part of the country do you live in? If you live in a warmer area, and are into the smaller snakes you might want to consider ordering their central Florida crowned snake, which is a really great deal. They require more specialized care and have a more difficult diet than the browns (centipedes), but are absolutely fascinating, and incredible to watch feeding. I highly reccomend it, as they do not come available too often. If you want more info, just contact me via e-mail. Good luck!
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DAVE

I love their site but never ordered from them due to their limit . Glad to know they dont abide by it. its not easy to find smallish type snakes and they carry them ESP spring,summer.
I imagine you got it fed ex over night?
thanks

If they are dying after hibernation.... It's most likely the owner's fault... Even though Rossi was a great dude, and did wonders with many snake species, there had to be a flaw in that. I know people that have kept brown snakes for several years, snakes in solitude.

They won't eat frogs or salamanders in my experience... I've tried them. Some sources say frogs have been taken, as well as tadpoles.
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Mike
KingPin Reptiles Inc.
www.freewebs.com/mikesnake
Updated 3/2/06