Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi All,

I kept a gravid brown snake to see the neonates, and she gave birth to 13 a couple nights ago. They're adorable, and I'll post pics soon, but now we're contemplating keeping them - maybe through until spring when they're a tad bigger, and then releasing them (I'll release the mother this weekend).

I understand this is incredibly difficult, but since the probability of just one surviving to adulthood from this litter in the wild would be maybe 40% (assuming that in a stable population females produce an average of 2 surviving offspring over their entire lives, and assuming maybe an average of five litters over an average adult lifespan), I'm considering giving it a shot.

Here's how I understand the protocol: house 'em individually and start them on small, chopped worms. My biggest concern is moisture levels. Any tips on that?

Billy
Phillyherping

Here's a photo of the babies in their holding container. We've since set them up in little containers with paper towel and sphagnum moss as substrate. I'm trying out chopped worm today. I'd still appreciate info from anyone who's done this before.

Cheers,
Billy
-

Phillyherping

Hello, I am also in the same situation as you. When I found the babies about five of them had passed away already and another five were still alive. I dont know how I missed them but once I noticed them I took them out and placed them into their own containers. I have them housed in Sterilite containers and am currently using coco fiber as a substrate and that hasnt worked out well so far. So far I feed very small earthworms and have witnessed them eating. I havnt thought to dice them up. I will try this tonight and see how it works out. I keep it pretty moist in the sterilite containers and they seem to be ok so far. Keep me posted on how yours are doing and good luck with them.

It's great that yours are eating. We think a few of ours might be, but we're not positive. I'm going out after work today to hunt for slugs - very small slugs.

Only one has died, but some look a little less robust than others. I'm not sure why.

Moisture is tricky. We've been keeping them on paper towel moistened a couple times per week and drying out in between. I've read about them getting skin infections, so be sure offer them moisture options so they can self-regulate.

If we don't see an improvement in feeding tonight, we'll let them go this weekend back where I found the mother. I'll keep posting.

Cheers,
Billy
Phillyherping