Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all! I'm thinking about buying a ribbon snake ,and I have a few newbie questions.
-Is Carefresh an allright substrate with the water bowl in there? I already buy it, and it says it is ok for reptiles.

-I also read somewhere about a tank someone put on its side(the mesh in front) for more floor surface. Is this a good idea or not?

-One last question! I have no problem with feeding live, but I've read about feeding thawed salmon fillet. Is there other types of fish that would be better tofeed? Thanks!

goldfish perhaps. so far as sustrate goes, i use newspaper

My ribbon absolutely loves rosy red minnows (rosies). They are almost always sold in pet stores (usually right next to the feeder goldfish). Good luck!
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~>Rachel

It is no secret that snakes are consummate escape artists and Ribbons are certainly champions in their own right, so be careful with housing. I have been keeping a pet store aquired Ribbon for the past four years or so. They are nervous snakes and do not seem to tolerate interaction with their keepers much but they are hardy captives. I keep mine on shredded Aspen but paper or Carefresh should be fine. Mine has a large water bowl but rarely uses it. A good compact hide is a must.

Mine feeds on f/t pinkies. I started him on scented pinks but he quickly began to take unscented. I place the pinks at the entrance of his hide and leave him alone. He generally eats within a half hour or so. I often times wet the pinky and he will skip meals now and then. He has been thriving for a few years no on a pinky only diet. I even believe it has improved his appearance. I theorize that store bought feeder fish are not as nutritionally balanced as wild cold-blooded prey. I believe that captive bred rodents, if fed properly, provide an unsurpassed diet for that that will take them.
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Randy Hallman
Firehouse Herps