Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have an ecoterra 18x18x24 vivarium set up and I need help deciding what the best snake for the vivarium is. I'm very torn. I have snake experiance, but only larger boas and corns. Time for something small.

I *wanted* a Smooth Green Snake, even found someone in Canada that says he's got cb babies. However all I hear is HORROR stories and how I'd basically be dooming the snake to a slow captive death.

When it comes to Rough Green Snakes I hear: Greatest snakes ever! and Will DIE in a week, worst snake in captivity ever.

Sigh. Who to trust?

So I'm coming to all of you! Here is the set up:

False bottom four inches high with a pocket cut out for acess to the water (lined with slate and cork bark). The whole first layer is like a moist cave lined in cork bark, s. moss, and tree fern root. The second layer holds a drift wood waterfall/stream and a dry cave lined with repti-bark, the third false bottom also holds a dry cave. The top layer has a thick grape vine under a heat lamp. There is also a piece of drift wood suspended from the glass.

Temp: 70s down on the bottom, 80-85 on the top layer. UV lights, will have live moss and live plants.

So...who will be happiest in here? My favs: Rough Green Snake, Fl Blue Garter, Northwestern Garter, Blackneck Garter.

I want something that stays small and slim. I don't have to be able to handle the snake, but I do want to be able to observe him from time to time.

Any thoughts?

Here are some pics (not the best). Plants are coming tommorow, I plan to let them take root for at least a month before adding snake.

http://phoenix-cry.deviantart.com/art/Vivarium-VI-71673276

http://phoenix-cry.deviantart.com/art/Vivarium-VII-72062549

False bottom pic:

http://phoenix-cry.deviantart.com/art/Vivarium-II-71053634
Vivarium

Smooth Green snakes are nearly impossible to keep alive in captivity. Virtually all Rough Green Snakes are wild caught and carry parasites. Attaining the proper diet for a strict insect eater like a Green Snake is very difficult.

Garter Snakes are a far easier choice, as many types are captive bred and can be switched to frozen/thawed rodents - which not only are easy to acquire, but are also parasite-free.

Tim

Third Eye

Yeah, I think I've finally decided that wild caught just isn't the way to go.

Do you have any suggestions on the type of Garter or does it not matter? Are any of them more likely to use the whole cage space and not just the bottom layer?

I've kept Easterns and Red-sideds - both would climb regulary to bask under a light. I don't know about the other types, as I've never kept them.

Tim

sounds like an awesome set up....couple problems with the garters..high humidity can cause skin blisters that could kill them. they do love to climb also. feces would be another problem....they have hearty appetites and make a big mess....lots of cleaning, and they love to poop in water...mine like to crap in their water dishes...=(

Yeah the more I read the more I shy away from the idea of placing a snake in here. I'm thinking of either a dart frog (when I was setting this up I took a lot of hints from the frog people) or some form of moisture loving small lizard. There are dry places, but I think the humidity is just too high for keeping even a semi aquatic snake happy.