Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently mentioned to my roommate that I would love a pet snake and the very same day a nest of ringnecks was discovered in my building's game room! I released two, but I kept one that had been caught by another student and was swimming around in his aquarium. I set him up in a nice terrarium, and the only thing that is missing right now is substrate, instead there is a dark green dish towel that he (she?) hides under all day. I have been researching extensively and with every bit of information I am more discouraged. Apparantely ringnecks are nocturnal, burrow all day, are hard to feed, and are easily stressed. I've read some posts by Andy though, and he seems to prefer ringnecks, so I am willing to keep trying, but I definitely want a snake that can be tamed. So, can ringnecks become used to being handled? if it does will it ever crawl about instead of burrowing all day? I am also concerned that it will begin to brumate and it has not eaten enough food. Tonight I am going to put a minnow in his hiding spot to see if he is ready to eat. Please advise me on what to do. If it is better I will release him, but i need to do it before it gets too cold here. (Western PA). If I do i would like to get another snake, but it must be small and not too expensive. Any recommendations? I am willing to be patient in taming a snake, but I am not sure where to start. Also, where can I obtain a captive bred snake? Can they be shipped? and if i go to the pet store how will i know for sure where the snake came from? Anyone who can help me obtain a small colubrid please respond. Thank you, Tom.

If you are looking for a "handling" snake I would not recommend this one. Handling is stressfull for any snake though many do come to appreciate it, or at least tollerate it. Ringnecks are too small and easily injured to be good for that. They are best kept in a terrarium situation where there is litter to hide under. As they adjust you will find them coming out to seek food (live earthworms are best). They can be a great little snake to watch....especially when "battling" the worms. For a more handleable snake..I would recommend a Rat or King.
Frank