Reptile & Amphibian Forums

im unsure of the type of snake i have. my friend couldn't have it anymore so he asked me if i wanted it so i said sure. any information on what it likes to eat would be helpful and appreciated. also what kind of lighting should i have to keep it warm and how do i find out what sex it is.

Looks like a ribbon snake. They don't need any special lighting. They eat fish, worms, and occasionally slugs.

I agree. Looks like a ribbon of some sort. Andy
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Andy Maddox
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Houston Herp Key
The Reptizone

Burgundy baby, With your blue eyed soul, You play the hits and I'm on that roll, Capricorn sister, Freddie Mercury, Jupiter Child cry

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Happy herping

I concur as well. It looks like a Ribbon Snake. Care for it like typical Garter Snakes. Room lighting should be fine but you can have a small light for viewing or heat if needed. Use an average sized water bowl and they like a hide box. Some like a small branch to climb on. Temperatures around 80 should be plenty. Feeder fish are readily eaten but Ribbon Snakes supposedly do not like worms. I tried night crawlers with mine as an experiment and they were refused. My Ribbon eats 1 or 2 pinkies a week, rarely 3. The first few had to be scented with a gold fish but it now eats them unscented and never refuses a meal. I switched it to pinkies because I have most of my Garters on mice so it is easier and convenient. Switching it to pinkies has definitely improved its weight, appearance, and activity. Your picture is a bit blurry so you may want to compare your snake with pictures of Ribbon Snakes just to be sure.

Good luck with your new pet.

Randy
Firehouse Herps