Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I found a snake while working in the yard yesterday and, after the begging and pleading by my 8yo son, I said he could keep it. A search of the internet revealed that we have a Southern Ringneck - it's about 8 inches long so I'm assuming it's an adult.

We have it in a 10-gallon aquarium with a screened lid. There's about three inches of "Jungle Mix Lizard Litter: Terrarium Ground Cover" on the bottom as well as a water bowl, a "U" shaped tree bark looking thing, and a fake ivy thing. We have mealworms for food.

I've read through all the messages pertaining to Ringnecks, but still have a few questions. Is there anything that should be done differently in the aquarium (we made a quick trip to PetSmart last night)? What about the hibernation? Why are they not good starter snakes (I really like the part about "rarely biting"? Any information that I can pass along to my son would be appreciated! (Before giving in, I explained the care of the snake is going to fall mainly on him).

Thanks,
Beccy

Ok, for the tank, Jungle Mix is good I have that with my adult Southern, but do one thing, only have about 2 inches of Jungle Mix and add about 2 inches of potting soil. Mix it all up and spray the substrate and mix it somemore. Mealworms won't do, they are too hard, I have never heard of a snake eating a mealworm. You'll need earthworms, baby anoles or small tree frogs. You don't need the waterbowl in the tank, ringnecks will rarely drink from a waterbowl, just spray inside the tank once a week. You definitely need things for it to hide under, some flat rocks or pieces of bark will do for that. Ringnecks are not good "pets" because most won't eat in captivity, they shouldn't be handled, they won't usually bite, some may, but they will expel a strong musk smell and will most likely empty their bladder on you. Before trying to feed it I suggest you let it get adjusted to it's new home, leave it alone for about a week, the prey could be left in the tank with it in hopes that the snake will get it, but I suggest you get a small(really small)Kritter Keeper, put the snake and the prey in there and the snake will definitely get it if it wants it. I don't know where you live I'm guessing somewhere South, the snake most likely won't need to hibernate, about a month from now snakes will be emerging from hibernation. Good luck, I hope this helps.
Michael
P.S.- If you need more info on the care of Ringnecks, check out my website.
Michael's Place