Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just today one of my coworkers found this snake in our freight room, and I beleive it is a Bullsnake, though I dont know what kind. It's only a baby, maybe a foot and a half long at the most and no bigger around than my little finger.
The think is, is that I've never owned a snake (but always wanted to) and I have no idea what to feed this guy or how to take care of him! He's chillin in a 10 gallon glass fish tank at the moment with a reading lamp on top, a dish of water, a green plastic igloo for cover, and a complimentary pink towel

Pictures-

http://community.webshots.com/photo/56639967/181885410OguKkX
and
http://community.webshots.com/photo/56639967/181885322ehZJJz

If anyone knows a really good website that can help me or has any advise whatsoever, it is greatly, GREATLY appreciated!
thank you so much!
~firefly~

>>Just today one of my coworkers found this snake in our freight room, and I beleive it is a Bullsnake, though I dont know what kind. It's only a baby, maybe a foot and a half long at the most and no bigger around than my little finger.
>>The think is, is that I've never owned a snake (but always wanted to) and I have no idea what to feed this guy or how to take care of him! He's chillin in a 10 gallon glass fish tank at the moment with a reading lamp on top, a dish of water, a green plastic igloo for cover, and a complimentary pink towel
>>
>>Pictures-
>>
>>http://community.webshots.com/photo/56639967/181885410OguKkX
>>and
>>http://community.webshots.com/photo/56639967/181885322ehZJJz
>>
>>If anyone knows a really good website that can help me or has any advise whatsoever, it is greatly, GREATLY appreciated!
>>thank you so much!
>>~firefly~

This is the website for reptile information. Look at the top of the page. You will see some links. Follow the one that says Pituophis Page. There you will find a link to caresheets for different Pituophis. For specific questions that you don't find answered on the Pituophis Page, use the forum search function in this forum. Almost every conceivable question has been covered in here at one time or another. If you still can't find what you are looking for, then just ask the question in here.

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We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children. Ralph Waldo Emerson

The first link to follow (at the top of this page) is the one that says "Care Sheets/FAQs/Features". From there go to the Pituophis page.
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We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children. Ralph Waldo Emerson

It's always good when a snake is rescued, we need more people to save snakes. However, I would recommend buying a captive-bred snake, this bull snake is from the wild and might have internal parasites or even external parasites, not to mention it might have problems eating. If you plan to keep him, a vet visit is a must.

Captive-bred snakes often have better temperaments, and if from a good breeder are parasite free and readily accept dead prey. Don't forget a digital thermometer to read the temperature in your tank.

He seems really laid back, and has never hissed or struck at me. Yesterday he ate his first pinky and there are no signs of regurgitation or anything so I think he is doin ok. However I cant afford the vet at the moment, so I'm thinking it would be better for him and me if I just let him go around the area I found him. But now I'm so infactuated with snakes I'll probably end up going and buying one from a breeder or a pet store.
Which kind of snake should I get? I only have a 10 gallon tank.
Thanks for eveyrones help

Firefly...

Captive bred snakes generally adjust much better to captivity than do wild-caught animals. With a CB animal, there is minimal risk of either internal or external parasites, you have a definite history on the animal (if you buy from a reliable breeder) and the animal tends to eat pre-killed prey more readily without so much work from you. Mind you, these are just generalities. Generally speaking, captive breeding produces higher quality, healthier animals.

If you haven't had him too long, (say a week or less) I'd say release him in an area close to where you found him away from people. If your heart is set on acquiring a snake, do some research to determine which kind you may want and which kind you could care for. Then, get back to us all and let us know what you chose!

-Kris