Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I live in Orlando, FL and I guess all the hurricanes have drove the snakes out of hiding because today I found a baby/juvenille southern ringed-neck snake (http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Diadophis_punctatus.html)

The snake is only about 6in. long (if that) and I have a 5 gallon tank with a heating pad and some misc. tank items for the snake to hide in. But I've never had a snake this small so I'm clueless what to feed it. A small cricket from a pet store is close to twice the diameter of my snake so I'm not sure if that will work or not...I'm thinking maybe mealworms or eathworms? but I would definately like your advice.

How much and how often should I feed this guy? Any suggestions on his habitat? Any other misc. suggestions? Again, I'm a novice so don't assume I know anything.

Thanks so much!

~jeff~

>>I live in Orlando, FL and I guess all the hurricanes have drove the snakes out of hiding because today I found a baby/juvenille southern ringed-neck snake (http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Diadophis_punctatus.html)
>>
>>The snake is only about 6in. long (if that) and I have a 5 gallon tank with a heating pad and some misc. tank items for the snake to hide in. But I've never had a snake this small so I'm clueless what to feed it. A small cricket from a pet store is close to twice the diameter of my snake so I'm not sure if that will work or not...I'm thinking maybe mealworms or eathworms? but I would definately like your advice.
>>
>>How much and how often should I feed this guy? Any suggestions on his habitat? Any other misc. suggestions? Again, I'm a novice so don't assume I know anything.
>>
>>Thanks so much!
>>
>>~jeff~

If it were me and I just HAD to keep it I would set it up on some soft dirt and leaf litter, not too much heat, they offer small earthworms. Ringnecks are not easy snakes so your best bet would be releasing it.
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Sonya

Haven't we warned you about tampering with the structure of a chaotic system?
Mrs. Neutron

Try to feed it small minnows. I know its not a water snake, but its worth a try.