Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well, if I'm in the wrong forum, just let me know. This is the closest I could get. I was just wondering if anyone keeps/ breeds Shovel-nose Snakes? I'm particularly interested in the Mojave subspecies (Chionactis occipitalis occipitalis). They are beautiful snakes, but I've seen little, if anything, about the captive care of these guys. Anyone have any experience? Are they relatively easily kept, or are they not worth the trouble? Is there a supply of captive breds anywhere, or are they primarily wild caught? I'd appreciate any input. Take care...
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-JH

1.0 Amel Corn
1.0 Dot-Dash Cal King
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1.1 Bearded Dragons

I live in S Nevada and have also developed an interest in this species. If I remember to renew my non-game license I will look for them in earnest next spring. I have seen Ground Snakes and Leaf-Nosed Snakes but I have yet to encounter this species. I too would appreciate hearing about other people’s husbandry experiences with this animal.

Randy
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Firehouse Herps

They are easy enough to keep as captives, and will feed on crickets that are about the same size as their head. They also relish small centipedes. A bit of loose, dry sand to burrow in (they don't make tunnels--they just swim through loose sand), some crickets every week or so, and a water dish. If you live in a cold region, some heat under one end of the container, to about 85 degrees ought to be enough.

As far as obtaining any, I seem to recall some pertinent info in Snakes of the American West by Shaw and Campbell. I went through a phase during which I was pretty intense about finding and keeping Chionactis. I'll post some pix one of these days--they are truly little jewels.

Well, I appreciate the info. I'm glad to find out they do fairly well in captivity. Just too bad there doesn't seem to be any established captive breds around. Oh well, I guess that just means I've found yet another future breeding project. Thanks for the input, and I'd love to see the pictures whenever you've got time. Take care...
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-JH

1.0 Amel Corn
1.0 Dot-Dash Cal King
0.1 50/50 Cal King
1.1 Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes
3.4 Baby Corns (Assorted Flavors)
0.0.1 Ball Python
0.0.1 Bullsnake
0.0.1 Texas Long-nose
1.1 Bearded Dragons