Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am looking for a small snake for a natural looking set up a 20 gallon long but want a small snake so it has room.
I am looking at scarlet kingsnake and the harder to find shovelnose snake. Wanted some care info on this snake from anyone that has kept it for awhile.
Wanted to know if crickets and waxworms are eaten and do they stay buried in sand constantly, imagine care,etc like sand boas?
Thanks.
Lia

Shovelnose can be maintained easily, but as far as I know, noone has been able to breed them. Of course, sexing them isn't easy either.

They do best in washed sand, kept dry, maybe a water dish in the cage a few days a week but no more. They should have a heat pad on one end of the cage but make sure not to overheat. 84 deg is plenty. They stay under the sand all day and come out at night during the Spring and Summer months. They will brumate all Winter so let the cage cool down during that time.

Food: they love to eat spiders, small crickets. I haven't tried waxworms but worth a try. They'll eat scorpions too - the ones that occur in their range.

Cage size: must be small, otherwise it is hard for them to capture their food (in captivity). 20 gal is too big IMO.
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Mark G
Collection:
Beautiful San Felipe rosies
Some CA rosies
Some Ariz mtn kings

Thanks for the info. I was hoping for a small snake with color that you see but I take it you dont see them much. They are great looking snakes.
I am suprised a 20 long is to big . Do you house more than one together? what size tank,etc do you use?
Lia