Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi!

I need someone to help me on this subject!

I'm about to buy a snakes from the mexicana/alterna complex and would like to know:

Their habitat conditions(temperature, humidity....) in order to build a naturalistic type terrarium

Can I keep an hatchling in a plastic shoe/sweater box with a heating pad?

Thank you very much

For hatchlings up to one year of age you can keep in Rubbermaid shoe boxes with a heating pad under one end of the box.
As for the habitats......These snakes come from Mountainous regions of Mexico and West Texas. The humidity in thse places are relatively low. This ssp. of snakes can be found in forested areas under rocks and or rotted logs. I always prefer a rocky type habitat for a terrarium with these guys, but always be careful as not to crush your animal while trying to find it in the rocks. There are many manufactured (fake) rocks on the market that are much lighter and safer. I keep my warm side of hte cage around 85 - 87 degrees F. The other side is kept at room temperature 72 - 75 F. In terrariums it is best to have a hide and water supply on both sides of cage. For substrate it might be nice to use some store bought sandbox sand. Just remember to feeed in separate container so no sand is digested.

I used to keep some of my Mexicana and Getula in terrariums, but after accumulating nearly 80 snakes I have gotten away from it. You might have inspired me to set one up again.
Hope this helps.
-John Lassiter-

Here are a couple of my Alterna just before hibernation. Notice I keep mine in plastic sweater boxes with one hide and water bowl (not pictured). These fit in a rack with heat tape under one side. Also I do not house these together or hibernate them together. This was just for the picture.

Thank you very very much

I know some aspects of these snakes' biology and ecology but needed to hear from an expert keeper

You have been of great help

Cheers and keep up the good photographing skills