Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ive just fund a red bellied mud snake and i dont know what kind of a set up to put it in. I read that you put them in a set up with a couple inchs of water with no land? is that true? and what do they eat?

Mud snakes,
Beautiful snakes eat amphibians, sirens, tadpoles and such. Had one many years ago I found in Puppy Creek Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

My suggestion to you is take it back where you found it and set it free. That’s what I did with the one I found.

I had no success with it and over the years have talked to many that have tried with no success. Most of them refuse to eat in captivity regardless of the pry item offered or the set up you provide them.

I can’t knock you for wanting to try, great looking snakes. I believe you will just become frustrated and pull all your hair out trying. I did……Dann

Verry good advice yes please set it free.
RR

Recently I found a Western Mud Snake in south Texas. I kept it for about a week and it ate a bull frog tadpole right off the bat for me. I really don't keep wild caught snakes so I gave it to this guy that I know who does. Amazingly it is eating great for him. He has been feeding it mice scented with a green tree frog. It has in fact developed one heck of a feeding response and has nipped him in the process. I think that their willingness to eat in captivity might have something to do with the availability and type of prey present where they live. Give it a nice damp enclosure with a big water area and see if it'll eat for you. If it doesn't be prepared to let it go.
-----
Scott Guilbeaux