Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I work at a nature center and we dipped up a 12 inch snake that we think is a Blotched Water Snake. We would like to keep it for a while for education purposes. We have a 20 gal. long tank with locking lid, a 75W basking light, a dish for drinking/soaking, a log thing for hiding under. Do these kind of snakes need a UVB light? If so what is best?

I'd like to insert a piece of glass to make part of the tank just for water. Is it OK to put a little filter in that side to keep the water clean? I also want to put plants in the tank for the little snake to crawl around in to increase his quality of life.

I've been told to just use paper for substrate so the tank can be kept cleaner. Is it possible to keep them clean with another more natural substrate by just changing the substrate more often?

Do these kind of snakes adapt well to a captive life? Since we have classes that go dipping in the pond weekly, we can feed him natural foods like mosquito fish, crawfish, tadpoles and aquatic insects plus whatever other land creatures we run across at the nature center.

thanks for any suggestions
Armand Bayou Nature Center

Hello,
Congratulations on your new (Blotched) water snake.

First off, UVB light is not mandatory. Natural, unfiltered sunlight is best notwithstanding, I am beginning to suspect that UV from either source may be beneficial strictly with regard to it's anti-bacterial qualities. If you elect to use a commercial (pet)light souce, simply purchase one from a pet store in the reptile section, typical for sub-tropical, and follow the instructions. Always confirm temperature in the terrarium with a reliable thermometer.
A filter in the water area will always be helpful!
Darn, called for dinner ...
Yes, these snakes aclimate to "domestic" life beautifully!!
Michael

Thanks for the info. I rehab turtles and know that sunlight is best for them but didn't think snakes had as high a UVB requirement. How would a person set up something outside for a tiny little snake?

Actually, an outdoor set-up is very simple to construct. Size and configuration is entirely up to your imagination and monitary restrictions.
Security is first - a screen a few inches below soil level to prevent intrusion from predators (and escape), a screen on top to stop (again) predators, littering, etc.
The enclosure need only be a trench, a few well placed stakes and corrugated plastic sheets (4ft x 8ft). The stakes are sunk into the trench, the plastic is screwed to the stakes below ground level (say 6 inches) and extend up therefore 36 inches. Can you step over 36 inches? A couple of portable plastic stools might help ... so, no door/gate is required! The plastic should sit on the (below ground) screen and be curled up tight to the outside. Back-fill the trench and pack it down.
A prefab pond, filter, pump, waterfall, rocks, branches, flowers ... anything you chose can dress the habitat!
This canyon cage can get hot so lots of shade should be provided.
Once the pond water is stable, add plants (edible) fish and at least one water snake!
Michael

That sounds pretty cool! Much better than an old tank. Maybe we can contruct something like that at the nature center. We just had some volunteers put in a new organic native flower garden area outside the education office. I'll think about that and see what those involved think.

I've been trying to get the nature center to build a small pond for their education turtles. The poor things are in tanks all the time and get various health problems related to that type of housing. It's a slow process educating some folks about healthier housing which also provides animals with a better quality life.

The snake set up might be less complicated so maybe I can get that setup built.

How do water snakes hibernate (brumate)? In the ground I suppose like a box turtle, right?

Thanks for the great suggestions!
Anita
Armand Bayou Nature Center

Hello,

I have a Florida Banded water snake that I captured in the Orlando area several months ago. I use a 25 watt lamp and this seems to be plenty. I built a screen cage and placed a water bowl inside. I also placed a large oak branch inside. He does like to climb regularly, but is a little clumsy. I would suggest a branch with lots of twigs on it. He spends half of his time in the water bowl.

I dont use any substrates, just have to clean the cage every other day. My snake is about 2' in length. He has become very tame with daily handling. He eats fish from my hand and follows me around the cage. when I open the door and place my hand inside, he comes right to it. He like to get out. he also eats frogs and toads. He will not eat lizards however. My southern black racer eats those. He handles very well and really like his neck rubbed.

I will try to post some images soon,

Hope this helps...

Mike

Thanks Mike. I now have the little snake setup with indoor/outdoor carpeting as a substrate. Easy to keep him clean. He's eating mosquitofish very well and especially likes tadpoles. I do have a branch with smaller branches on it in there for his climbing pleasure plus a planter with some Wadering Jew in it for some green decor. He doesn't get handled everyday and is very active when I have him out but he doesn't always musk me or try to bite so I think he's getting used to being handled somewhat.