Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Nerodia clarkii compressicauda

I am looking for this species but am not having much luck this far. However, there may be breeders that are simply not advertising at this time. Please let me know if you are aware of anyone working with the Mangrove Water Snakes. I would prefer to find one that is red in coloration, but am prepared to be less picky based on availability. I would prefer a hatchling or young snake, but can be flexible as I am not concerned with breeding capability.

I would also appreciate any nuggets of wisdom that those of you with experience keeping this snake might care to impart. I so my research, but the information included in books is not always consistant with the practical first-hand knowledge of esperienced keepers.

Thanks in advance for any help the community has to offer.

I keep mine in a fairly dry environment with adequate water for drinking. I use cypress mulch for substrate but keep it pretty dry. (too wet and you'll have problems)
Ambient temps from 75-85F.
Local msm snakes feed on many different estuarine fishes including killifish, which I net when I can. In between those times I buy feeder fish from a local pet shop. Sometimes I keep and breed the fish as well.
Most times I fed live and have a large water dish for just that. It's fun to watch the young ones "fishing" and encircling their prey items. They go wild. Hand feeding is easy to do as well.
A period of fresh air and sunlight will do wonders for many snakes, not just watersnakes.
:Mark
-----
Surrender Dorothy!

crimsonking.piczo.com/

There is a reverse trio of proven orange phased adults for sale @ Glades herp. I believe the adults can throw all color phases.

Scott

I keep and have kept several and I agree with Crimsonking. I keep mine an dry substrate with a decent sized water bowl. When it is feeding time I usually replace the water bowl with a larger bowl with fish. I've been keeping them since 2005 and a buddy of mine since 04. From time to time I have offspring available. They are a fun species to work with and to observe them 'hunting' their food is amazing. And their disposition is calm and laidback!