I'm a new owner of a brown water snake, by way of a friend. The snake was originally purchased through a pet store, which provided nothing more than the 'water snake' indentification. Took some time, and a trip to a local reptile vet, to determine that it is indeed a brown water snake.

This is my first snake and I'm concerned I may have taken in more than I can handle. He's about 24-26 inches long. He isn't very friendly, doesn't like to be held. He isn't aggresive though, not yet anyways. He has only coiled up a few times and has never tried to bite anyone that has reached for him.

I have him in a 20 gallon tank with a fastened lid, large water bowl which he regularly sits in and eats out of, curved piece of bark for him to hide under, bark littering the floor of the tank, and a large branch he sits on once in a while.

I've been feeding him various feeder fish, 2-3 average sized ones twice a week. I haven't tried any other food, though earthworms have been suggested.

I try to handle him for 10-15 minute at a time, at least once a day. I avoid handling him for 36-48 hours after he eats. When i do handle him, most of the time involves me trying to hold him still. I'm afraid of hurting him, so i try not to be too forceful. He never seems to be calm when held, tries to escape constantly.

I just want to make sure I'm going about this the right way. The more I read, to more it seems I have the wrong type of snake. I'm looking for a docile snake, one that doesn't mind being held. If this is indeed the wrong type of snake for me, then I'll just have to have two snakes. He's very beautiful, and fun to watch. I suppose not holding him is worth having him around.

Any suggestions or ideas anyone has would be greatly appreciated. Sorry if I left anything out, if you need anymore information just ask. I'll post a picture in the morning, when I can find my camera. Thanks, in advance, for your help.

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