water snakes???

[FLESHY]

These guys get pretty big...from seeing them in the wild I would say no less than 24" is to be expected and maybe upwards of 36".

That being said...large enclosure, should definitely include water. I would say that they are mean bastards, and this means you should either never handle them, or like I would, handle them frequently.

Good luck, I would love to see how you end up doing this if you do.

 

[Nanoreefer]

Ok, so this is all getting a little clearer ( I'm not new to reptiles, just ones that include water lol). So say I had a tank right? And lets say I put a branch going from one end to the other, with a basking lamp over it or on one side, and then the bottom was water. Would this be good, or would it still be too wet?
Thanks. I also appreciate the fast responses, too!

 

[Tramonte172]

Ok, so this is all getting a little clearer ( I'm not new to reptiles, just ones that include water lol). So say I had a tank right? And lets say I put a branch going from one end to the other, with a basking lamp over it or on one side, and then the bottom was water. Would this be good, or would it still be too wet?
Thanks. I also appreciate the fast responses, too!

I would definately give him a platform that contains a hide box or something else for it to curl up in and feel safe. They can be pretty nervous so a place to hide is essential.

 

[Nanoreefer]

I would definately give him a platform that contains a hide box or something else for it to curl up in and feel safe. They can be pretty nervous so a place to hide is essential.

Hmmm, ok. by platform do you mean things like turtle platforms???? so a platform + hide box + branch + water? I wonder how that will look, actually.

 

[A. gigas]

i've had a diamondback water snake before, wc ones are mean as hell at first, but just handle them with a snake hook often and they tame down quickly. after 4 or 5 days handling for 10 minutes twice a day i could hold him like any oner snake, though still very careful. i'll have to go catch another, they're cool snakes.

EDIT just remembered, i've had 2. first one was a baby 7-8 inches, 2nd one was 2-3 feet.

rather than a water filled cage, i would go with a cage with a really big water dish that takes up 3/4 of the cage, and the land area should be large enough to fit 3 snakes the size of the one you get. they may like a hide box, but mine never used the ones i gave them. mine went and submerged in the water instead. i just took out the hide, and they seemed happier with more space to stretch out.

 

[Tramonte172]

Hmmm, ok. by platform do you mean things like turtle platforms???? so a platform + hide box + branch + water? I wonder how that will look, actually.

I would construct stationary platorn. You can use PVC pipes as supports for a big platform. You can secure them to the floor of the tank with aquarium sealant. I would position the platform maybe an inch above the water line and have it cover 1/2 of the tank. Depending on the size of the snake a big tile or other water resitant material from Home Depot will serve as a nice platform. Then just add a hiding place, branches and a heat lamp.

 

[snakeguy101]

these guys will get blisters just like any other snake if kept with too much water. I would say keep them on land and give them a big water dish (something like a cat litter pan should work well) to soak and hunt in. Feed them fish and frogs and things and keep them around 70º on the cool side and 85-90º on the warm side. have the water on the cool side and give them a hide spot on either end of the enclosure. These guys will sooner burrow than climb but I did see a few of my mangrove waters climb on occasion.

Nerodia sp. are cool snakes but they are not pleasant pets. Just be ready for it if you want to handle them. Also you will need to put some effort into feeding them. Good luck.

 

[Nanoreefer]

Whoah, this thread grew faster than I though it would, and with more responses! Im thinking of going with this tile over the water idea, because it would work best with what Im thinking of. When it comes to feeding, would feeding it rosy reds work? I know goldfish are unhealthy, but when the snake gets to adult size I'm not sure a few minnows will keep it well-fed. What fish could I feed it that would be the most cost-efficient? And by feeding it frogs would things like african dwarf frogs work?

 

[Tramonte172]

Whoah, this thread grew faster than I though it would, and with more responses! Im thinking of going with this tile over the water idea, because it would work best with what Im thinking of. When it comes to feeding, would feeding it rosy reds work? I know goldfish are unhealthy, but when the snake gets to adult size I'm not sure a few minnows will keep it well-fed. What fish could I feed it that would be the most cost-efficient? And by feeding it frogs would things like african dwarf frogs work?

You can train them to take dead mice by scenting them with fish. It will take a while but should work with some patience. I would also keep some rosies and comets in with them. They generally do not eat big prey like boids who have slower metabolisms so a few fish all the time will give him something to snack on between meals. You can also train him to eat peices of fish fillets.

 

[Nanoreefer]

You can train them to take dead mice by scenting them with fish. It will take a while but should work with some patience.

Alright. But while it's a baby, would feeding it minnows work? And also, how large of a tank should I plan on getting?