GaiusIuliusCaesar Posted April 20, 2017 Posted April 20, 2017 His or her name is Apep and they are a northern brown snake, (Storeria dekayi) whose habitat I accidentally destroyed whilst cleaning my yard. They were living in a pile of leaves on my side of the property line. Said pile of leaves is now in a yard waste bag awaiting disposal. I decided to keep it since I was planning on getting a snake anyway and I wanted one native to the region, and because I have tons of experience with this particular species. and also because they eat worms, snails, and slugs, not rodents, and can therefore be fed without me having to actually buy food as all 3 of those things exist in large quantities in my yard. Unfortunately I did not have a terrarium for him, so his temporary home is an old wine bucket. in which I placed a thin layer of soil, followed by leaves, followed by reptile bedding. The bucket is 5 gallons and has a small hole at the top for air. I put a small dish of water in there for him. That should be good for about a week which is how long I predict him being in there until I get him a proper tank. like 56% sure its male based on its relative size and shape. This is what they look like, I'll get an actual pic once the aquarium is purchased.
GaiusIuliusCaesar Posted April 20, 2017 Author Posted April 20, 2017 cute, I like snakes As do I, in fact they are my favorite animal and have been for most of my life. I used to spend hours in the summer catching and playing with them. But my mother would never let me keep one in the house. Good thing I now have the downstairs apartment to myself, its sectioned offer from the rest of the house and only accessible from outside, ergo its not in her house. Also she doesn't know about it, a state of affairs I intend to keep until after I get the aquarium. Its a small snake so I only need about a 10 gallon tank. should run me about 30 bucks including hides, a water dish, and more bedding.
GaiusIuliusCaesar Posted April 20, 2017 Author Posted April 20, 2017 good point, I suppose I can lift the lid every few hours to air it out. as for heat I keep my apartment pretty warm and he has about the same amount of cover as he had when I found him. I just don't want him getting out, or my cat getting to him. should be fine over night though, he's only about 6 inches long and the bucket is 5 gallons.
Rogue_Alphonse Posted April 20, 2017 Posted April 20, 2017 You could do away with the lid and tie a screen around the top of the bucket with a big rubber band or some string., then put a lamp over it to make some heat.
GaiusIuliusCaesar Posted April 20, 2017 Author Posted April 20, 2017 You could do away with the lid and tie a screen around the top of the bucket with a big rubber band or some string., then put a lamp over it to make some heat. actually I think I could probably get away with out a lid of any kind, I don't see a 6 inch snake climbing 3 vertical feet of smooth pvc.
Rogue_Alphonse Posted April 20, 2017 Posted April 20, 2017 actually I think I could probably get away with out a lid of any kind, I don't see a 6 inch snake climbing 3 vertical feet of smooth pvc. Either way, you have an acquarium with a caged top coming in a week. I got the hook-up
GaiusIuliusCaesar Posted April 20, 2017 Author Posted April 20, 2017 Either way, you have an acquarium with a caged top coming in a week. I got the hook-up sweet, thanks. Also I had an inspiration, paper towel and duck tape. it can't get out, but air can get in. also its next to the heater in the other room, should be plenty warm.
GaiusIuliusCaesar Posted April 20, 2017 Author Posted April 20, 2017 Its a small species, the largest of them get to be around 18 inches long, girls are bigger, which is why I think its a boy, probably also a young snake.
Rogue_Alphonse Posted April 20, 2017 Posted April 20, 2017 Get a 20 gallon long tank. I got a free 10 gallon for him coming next week.
GaiusIuliusCaesar Posted April 20, 2017 Author Posted April 20, 2017 Get a 20 gallon long tank. its a very small snake, about six inches long. I looked it up and 10 gallons is fine for a dekayi
NaBarney Posted April 20, 2017 Posted April 20, 2017 10 gal is the minimum but I would upgrade to a 20 gallon when he gets a bit bigger, you and the snake will both appreciate the extra space.
Still Me Posted April 20, 2017 Posted April 20, 2017 i love snakes...like the piebald python and the bumblebee python are my favorites...but I'm with you on the no rodents thing...I love rodents...I would buy them...keep them and the snake would starve
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