ribbon snake care - Noah's Ark Pets
Common Name: Ribbon Snake
Scientific Name: Thamnophis sauritus
Distribution: Eastern One-third U.S.A.
Size: 2' - 3'
This species is found in wet meadows, marshes, ponds, bogs, swamps and shorelines of streams. When captive, adults require a 20 gallon enclosure.Hyperactive and hard to hold. Aggressive at first, will usually tame with handling.
Likes to hibernate 3-4 months during coldest months.
CAPTIVE ENVIRONMENT:
Provide a basking area with access to a cooler zone. Use reptile bark shredded coconut husks or reptile carpet as substrates. Clean substrates often and remove solid wastes as needed. Provide several climbing areas on branches, logs, and plants. Provide dark hiding places for this species.
TEMPERATURE:
Day temperature should be gradient from 78 to 90 degrees F. Maintain night temperature range between 70-75 degrees F. There are several methods for establishing the proper temperature range for your reptile. Using spotlights of variable wattage incandescent bulbs on the outside of the enclosure, under tank heaters or heat rocks or any combination of these. When using spotlights for 24 hour heat use red, night bulbs or a ceramic heating element to maintain day / night light cycle. Never place lights inside the enclosure where the reptile could come in contact with them and get burned. Use a thermometer to ensure proper temperature range is maintained.
WATER:
A bowl of clean, de-chlorinated water should always be available. Change water every day with de-chlorinated water. Change more often if the water appears dirty. A water dish should be provided that is large enough for the animal to easily get in and out of. This species requires moderate levels of humidity.
FOOD:
This species is a carnivore (meat eater). Eats live guppies, goldfish feeders, frogs, salamanders and crickets.
NOTE: This care sheet is a general guide, to learn more about your pet consult a book about it.
