Can I own a water snake?

Can I own a water snake?

Non-native water snakes have been present in California for quite a while now. As of 2008 it is unlawful to possess one of these water snakes as a pet, but Rose says they were likely introduced as a result of people releasing their pet snakes before this ban was in place.

What do baby banded water snakes eat?

Diet: What Do Banded Water Snakes Eat Since they are primarily aquatic to semi-aquatic creatures, the primary diet of the banded water snake includes animals living mostly living in the water like frogs, toads, and fish. They would also eat tadpoles and salamanders.

What can I feed my pet water snake?

A well-balanced garter or water snake diet consists of:

  1. Comet goldfish, gutloaded (recently fed) crickets and earthworms.
  2. Long-term use of comet goldfish as the sole food source can cause a vitamin B1 deficiency. Be sure to vary your snake’s diet for optimal nutrition.
  3. May feed on frozen/thawed rodents, such as pinkies.

Can you keep a diamondback water snake as a pet?

As Pets. The diamondback water snakes have a very nominal market value in the pet trade. Even when these snakes are kept captive, they can still bite the handler. However, with proper handling, they will become quite docile.

How big does a banded water snake get?

61-106.7 cm
Description: Banded watersnakes are mid-sized — 24-48 in (61-106.7 cm) -– fairly heavy-bodied semi-aquatic snakes. Coloration is variable, with snakes ranging from light brown or reddish to black in ground-color with darker crossbands.

How do you take care of a water snake?

Things to remember when feeding your garter or water snake:

  1. Feed juveniles every other day, adults once a week.
  2. Place comet goldfish in snake’s water bowl for feeding.
  3. Fresh, clean, chlorine-free water should be available at all times in a bowl large enough for your snake to soak in.

What can I feed a banded water snake?

Water snakes can be maintained on a diet of fish, frogs and salamanders and some individuals have been known to take small rodents as well.

Do water snakes make good pets?

Water snakes make great pets. In fact, water snakes are commonly thought to be the best kind of snake to keep as a pet. There are many benefits to owning a Water Snake like relatively few feeding times, a docile attitude, and a relatively small enclosure.

What do water snakes eat in the wild?

Water snakes maintain a diet of fish, frogs, salamanders, other small amphibians, and occasionally even small mammals like shrews and mice. For feeding a pet snake, stick to minnows or feeder goldfish. Pet and bait stores will likely have these in stock. Try to only feed your snake live fish.

What do garter snakes need to survive?

Aquatic garter snakes require a water dish large enough to submerge in. They will gain enrichment if you occasionally put live feeder fish in this dish. Their diet will need to largely consist of frozen-thawed mice. Salt marsh water snakes are on the smaller side in the water snake family.

Do water snakes need a dry spot?

Water snakes actually spend most of their time outside of the water. If you do not provide them with a dry spot, they can get scale rot and other diseases that can kill them. Make sure to have a hideaway for the snake, preferably at the other end of the enclosure from the water source.