This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.
Yes, water snakes can be kept as pets, and they’re quite a unique choice! These snakes grow to about 3 feet in length and display a variety of colors, from crimson to silver.
You’ll need a 30-gallon tank with both land and water areas, plus UVB lighting and under-tank heaters. Their diet includes live fish, pinky mice, and occasionally thawed frozen fish. Regular cleaning and monitoring for parasites are imperative.
Initially feisty, they can become less aggressive with gentle, regular handling. Curious if water snakes are the right pet for you? Dive deeper to find out all you need to know!
Table Of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Water snakes, like feisty teenagers, can be a challenge at first, but with patience and TLC, they can become more manageable and even affectionate.
- Just like Goldilocks and her porridge, water snakes need their enclosure to be just right – not too hot, not too cold, with plenty of room to swim and bask.
- Feeding your water snake is like playing a game of Hungry Hungry Hippos – they’ll gobble up live fish and mice, but don’t forget to throw in some variety to keep their taste buds happy.
- Owning a water snake is like adopting a part-time job – they require regular cleaning, health check-ups, and handling to keep them happy and healthy.
Can Water Snakes Be Kept as Pets?
Yes, water snakes can be kept as pets with proper care, including a suitable enclosure and diet . Make sure their environment mimics natural conditions, and regular handling can help manage their temperament .
Water Snake Characteristics
Water snakes, particularly northern water snakes, present a fascinating array of characteristics. They can grow to lengths of three feet and exhibit diverse coloration, including crimson, black, orange, silver, and brown .
These heavy-bodied snakes are found from southern Ontario to Georgia and west to Colorado.
Regarding behavior, northern water snakes are known to spread their heads and bodies as a defense mechanism and have anticoagulant saliva. Their preferred habitats include both land and water, often requiring an enclosure that mimics this environment.
Importantly, northern water snakes brumate with other species and give birth to live young in spring.
Captive Care Requirements
Ensuring your water snake thrives involves carefully designing its enclosure, providing a balanced diet, and maintaining strict health and hygiene standards. You’ll need a spacious tank, appropriate live feeding, and regular monitoring for cleanliness and skin issues.
Enclosure
For your water snake’s enclosure, a 30-gallon tank is sufficient. Make certain a secure lid to prevent escapes and set up both land and water areas for swimming and basking. Consider these:
- Substrate Options: Newspaper, cage carpet, or Astroturf.
- Heating: Use UVB lighting and under-tank heaters.
- Accessories: Provide hiding spots and a shallow water source for humidity control.
Diet
To maintain good health and prevent thiamine deficiency, feed your water snake a varied diet. Include the following:
- Live fish or feeder goldfish: Provides essential nutrients.
- Thawing frozen fish: Ideal to supplement occasionally, not exclusively.
- Additional prey: Include pinky mice, salamanders, and frogs to enhance nutritional value and diversity .
Health and Hygiene
Preserving water quality is crucial for preventing illnesses. Create a clean environment to prevent scale rot and other skin issues. Regularly inspect for parasites and control odors by keeping the enclosure clean. Follow these steps:
- Weekly water changes
- Spot-clean daily and deep clean monthly
- Monitor for any signs of infection or unusual behavior
Handling and Temperament
Moving from their basic care, handling and understanding your water snake’s temperament is essential for a harmonious relationship.
Water snakes can be quite feisty, especially when first introduced to captivity. Follow these steps to manage them effectively:
- Taming Methods: Regular, gentle handling helps water snakes acclimate and reduces aggression, making them more docile over time .
- Acclimation Techniques: Gradually increase handling sessions, avoiding times shortly after feeding or during shed cycles to minimize stress .
- Defensive Behaviors: Be aware they may strike or bite when threatened. Use smooth, controlled movements to mitigate these defensive actions .
- Handling Precautions: Create a calm environment, maintain proper light and temperature during handling, and always wash hands before and after interaction to prevent health issues.
Breeding and Reproduction
Breeding and reproduction for water snakes, like the nerodia sipedon ssp, involves several key stages. During the mating season in spring, males actively pursue females. Females attract males by releasing pheromones, leading to copulation lasting up to 20 minutes. Post-mating, a gravid female carries the young through an incubation period ending in live birth. Offspring are delivered in neonatal transparent egg sacs, which they break free from soon after birth.
Here’s what to expect during breeding:
- Cooling down period to trigger breeding behavior.
- Copulation between males and females.
- Birth of 12-24 offspring per litter.
- Immediate neonate care to guarantee survival.
Separate the offspring during feeding to prevent cannibalism and monitor closely .
Acquiring and Keeping Water Snakes as Pets
Moving from the complexities of breeding and reproduction, let’s explore the acquisition and ongoing commitment required for keeping water snakes as pets.
Before bringing home a water snake, consider the following:
- Legal considerations: Check local laws on the legality of owning semi-aquatic reptiles .
- Sourcing: Opt for reputable breeders, reptile shows, or online dealers to obtain healthy specimens .
- Long-term commitment: Water snakes, such as the Florida banded, can live over a decade, requiring consistent care (Source).
- Environmental enrichment and socialization: Create a 1/2 land, 1/2 water setup with varied hiding spots and basking areas to mimic their natural habitat (Source).
Embarking on this journey promises intriguing and engaging companionship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you keep a water snake as a pet?
As they say, "Variety is the spice of life." Yes, you can keep a water snake as a pet. Guarantee a suitable half-land, half-water setup, feed appropriately, and handle with care, especially initially .
Are water snakes friendly?
Water snakes can exhibit aggressive behaviors, especially when stressed or newly acquired, but with regular gentle handling, some may become more docile over time, though they’re generally not considered friendly pets .
How long do water snakes live in captivity?
Coincidentally, in captivity, Northern water snakes can live up to 9 years with proper care, including a balanced diet of feeder fish and mice, clean and spacious enclosures, and vigilant health monitoring (Source).
How aggressive are water snakes?
Water snakes can be aggressive in captivity, particularly during initial handling or feeding sessions, especially those species adapted to coastal waters and estuaries. Regular, gentle handling can help reduce this aggression over time, fostering a more manageable and docile behavior .
What are common water snake health issues?
Water snakes often face health issues like skin problems, parasites, and respiratory infections, symbolizing the hidden struggles within their aquatic elegance . Maintaining cleanliness and monitoring for symptoms guarantees their longevity and well-being .
How to clean a water snakes enclosure?
Clean your water snake’s enclosure by removing the snake, discarding old substrate, scrubbing the tank with a reptile-safe disinfectant, rinsing thoroughly, and replacing with fresh substrate and water. Regular cleaning prevents health issues and maintains a healthy environment .
Can water snakes be kept with other pets?
Water snakes shouldn’t share their enclosure with other pets. Due to their specific habitat, dietary needs, and potential aggression, keeping them isolated guarantees their environment remains suitable and safe, minimizing stress and injury risks .
How to recognize a stressed water snake?
Recognize a stressed water snake by observing signs like excessive hiding, refusal to eat, frequent attempts to escape, unusual aggression, and rapid breathing. Look for persistent changes in behavior indicating discomfort or anxiety .
Conclusion
Curiously, choosing to keep water snakes as pets can provide a rewarding experience if you’re prepared for their care requirements.
By providing an appropriate enclosure, suitable diet, and maintaining their health, you’ll facilitate their well-being.
Regular gentle handling can also aid in reducing their aggression.
Whether you’re drawn to their fascinating behaviors or breeding them, water snakes can be an intriguing addition to your pet collection.
Proper care and commitment are key to success.
