How do you keep a northern brown snake as a pet?

Answer 1

Northern Brown Snakes (also called Dekay's snakes) are worm specialists, and do not eat rats or mice or crickets. They can eat worms as thick as themselves, which can be interesting to watch. They do not bite humans, and if they tried, they'd have a hard time making an impression on us.

I keep mine in a cage with a thick layer of soil and lots of worms, a layer of dried leaves, which I add to periodically, an African violet (which likes the damp), a water dish with a rock in it (to help the little snake get out if need be) and a nice big stick for him to climb on. I toss in a few extra worms every month, to make sure he's getting enough (it's not too easy to check on the worm population!).

Watch out... these snakes are very thin and can get out of (and into) very small gaps and holes; it is very important to make sure their cages are escape-proof and safe to be in.

Answer 2

Northern brown snakes are small, fossorial snakes that can be kept in a secure, escape-proof enclosure with appropriate substrate, temperature, and humidity levels. They primarily feed on earthworms, insects, and small invertebrates. Regularly spot-clean their enclosure and provide fresh water. Handle them minimally as they are shy and stress easily.