How to Care for a Smooth Green Snake

The smooth green snake (Opheodrys vernalis) which is closely related to the rough green snake (Opheodrys aestivus), is a slender, light green snake that grows up to 20 inches long. They are very fast moving and can be hard to hold onto. Most smooth green snakes kept as pets were caught in the wild. There are very few smooth green snake breeders. This makes them a complex and sometimes challenging pet.

Things You'll Need

  • Reptile terrarium, 10 gallons or larger
  • Under-tank heater
  • Reptile bedding material
  • Water bowl
  • Hollow reptile log
  • Terrarium decorations
  • Spray bottle
  • Crickets or other small insects
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a reptile terrarium. Ten gallons is large enough for a smooth green snake, but you can always use a larger one if you prefer. Make sure the terrarium has a screen type top that slides and locks into place. This will keep your snake from escaping.

    • 2

      Place the terrarium in an area of the house that gets plenty of natural sunlight. Snakes that don't receive enough natural sunlight can develop bone problems.

    • 3

      Install an under-tank heater underneath the terrarium. This heater should only be under a small section of the terrarium. Areas of heat help snakes digest their food.

    • 4

      Install terrarium, aquarium or full-spectrum lights above the terrarium to help the snake keep warm.

    • 5

      Fill the bottom of the terrarium with reptile bedding, such as soil or reptile turf. The correct bedding can be found in any pet store.

    • 6

      Place a water bowl in the terrarium.

    • 7

      Place a hollow log, which can be purchased in a pet store, in the terrarium over the area that has the heater under it. This provides a hiding place for your snake, and a place where it can feel safe while it digests its food.

    • 8

      Place reptile-appropriate decorations in the terrarium. These should include plants and possibly sticks or other wooden structures.

    • 9

      Mist the tank with water daily using a spray bottle. This keeps the air in the terrarium humid enough for the snake.

    • 10

      Feed the snake a supply of waxworms or crickets, and other small insects. The insects should always be small enough for the snake to eat easily. Most snakes don't eat every day. You will have to learn your snake's eating habits, but usually snakes like to feed two or three times a week. Feed the snake up to four insects per feeding.

    • 11

      Clean the tank frequently, whenever you see it is getting dirty. Change the water in the water bowl daily.