How to Take Care of a Green Racer Snake

The green racer snake (Gonyosoma prasinum), more commonly referred to as the green tree racer, is bright green in color except for its yellow cheeks. Native to Southeast Asia, the green racer snake is relatively shy and known for its preferred hunting of small mammals. With proper care, most green racer snakes will grow to lengths between 5 and 8 feet and survive approximately 15 years or more raised in captivity.

Things You'll Need

  • Tank
  • Shredded newspaper
  • Sphagnum moss
  • Tank heating pad
  • Pre-killed frozen rodents
  • Spray bottle
  • Water
  • Bleach
  • Paper towels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide your green racer snake with a small tank with a tight-fitting mesh lid. Young racers appreciate a 10-gallon tank to start with; you can increase the size of the tank as the green racer snake grows. Ideally, 1 foot of surface space is required for every foot of the racer snake's length.

    • 2

      Line the bottom of the green racer snake's tank with shredded newspaper. Either shred the newspaper by hand or run it through a paper shredder. A 2-to-3-inch layer of newspaper substrate should suffice. Spread a ½-inch layer sphagnum moss on one side of the tank. The sphagnum moss will create a damp hiding space for your racer. Add a few tree branches to give your green racer something to climb on.

    • 3

      Maintain a temperature between 74 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit in the tank at all times. A heating pad designed for placement under the snake tank will help to create a warm environment for your green racer. Most heating pads have an attached temperature regulator that can be set to the desired temperature.

    • 4

      Feed adult green racers a diet of one rodent per week. The rodent should not measure thicker than the diameter of the snake. Feed young snakes the same diet once every five days. A pre-killed, previously frozen rodent will keep your green racer free of harm during feeding.

    • 5

      Clean your green racer snake's tank at least once a week. Have a second tank on hand to hold the snake during cleanings. Empty the substrate from the tank and dispose of it in the trash. Clean the tank with a 5 percent bleach solution, diluted with water in a spray bottle. Spray the tank and wipe it down with a paper towel. Dry the tank thoroughly. Add new substrate and place the green racer back in the tank.