How to Care for a Rough Green Snake

Native to the southeast United States, the rough green snake spends most of its time climbing tree branches. The arboreal reptile has bright green scales, large eyes and a white or sometimes bright yellow underbelly. Sometimes referred to as a green ribbon snake, the rough green snake requires little care as a terrarium pet.

Things You'll Need

  • Habitat for snakes (such as a 20- to 30-gallon terrarium)
  • Substrate (wood chips)
  • Water dish
  • Minnows (or other tiny fish)
  • Vegetation (for snake to climb)
  • Spray bottle
  • Heating pad
  • Heat lamps
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up the snake's habitat by filling the terrarium with substrate. Three inches of wood chips make for adequate substrate for a rough green snake.

    • 2

      Place the snake's water dish in the habitat. Push it into the substrate to give it the appearance of an in-ground lagoon.

    • 3

      Place artificial vegetation in various spots in the tank to re-create the snake's habitat. Fake tree branches can be placed in the tank for the snake to climb.

    • 4

      Slide a heating pad underneath the terrarium on the side of the tank opposite the water dish.

    • 5

      Use 80-watt heat bulbs in the terrarium's light fixtures to provide additional heat and lighting during the daylight hours.

    • 6

      Fill the water dish once a week with five to 10 minnows or other small fish. The green rough snake feeds on small fish and crickets.

    • 7

      Handle the snake daily for at least a half hour, unless it has eaten recently. Not handling the snake enough can cause it to become aggressive and wary of people. Socializing your pet snake is important.