Keeping water snakes in semi-aquatic habitats? - Page 2

LLinz · 07-11-11, 11:54 PM

That is a Great looking enclosure, so happy to hear that u got the advice u were looking for

it looks very nice and natural, I hope your snake lives a long and happy life in there.

marionsclan · 07-11-11, 11:55 PM

Very nice. You've done a great job and taking those extra steps to make your snake happy.

And isn't it funny how a Noob Python and Corn snake owner connected two water snake owners who are closer to each other than she is? Gotta love the web.

annarawrr · 07-12-11, 12:10 AM

Yesss haha I'm so glad you guys approve XD Surprisingly everything was pretty cheap (except for the tank itself!) and I'm glad it all comes together nicely for both myself to look at, and for the snake to live in!

KD35WIN.AS.ONE · 07-12-11, 12:31 AM

Nice.. I would have loved to see a picture with the land part as well. What would you say the ratio: water to land is? I like what you have done here, good work.

annarawrr · 07-12-11, 12:55 AM

Here is a picture I just took of the back view of the tank. You can see the branch on top of the submerged rock acting as a small land area, and it gives the snake easy access to the hanging vines. I've affixed them to the screen lid and they're strong enough to support the snake's entire body, so this is considered to be his land area! Not sure exactly how to work out the ratios in this way but you can see for yourself (:

KD35WIN.AS.ONE · 07-12-11, 01:05 AM

Alot more water than i expected, you keep Enhydris plumbea right? Im assuming so its known as the "Asian Water Snake" but that name follows more than one species. Did you read somewhere to set the Ratio of water:land like this? Or have an owner of the species you already know show you this?

annarawrr · 07-12-11, 01:15 AM

Yes, I keep an enhydris plumbea. The name Asian Water Snake commonly covers the plumbeous, that's mine; the puff faced water snake, the tentacled water snake, the sunbeam snake, the rainbow water snake and the Chinese water snake. Could be more but those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head

I've managed to find two snake owners with the same snake and they both have setups much like mine. One of them directed me to this caresheet based on the Chinese water snake and told me that since the enhydris chinensis and the enhydris plumbea are co-habitable, husbandry of the plumbea is pretty much identical to what is shown here, but with a little bit more consideration on behalf of land area because the plumbea is the most known to spend time out of the water out of all the Asian water snakes (: I also love this owner's tank setup, he also has a plumbea and keeps it with two other Asian water snake types!

KD35WIN.AS.ONE · 07-12-11, 01:26 AM

Fair enough, thanks for the information. Do you plan on incorporating more land area for them? "but with a little bit more consideration on behalf of land area because the plumbea is the most known to spend time out of the water out of all the Asian water snakes"

annarawrr · 07-12-11, 01:34 AM

Actually I do! I bought that small branch yesterday in a hurry, and I'm also a bit strapped for cash what with getting a new snake less than two weeks ago and buying all the things for his tank and all that! Before I purchase a larger basking spot I'm trying to figure out a way to incorporate it without compromising swimming space.

marionsclan · 07-12-11, 01:35 AM

The way I understand it is that even though the plumbea goes on land more often than the others does not mean they NEED more land. It has yet to be established whether they go hunting outside of the water because of all the competition or if they just like to grab some UV or warmth. There is a lot of research, I've posted a link in an earlier post, but nothing conclusive as to why the meander onto land more often.

KD35WIN.AS.ONE · 07-12-11, 01:37 AM

Sounds good, i like your choice in snakes instead of getting a BP or Corn. (no offense to owners) Enhydris plumbea are rear fanged?

annarawrr · 07-12-11, 01:46 AM

Good point marionsclan! Mine only goes on land late at night during his active time, but not to bask and he doesn't seem to be hunting or looking for food. He has never left the water during the day, from my observations.

Thanks KD35! Yes, they are rear fanged and mildly venemous. I decided to go for a water snake for the sole reason that I didn't want to feed it mice and rats XD I've had plenty of mice and rats as pets in the past and I wouldn't be comfortable feeding them to a snake! And the thought of keeping frozen pinkies in my fridge... Hmm! I've already had two family members telling me they'll never visit me again because of a little tiny snake XD I would love a BP or a corn and there are plenty going for good prices in my area but I thought I would start off small. Maybe one day I won't be too squeamish to own a larger snake

marionsclan · 07-12-11, 01:53 AM

This is too funny. I got a BP and a Corn just for the opposite reason. Even though I love rats and had them as pets I don't mind feeding them because it's just part of nature. I also like the heaviness of BP and knowing that their bite might be painful but at least not venomous, even mildly, is a plus for doctor visits are so time consuming. hahaha

KD35WIN.AS.ONE · 07-12-11, 01:59 AM

Anything venomous i adore. (snakes that is =]) Nothing against Ball Pythons or Corn snakes, just not for me.

annarawrr · 07-12-11, 02:04 AM

I would love a big snake! I've always loved reptiles and amphibians, I was obsessed with frogs when I was younger XD A year ago I went on a road trip with some friends, on a lazy day we decided to go for a stroll at the local aquarium and there was a snake show on... We stayed after the show and the keepers let us handle the snakes! There were two, I can't remember what type they were but they were so sweet and after that I really wanted a snake XD But the reality is I'm a poor college student and at the moment I can't afford a large snake! Besides, I'm in the process of coaxing my snake-phobic best friend of 8 years to move in with me XD