Housing snakes in natural vivariums?

[Nafun]

Well, It'll be a while. The snake it's for hasn't been born yet, and he'll spend at least a few months in a rubbermaid with holes in it until he gets settled. Right now it's an empty aquarium, a bag of sand, a bag of river rock, and a bag of grass seed.

[dragunov.762]

if you are still toying with the idea of a natural viv (which would be awesome but lots of work) remember that any type of native plant (trees and shrubs especially) will need the cold winters or they will die. i don't know if you were planing on growing a small tree or not but you would need to get a tropical species if you do (once again i don't know your full plan just throwing it out there)

[Nafun]

I won't be going with trees and shrubs, the enclosure just isn't that big (29 gallon aquarium). However, I was planning to let garters brumate, which they could do in a tub while the vivarium enjoys the full onslaught of winter.

[dragunov.762]

thats probably the best way to do it

[infernalis]

That all depends.. I never brumate my males or my non breeding garters. They all do just fine and I have the added pleasure of enjoying them all year round.

Those of us who brumate for breeding usually only chill the snakes for 4-6 weeks to trigger ovulation, then bring them back out for breeding.

[diamond]

Originally Posted by citysnakes.com

Nafun, theres a book, "The Art of Keeping Snakes" by Phillipe de Vosjoli, that you should definitely look into before you start this project.

This book seems to be interesting

[Jennet]

Originally Posted by diamond

This book seems to be interesting

That book is ace if you are considering 'natural' vivaria

If you are thinking of having both land and water area, the easiest way is to divide the tank and then work with the seperate sides - that way, you can clean out your 'water' area far easier.

Best of luck