Greetings from Texas -

[rswindull]

I'd like to start by saying I really learned a lot by going through the forum and reading what others have had to say. So thank you!!
I found myself here by chance two days ago...

My kids and I found what we think to be an adolescent brown snake this past Saturday. Since then we've gotten a Terrarium, substrate, etc., and have even gotten him to eat the only two earthworms I've dangled in front of his face. Awesome!!! My first attempt to feed hime was last night, and he's eaten again already today (I've read this to be a good thing as others have had their wild caught snakes be tough when it comes to accepting food).

In reading post after post about Dekayi, I felt pretty good about being able to take of him. I've never had a snake to care for before, but have been around them in the past. I think I bought everything necessary to take care of him. I even went as far as getting a heating light just in case I needed it. Still not sure if I do or not... Trying to decide on that. Any help would be appreciated. I'm also trying to determine whether or not the little snails around my house foundation are able to be eaten, shell and all. Is that safe? I hope so, because I've got tons of them around, along with little earthworms. All in all, I think I'm good in the food department. I put a little dish with some dirt in the terrarium, since that's what i found him in... Not sure if he likes that yet or not.

I've attached a few photos for you all to take a look at. I've named him Benjamin since I spent exactly $100 at Petsmart as a result of his arrival - the name fit.
Since I'm not seeing to much of a pattern on his body, I need a little confirmation that what I've got is truly a brown snake. He's about 7-8" long and was found right by the foundation of my house when pulling weeds. He's got the same looking head, so in my eyes all signs pointed to brown snake. He's really chill and doesn't mind being held at all. and does seem to mind his new home. He seems to be exploring and inspecting just fine rather than hide all the time.
I appreciate any pointers you can give and I'm glad to be part of the community!

Cheers!

- rswindull

[Stefan-A]

Welcome aboard.

That does indeed appear to be a Storeria dekayi.

[infernalis]

That does indeed appear to be a Storeria dekayi.

Agreed..... Nice looking one too.

http://www.thamfriends.com/mat.jpg

[Invisible Snake]

Greetings and Sssalutatiions! Welcome to the forum :)

I don't know much about Storeria dekayi. but here are a few threads discussing them.

http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/garter-snake-lounge/12100-newly-found-little-brown-snake.html

http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/garter-snake-lounge/11997-brown-snake-advice.html

http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/garter-snake-lounge/8844-brown-snake-dekay-help-feeding.html

http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/garter-snake-lounge/11776-baby-northern-brown.html

[rswindull]

Thanks for the affirmation and glad to be able to put that to rest.
I just read through the Garter Care Sheet and noticed that it states not to use dirt from the outside, as mold can grow.
I've put a dish of dirt from outside in my Dekayi's tank, but am now reconsidering. Has anyone made this mistake in the past, and how likely (with regular dirt changes) is this harm him?

~Cheers

[Invisible Snake]

I think 1 of the main concerns of using dirt from the outside would be if it was treated with any chemicals like pesticides etc, also bringing in potential parasites. Just my opinion.

[chris-uk]

Welcome aboard.

[-MARWOLAETH-]

Thanks for the affirmation and glad to be able to put that to rest.
I just read through the Garter Care Sheet and noticed that it states not to use dirt from the outside, as mold can grow.
I've put a dish of dirt from outside in my Dekayi's tank, but am now reconsidering. Has anyone made this mistake in the past, and how likely (with regular dirt changes) is this harm him?

~CheersGreeting from Swansea:)

If the soil is regularly stirred the aerobic bacteria that lives in the soil will breed and out-compete fungi and pathogens.The bacteria are beneficial as they brake down animal and plant waist so the substrate never smells. It doesn't need to be replaced- just throw in some leaves to be broken down and turned into more soil!

These may be helpful to you

The Art of Keeping Snakes (Advanced Vivarium Systems): Philippe De Vosjoli: 9781882770632: Amazon.com: Books (http://www.amazon.com/Keeping-Snakes-Advanced-Vivarium-Systems/dp/1882770633/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361221872&sr=8-1&keywords=art+of+keeping+snakes)

Bio-active Substrate | Gecko Time (http://www.geckotime.com/bio-active-reptile-substrate/)

Hope it helps!

[rswindull]

Greeting from Swansea:)

If the soil is regularly stirred the aerobic bacteria that lives in the soil will breed and out-compete fungi and pathogens.The bacteria are beneficial as they brake down animal and plant waist so the substrate never smells. It doesn't need to be replaced- just throw in some leaves to be broken down and turned into more soil!



I'll be sure to stir the soil often. I assume every water change I'll stir it up some.
Thanks for the tip!

[guidofatherof5]

Much good advise given.

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//744/medium/welcome.jpg

[thamneil]

Welcome from a frigid Winnipeg!

[ProXimuS]

Hello and welcome:)

[snake man]

Welcome.

[Selkielass]

Hello, and welcome!
Since he came from your yard, soil, plants and humus from your yard should be fine so long as you avoid pesticides and other harmful substances. Keeping a habitat, or part of a n enclosure as a mini-ecosystem is called keeping a bi-active terrarium, and they can be great so long as you keep them balanced and healthy- and that isn't hard.

I wouldn't recommend a bi-active habitat for sick or injured animals, but it is a pleasing display option with a number of benefits. (Mine is nearly free of unpleasant odors. It smells earthy and garden like. )

[Ruth]

Hello, and welcome!
Since he came from your yard, soil, plants and humus from your yard should be fine so long as you avoid pesticides and other harmful substances. Keeping a habitat, or part of a n enclosure as a mini-ecosystem is called keeping a bi-active terrarium, and they can be great so long as you keep them balanced and healthy- and that isn't hard.

I wouldn't recommend a bi-active habitat for sick or injured animals, but it is a pleasing display option with a number of benefits. (Mine is nearly free of unpleasant odors. It smells earthy and garden like. )

welcome and I'm loving the above comment about and earthy garden scent I think I may give it a go.

[Didymus20X6]

I have a herpetologist friend that lives in Texas, Clint Pustejovsky of Texas Snakes and More (http://www.texassnakes.net/). If you have any questions about other snakes in your area, he's the guy. Give him a call if you're in the Houston area.

But for garters and Dekays, you're not going to find any place better than this forum right here.

[rswindull]

I have a herpetologist friend that lives in Texas. If you have any questions about other snakes in your area, he's the guy. Give him a call if you're in the Houston area.


Too bad I'm in the Dallas area. Mr. Pustejovsky seems to do a lot in his area. Bummer.
Thanks for pointing me in his direction, however. Cool site!

[Didymus20X6]

Clint is very active in the Houston area. They always have him on the news, talking about snakes and stuff. And he's very passionate about snakes, too. Oddly enough, I got to know him mainly through Lutheran connections.