DeKay's Brown Snakes

[HannahBewsher]

Hi,

We had an 'earth' snake when I was very young, so I barely remember it and wasn't the one caring for it, but I was wondering if anyone here keeps these little guys, and are they comparable to garters in respect to lifespan, diet, and behavior?

Hannah

[guidofatherof5]

Storeria dekayi-Brown snake. Awesome snakes. Eats earthworms, night crawlers, slugs, snails. Can be kept similar to garter snakes.
A number of forum members have kept or are keeping them now. I'm sure they will give you some advice.
Welcome to the forum.

[HannahBewsher]

Ah, good to know. Thank you. They have surprisingly handsome markings and sweet faces. =)

I went herping this morning and found three large (8-15 inch) healthy browns. I haven't sexed them yet, because I don't want to handle them too much. I've got them in a 25 gal, with the same set up that I'd give a garter. They seem very skittish, so I've provided plenty of cover.

Should I use soil as a substrate so they can bury themselves, or stick with aspen bedding? And also, I was told that we housed our brown snake with a garter and never encountered problems.. Do they do well in a communal setup, like these three? And is it safe to keep them with garters, or were we lucky? lol

Thanks in advance for any advice,
Hannah

[infernalis]

My favorite subject!

My best girl Xena lived to be 7.

I have always kept Dekayi and garters in the same tank without a problem.

Heck Xena even started taking pinkie mice after watching her cage mate garters eat them. ( I miss her terribly she was a sweetheart)

They like moisture, so bark or coconut substrate works best, keep it mildly humid, just not sopping wet.





I took this picture in the wild! they were both under the same board together just like this.

[Mommy2many]

My Dekayi was snuggling with his cage mates yesterday as well!

[HannahBewsher]

Thanks for all the pictures and sharing your experience. =)

[infernalis]

Thanks for all the pictures and sharing your experience. =)

You are very welcome.

Dekayi are awesome little snakes.

[HannahBewsher]

Well, they seem to be happy enough; they've been mating all evening.. lol

[guidofatherof5]

Great news. For the snakes
OK, you too.

[Snakers]

Are those snakes getting a little ttttoooo friendly??