The ringneck snake (Diadophis punctatus) is common throughout most of the United States, having at least a dozen subspecies according to geographic location. But do they make good pets? Although you can keep ringnecks as pets, it may be hard to find them in your local pet store. This is because ringnecks are difficult to keep in captivity. The main challenge is getting them to eat. If you are successful in finding a ringneck, here are some tips to help you keep them healthy and stress-free.
About This Snake – Ringnecks are long and slender, and although they normally only grow to about 18 inches, they have been known to reach 30 inches in length. Eggs usually hatch in August and September, and hatchlings will mature in two to three years. Although they are slightly venomous, their bite is not generally a concern to people. They are secretive snakes and require a moist environment with lots of hiding places.
Enclosure – If you obtain your ringneck as a juvenile, will need to change its enclosure as your snake grows. Due to the difficulty in getting them to eat, young snakes should not be housed in enclosures so large that it is difficult for them to find their prey. Glass aquariums with sliding screen lids that lock are optimal for keeping ringneck snakes.
Environment – Ringnecks should be provided with soft substrate, such as a mixture of peat, fine sand and soil, to a depth of about two inches. Adding a layer of sphagnum moss on top will provide additional places for them to hide. (Because they are secretive, they can become stressed if they are not given adequate hiding places.) They require a moist environment, so spraying the enclosure daily may be necessary. You should also provide a shallow water dish that is thoroughly cleaned and changed daily.
Food – For baby ringnecks, any small invertebrate can serve as food. But because it is difficult to get them to eat, it may be necessary to remove them from their enclosure at feeding time so you can supervise and be sure your snake is eating properly. This can also help ensure that they do not ingest pieces of their substrate, which is a common health concern with snakes of all types. Offering a variety of different food items will increase your chances of getting them to eat properly. It is also possible to feed your ringnecks by hand. The size of a ringneck’s food will increase as they grow, and full grown specimens will eat earthworms, slugs, pinkies (newborn mice) and small lizards, salamanders and other snakes. Ringneck snakes should be fed two to three times a week.
Special Precautions – Many reptiles have been known to carry salmonella, so it is important to always thoroughly wash your hands with warm water and soap after handling a snake. Regular veterinary checkups are also advisable for your pet reptiles.
Sources:
“Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus),” Savannah River Ecology Laboratory