Florida Water Snake

[TreeHugger]

I recently bought a Florida Water Snake as a pet for my son. (Although since my son is only 6 yrs old, I guess it's really MY snake as I will be doing all of the care taking for it, lol) I was just wondering if anyone else here has experience in caring for this particular kind of snake, and if anyone has any good advice for me. I am a first time snake owner and I want our new friend to have a long and healthy life. One of the things I am most curious about is how old the snake needs to be before it can be properly sexed. I'd like to know if my new pal "Nero" (can you guess how I came up with that name? lol) is a boy or a girl.

[saber2th]

Snakes can be sexed at any age, even hatchlings. Can I ask what made you get this kind of snake as your first snake?
Here is a link to a web site that has some info on water snakes care. Hope this helps.

http://www.neherp.com/care-sheets/38...ake-care-sheet

[TreeHugger]

Can I ask what made you get this kind of snake as your first snake?

When I was was looking at the baby snakes at my local pet store, one stood out among the rest. It's scale pattern was very beautiful. When I handled the snake it seemed calmer than the rest. But mostly, I chose this type of snake because the store owner told me that they thrive on a diet of fish and small amphibians as opposed to rodents. The snake was to be a pet for my son, and since we also keep mice as pets, I didn't think he would want a snake that would like to eat his other pets for dinner.

[saber2th]

Thats cool! Some water snakes have some nice coloring. The Mud Snake is really sweet looking. Good luck! Post some pictures.