Anyone with northern brown snake experiance?
I volunteer at a wildlife rehabilitation center and about 2 weeks ago we got in an 11 gram northern brown snake. It'd been stuck in garden netting and has several deep lacerations, the veterinarian says he'll make a full recovery, however he will miss the release window for this year and we'll have to over-winter him. I would like to know what kind of husbandry he will need to remain healthy, eat, and be minimally stressed this winter. I've only dealt with black rat snakes with the injury, and they've been super easy. Also, I know that they mainly feed on invertebrates, so what can we offer (other than crickets, meal-worms, and wax-worms). One of the veterinarians wanted to force feed him since he has not eaten since the day after he came in, but he's just so tiny! I know that ball pythons go off food, but I know colubrids have higher metabolisms, and it would be in his best interest to eat on his own. Thanks in advance for any help.
Re: Anyone with northern brown snake experiance?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
MarkS
Go to the bait store and pick up some fishing worms, that's what I've used in the past.
These work well. If the worms are too big you can cut them in half if needed.
Don't be surprised if he doesn't eat a lot over the winter. They can still sense the change of the seasons even if kept warm. My garters slow way down on eating over the winter and pick up again in the spring, even though their enclosure temperatures don't change.
Re: Anyone with northern brown snake experiance?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
distaff
Here is another link by someone who has kept them.
http://blogs.thatpetplace.com/thatre.../#.VhVuwKdVK1E
Personally, I would distrust any vet that advocated force feeding as anything but a last resort.
Hope the info helps.
Good luck with him.
They are beautiful little creatures.
I said they same thing, IMO he's not eating now because he's in a terrarium without substrate that he can burrow in due to the open wounds, and is being handled daily to care for the wounds. They are granulating in well so this weekend, I'm going to attempt to give him a more natural habitat. I just needed some tips on natural set up / food, and these posts have been extremely helpful
Re: Anyone with northern brown snake experiance?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Crowfingers
I said they same thing, IMO he's not eating now because he's in a terrarium without substrate that he can burrow in due to the open wounds, and is being handled daily to care for the wounds. They are granulating in well so this weekend, I'm going to attempt to give him a more natural habitat. I just needed some tips on natural set up / food, and these posts have been extremely helpful
My garters do well on aspen. I think the little northern you guys have would be fine in it also. At least for feeding you can put a worms in and not worry about the feeder hurting the snake.
Re: Anyone with northern brown snake experiance - update
About 2 weeks ago I went out and collected dry leaves and branches, put eco-earth in the tank and put his heat lights on a thermostat to keep everything perfect, and added a ton of foliage (fake and real). Since then, he's eaten every 2 days and is maintaining weight at a whopping 11 grams. All his wounds are healed and he has had 1 perfect shed so far.
Re: Anyone with northern brown snake experiance - update
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Crowfingers
About 2 weeks ago I went out and collected dry leaves and branches, put eco-earth in the tank and put his heat lights on a thermostat to keep everything perfect, and added a ton of foliage (fake and real). Since then, he's eaten every 2 days and is maintaining weight at a whopping 11 grams. All his wounds are healed and he has had 1 perfect shed so far.
Awesome,
Glad to her it's doing well. Good on you.
