Night Snakes as Pets: Key Facts You Need to Know

Though Night Snakes might sound like an unusual pet choice, these fascinating reptiles have gained popularity among enthusiasts for their unique appearance and intriguing behavior. The history of Night Snakes as pets dates back several decades, and their popularity continues to grow due to their manageable size and relatively low maintenance requirements. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about keeping Night Snakes as pets and how to properly care for them.

Quick Reference Table: Night Snakes Facts

Fact	Description
Scientific Name	Hypsiglena torquata
Size	12-26 inches (30-66 cm)
Lifespan	10-15 years
Temperament	Shy and generally docile
Price	$50-$200

How Are Night Snakes as Pets?

Night Snakes can make great pets for the right person, particularly those with some experience in reptile care. They are generally docile and low-maintenance, making them a manageable choice for dedicated reptile enthusiasts.

Pros and Cons of Night Snakes

Pros:

• Docile and easy to handle
• Low-maintenance
• Small size makes them suitable for most living spaces

Cons:

• Not ideal for beginners due to specific care requirements
• Primarily nocturnal, which may be less engaging for some owners
• May require live food

Night Snakes Behavior and Temperament

Night Snakes are generally shy creatures that prefer to hide during the day and become more active at night. However, they are usually docile and easy to handle when they feel secure. It’s important to handle them gently and with patience, as they can become stressed if handled roughly or too frequently.

How Much Do Night Snakes Cost?

The price of a Night Snake can range from $50 to $200, depending on factors like age, size, and coloration. Initial setup costs for the appropriate habitat can range from $100 to $300, while ongoing expenses for food, substrate, and electricity for heating and lighting should be considered as well.

Night Snakes Lifespan: Time and Commitment

Night Snakes have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years, so it’s important to be prepared for a long-term commitment when adopting one as a pet. Regular care, including feeding, cleaning, and monitoring their environment, is essential to ensure their health and well-being.

Night Snakes Size

Adult Night Snakes typically range in size from 12 to 26 inches (30 to 66 cm) in length, making them a manageable size for most pet owners.

Night Snakes Species

There is only one recognized species of Night Snake, Hypsiglena torquata, but there are several subspecies with slight variations in appearance and habitat preferences.

Night Snakes Colors, Looks, and Appearances

Night Snakes have a distinct appearance, with a gray or light brown background color and darker brown or black blotches along their back. They also have a characteristic dark band that runs through their eyes, giving them a “masked” appearance.

Night Snakes Care Guide

Proper care for Night Snakes involves providing an appropriate habitat, maintaining proper temperature and humidity levels, and offering a suitable diet. Let’s explore each aspect in more detail.

Night Snakes Habitat: Tank and Housing

Appropriate Night Snakes Tank Size

An adult Night Snake will require a minimum of a 20-gallon tank, with larger enclosures being preferable for optimal comfort and well-being.

Types of Enclosures

Glass or plastic terrariums with a secure screen lid are the most common types of enclosures for Night Snakes. These enclosures allow for good ventilation and easy viewing of your pet.

Substrate Options

Aspen shavings, cypress mulch, or coconut fiber are suitable substrate options for Night Snakes. These materials help maintain proper humidity levels and provide a comfortable surface for your snake to move on.

Heating and Lighting Requirements

Night Snakes require a temperature gradient in their enclosure, with a basking spot of around 85°F (29°C) and a cooler area around 70°F (21°C). Under-tank heating pads and ceramic heat emitters can be used to achieve these temperatures. While specific UVB lighting is not required, providing a low-level UVB bulb can be beneficial for their overall health.

Humidity and Temperature Control

Maintaining proper humidity levels (40-60%) is crucial for Night Snakes. A hygrometer can be used to monitor humidity, and misting the enclosure or providing a large water bowl can help maintain appropriate levels. A thermostat should be used to regulate heating elements and maintain consistent temperatures.

Furnishings and Decorations

Provide your Night Snake with several hiding spots, such as cork bark, hollow logs, or commercial reptile hides. Climbing branches and artificial plants can also be added for enrichment and to create a more natural-looking environment.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Spot clean the enclosure daily by removing any waste and replacing soiled substrate. A complete substrate change and thorough cleaning of the enclosure should be performed every 4-6 weeks to maintain a clean and healthy environment for your Night Snake.

Night Snakes Food: Diet and Nutrition

Feeding Frequency and Schedule

Young Night Snakes should be fed once every 5-7 days, while adult Night Snakes can be fed every 10-14 days. It’s important to monitor your snake’s weight and adjust the feeding schedule accordingly to maintain a healthy body condition.

What do Night Snakes Eat?

Night Snakes primarily eat small lizards and amphibians in the wild, but in captivity, they can be fed appropriately-sized mice or feeder insects such as crickets and mealworms.

Night Snakes Treats

Occasionally, you can offer your Night Snake a treat such as a small lizard or amphibian. However, these should be given sparingly and not as a regular part of their diet.

Foods to Avoid

Avoid feeding your Night Snake any wild-caught prey, as it can introduce parasites or pathogens into their system. Stick to commercially-raised feeder animals and insects for their safety.

Supplements and Vitamins

Calcium and vitamin supplements are generally not required for Night Snakes, as a proper diet should provide all the necessary nutrients. However, if you’re concerned about your snake’s nutrition, consult with a reptile veterinarian for guidance.

Hydration

Provide a shallow water dish in the enclosure for your Night Snake to drink from and soak in. Ensure the water is clean and fresh, changing it daily or as needed.

Handling and Socialization

Taming and Bonding

Night Snakes can be tamed and become more comfortable with handling over time. Start by handling your snake for short periods, gradually increasing the duration as they become more accustomed to your presence. Be patient and gentle, as rough or frequent handling can stress your snake.

Safe Handling Techniques

When handling your Night Snake, gently pick them up by supporting their body with both hands, avoiding sudden movements. Keep a firm but gentle grip, allowing them to move through your fingers without constricting them.

Signs of Stress and Illness

Stressed or ill Night Snakes may display symptoms such as loss of appetite, lethargy, or abnormal behavior. If you notice any of these signs, reduce handling and consult with a reptile veterinarian for further guidance.

Introducing Night Snakes to Other Pets

Introducing Night Snakes to other pets should be done with caution, as they may view smaller animals as prey or become stressed in the presence of larger, more aggressive animals. It’s best to keep Night Snakes separate from other pets and supervise any interactions closely.

Health and Wellness

Common Health Issues

Night Snakes can be susceptible to common reptile health issues, such as respiratory infections, parasites, and shedding problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent many of these issues.

Signs of a Healthy Night Snake

A healthy Night Snake will have clear, bright eyes, smooth skin, and a well-rounded body. They should be alert and responsive, with a strong appetite and regular shedding cycles.

Preventative Care

Preventative care for Night Snakes includes maintaining a clean and appropriate habitat, providing a proper diet, and scheduling regular veterinary check-ups. Ensure that your snake’s enclosure is properly heated and humidified, and monitor for any signs of illness or stress.

Finding a Reptile Veterinarian

Locate a reptile veterinarian who specializes in snake care to ensure that your Night Snake receives the best possible care throughout their life. Regular check-ups and prompt attention to any health concerns are essential for your snake’s well-being.

Breeding and Reproduction

Determining Gender

Determining the gender of a Night Snake can be challenging, as there are no obvious external differences between males and females. A reptile veterinarian or experienced breeder can help determine the gender through a process called probing or by observing behavior during the breeding season.

Mating Behavior and Courtship

Night Snakes engage in courtship rituals during the breeding season, typically in the spring. Males will search for females, using their sense of smell to locate them. Once they find a receptive female, they will engage in a mating dance, eventually copulating to fertilize her eggs.

Gravidity and Egg-laying

Female Night Snakes become gravid after successful mating and will lay their eggs approximately 1-2 months later. They typically lay 3-9 eggs in a hidden location, such as under logs or rocks, to keep them safe and protected.

Incubation and Hatching

Night Snake eggs require a consistent temperature and humidity to incubate properly. The incubation period lasts about 50-60 days, after which the hatchlings will emerge. Hatchlings are independent from birth and will begin hunting for food shortly after hatching.

Caring for Hatchlings

The care for Night Snake hatchlings is similar to that of adults, with a focus on providing an appropriate enclosure, diet, and environmental conditions. Ensure that the enclosure is escape-proof, as hatchlings can be quite small and agile.

Are Night Snakes Legal?

Before owning a Night Snake, it’s important to check local laws and regulations, as some areas may have restrictions on keeping certain reptiles as pets. Always obtain your Night Snake from a reputable breeder or rescue organization to ensure that they have been legally and ethically sourced.

Popular Names for Night Snakes

Here’s a list of fun and interesting names for your Night Snake:

• Luna
• Shadow
• Twilight
• Eclipse
• Midnight
• Solstice
• Starlight
• Noctis
• Astra
• Phantom

Conclusion: Should You Own Night Snakes as Pets?

Night Snakes can make fascinating and rewarding pets for the right owner. They require proper care and attention, including a suitable diet, well-maintained enclosure, and regular veterinary check-ups. Owning a Night Snake can be an enjoyable experience, offering the opportunity to observe their unique behaviors and form a bond with these intriguing creatures. As with any pet, responsible ownership is key to ensuring the health and happiness of your Night Snake.

FAQ for Pet Night Snakes

Q: Are Night Snakes good pets?

A: Night Snakes can make interesting pets for experienced reptile enthusiasts, but they may not be suitable for beginners due to their specific care requirements and nocturnal habits.

Q: Can Night Snakes eat grapes, bananas, strawberries, apples, spinach, tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, watermelon, broccoli, blueberries, celery, cabbage, cilantro, kale, blackberries, oranges, avocados, corn, or asparagus?

A: No, Night Snakes are carnivorous and primarily eat small prey like rodents, birds, and other reptiles. They should not be fed fruits or vegetables.

Q: How often do Night Snakes eat?

A: Night Snakes typically eat once every 1-2 weeks, depending on their size and age.

Q: How long do Night Snakes live?

A: Night Snakes can live up to 12-15 years in captivity with proper care.

Q: Where are Night Snakes native?

A: Night Snakes are native to North and Central America, ranging from southern Canada to Honduras.

Q: Are Night Snakes friendly?

A: Night Snakes can become accustomed to handling, but their temperament varies. Regular, gentle handling can help them become more comfortable around humans.

Q: Do Night Snakes bite?

A: Night Snakes may bite if they feel threatened, but they are generally not aggressive towards humans.

Q: Do Night Snakes like to be held?

A: Some Night Snakes may tolerate handling, but they generally prefer not to be held. It’s important to handle them gently and infrequently to minimize stress.

Q: Are Night Snakes nocturnal?

A: Yes, Night Snakes are nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night.

Q: Do Night Snakes pee?

A: Yes, Night Snakes excrete waste in the form of urates, which are semi-solid and white, along with their feces.

Q: Do Night Snakes hibernate?

A: Night Snakes may undergo brumation, a period of reduced activity during colder months, but it is not a true hibernation.

Q: Do Night Snakes make noise?

A: Night Snakes are generally quiet, but they may hiss if they feel threatened.

Q: Are Night Snakes venomous or poisonous?

A: Night Snakes are mildly venomous, but their venom is not dangerous to humans.

Q: Are Night Snakes smart?

A: Night Snakes have basic problem-solving and learning abilities, but their intelligence is not well-studied.

Q: Do Night Snakes need heat at night?

A: Yes, Night Snakes require a consistent temperature gradient in their enclosure, including heat at night.

Q: Do Night Snakes lay eggs?

A: No, Night Snakes are ovoviviparous, which means they give birth to live young.

Q: Do Night Snakes smell?

A: Night Snakes generally do not have a strong odor, but maintaining proper hygiene in their enclosure can help prevent any unpleasant smells.