Dekay’s Brown Snakes, often understated in the reptile pet world, present a unique appeal for enthusiasts. If you’re considering a reptile companion and asking “are Dekay’s Brown Snakes good pets?”, you’ve come to the right place. This guide dives deep into the specifics of Dekay’s Brown Snake care, helping you determine if this subtle serpent is the right fit for your lifestyle. It’s important to note we’re discussing the Northern Brown Snake (Storeria dekayi) here, distinct from the highly venomous Brown Snakes of Australia.
Understanding Dekay’s Brown Snakes
The Northern Brown Snake, or Dekay’s Snake as it’s commonly known, is a native North American species that often flies under the radar in the pet trade. However, for those who appreciate delicate beauty and unique reptilian behaviors, they offer a fascinating pet ownership experience. Let’s explore what makes them tick and whether they align with your pet-keeping goals.
Natural Habitat and Behavior in the Wild
Dekay’s Snakes boast a broad distribution across the Western Hemisphere, ranging from southern Canada, throughout the United States east of the Rocky Mountains, and into northern Mexico. This adaptability speaks volumes about their resilience. They thrive in diverse environments, including dense forests, open prairies, and even marshlands, showing a preference for moist soils but also inhabiting drier areas.
This wide habitat tolerance is key to understanding why you might even find these snakes in suburban, agricultural, and urban settings. They are often found underground, seeking refuge and moisture. However, heavy rains can sometimes drive them out into the open. Interestingly, they hibernate during winter, often communally, sharing dens peacefully with species like garter snakes, red-bellied snakes, and green snakes. Primarily nocturnal, especially during warmer months, they are generally solitary creatures, except when congregating for hibernation. Understanding their natural behaviors is the first step in providing appropriate care in captivity, and crucial in evaluating if they are good pets for you.
Appearance and Size: Small but Striking
Slender and graceful, the Dekay’s Snake typically measures between 9 to 13 inches in length, with exceptional individuals reaching up to 20 inches. Their coloration is generally brown or tan, but some exhibit attractive reddish or yellowish hues, adding a touch of visual variety. They are frequently mistaken for Garter Snakes, but a distinguishing feature is the two lines of black spots running along their backs. Mature females tend to be about 15% larger than males, allowing for potential sexing by snout-to-vent length. For potential owners, this size difference can be a factor; those wanting a slightly larger pet might prefer a female, while those with limited space could opt for a male. Their manageable size is often seen as a positive aspect when considering if Dekay’s Brown Snakes are good pets, especially for beginners or those with space constraints.
Babies and Lifespan: What to Expect
Dekay’s Snakes are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young, sometimes in surprisingly large numbers. A typical litter size ranges from 10 to 14, born in late summer, but litters as large as 41 have been recorded. They reach sexual maturity by the end of their second summer, having usually doubled in length by this time. If housing multiple snakes together, sexing at maturity is crucial to prevent unexpected offspring. However, it’s worth noting that Dekay’s Snakes have a relatively short lifespan, averaging around 7 years even with excellent care. This shorter lifespan compared to some other reptile pets is something to consider when deciding if they are good pets for you, particularly in terms of commitment.
Temperament and Handling: Are They Docile?
When it comes to temperament, Dekay’s Brown Snakes are generally shy and non-aggressive. Being prey animals to many predators in the wild, they are naturally cautious. They rarely bite, which is a significant plus for many pet owners. However, when stressed, they may release a foul-smelling musk as a defense mechanism. Most individuals tolerate short periods of gentle handling, but it’s crucial to respect their boundaries.
When feeling threatened, they might flatten their bodies to appear larger and adopt a defensive posture. The musk release is a clear signal to cease handling and allow the snake to acclimate to your presence. While they are not known for biting, consistent excessive handling can be stressful. For those seeking a very interactive pet that enjoys frequent handling, Dekay’s Brown Snakes might not be the ideal choice. However, their docile nature and low bite risk make them appealing to owners who prioritize observation over constant interaction, and certainly contribute to the argument for “are Dekay’s brown snakes good pets” for certain owners.
Creating the Ideal Habitat for Your Dekay’s Brown Snake
Housing: Keeping Them Secure and Comfortable
A 10-gallon tank can comfortably house a single Dekay’s Brown Snake. For those looking to house a small group of 2-3 mature adults, a 20-gallon tank is more appropriate. They are excellent candidates for naturalistic terrariums with live plants, which can significantly enrich their captive environment and encourage natural behaviors. If using a tank with a screen lid, securing it with cage clips is essential. Despite their small size, they are adept at escaping through even the tiniest gaps. A water bowl is a necessary addition to their enclosure. Security and enrichment are key aspects of Dekay’s Brown Snake care.
Substrate: Mimicking Their Natural Environment
Unlike some snake species, Dekay’s Snakes do not thrive on newspaper or bare enclosures. Their terrarium should be furnished with a substrate that mimics their natural habitat. Suitable options include rainforest-type reptile substrates like Zoo Med Forest Floor Bedding, coco-husk, or aspen. Sand should be avoided. Sterilized garden or forest soil can also be used; sterilize any wild-collected soil at 250°F for 30 minutes to eliminate potential parasites or pathogens. Adding large, dead leaves to the substrate is highly beneficial, mimicking their natural leaf litter environment. The substrate depth should be at least 4 inches, allowing for burrowing. Small pieces of partially rotted bark can also serve as excellent hides, particularly favored by females. Integrating pothos and other viney plants provides a sense of security and can increase their activity levels, making their enclosure more engaging to observe.
Hides: Providing Security and Reducing Stress
Hides are essential for Dekay’s Brown Snakes, as they are a naturally secretive species. Providing at least one, or preferably two smaller hides, is crucial. Hides made from easily sanitized materials are practical. While plastic hides and branches may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, they are easy to clean and disinfect. Cork wood hides offer a more natural look but can be more challenging to sanitize and may have rough edges. Natural items collected from outdoors should be baked at 200°F for 30 minutes to sanitize them before use. Regardless of the type of hide chosen, ensure all edges are smooth to prevent scale rot or injuries.
Temperature: Keeping it Just Right
One of the appealing aspects of Dekay’s Brown Snakes is their relatively simple temperature requirements, aligning closely with typical household temperatures. Many keepers find that a basking area is unnecessary, and normal room temperatures are sufficient. If a basking lamp is used, it must be carefully positioned to ensure the temperature never exceeds 90°F at the closest point to the snake. Remember, despite being burrowers, they are also capable climbers, so ensure there are no accessible gaps at the top of the enclosure where they might escape, especially near heat sources.
An undertank heating mat is recommended by experienced keepers, particularly for nighttime use if your home gets cool, to prevent accidental brumation (reptilian hibernation). Avoid placing hides directly over the heat mat unless you have monitored temperatures for at least a week beforehand. Initially, position the hide halfway between the cooler and warmer ends of the tank to establish a proper temperature gradient. A cold environment can induce brumation, which, while natural, is not strictly necessary in captivity and can lead to lethargy and reduced appetite. Regular temperature monitoring is crucial for their well-being.
Light and Humidity: Balancing the Environment
Providing both humid and drier areas within the enclosure is important. A corner cave or rotted log filled with sphagnum moss, spritzed every other day, creates an ideal moist retreat. Dekay’s Snakes thrive in moderately humid conditions, not tropical but certainly not desert-like. An average humidity of 40% is suitable, increasing to 60-65% during shedding.
If you choose to mist during shedding, use warm water and mist the entire habitat, not just the snake, to avoid shocking them with cold water. If you’re away and your snake is shedding, provide a second water source or damp sphagnum moss to maintain humidity. Given their burrowing nature and preference for hiding under leaf litter, a consistently moist hide is beneficial. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels daily and adjust as needed. Lighting can be basic; fluorescent lights that do not add heat are suitable. Artificial lights should be on a timer for a 12-hour day/night cycle. Pale red ceramic night lighting can be used for evening viewing, but should also be timed for no more than 6 hours past dusk.
Diet and Feeding: What Do Dekay’s Brown Snakes Eat?
Primarily Insect Eaters: A Diet of Invertebrates
Dekay’s Brown Snakes are primarily insectivores. Their natural diet consists of composting worms, beetle grubs, slugs, caterpillars, crickets, and other soft-bodied invertebrates. While larger adults may occasionally consume salamanders, this is uncommon. In captivity, they thrive on a diet of earthworms, black soldier fly larvae, butterworms, mealworm pupae, and canned silkworms. They possess specialized teeth and jaws that allow them to extract snails from their shells, making snails an occasional, enriching treat for observation.
Crickets can be offered periodically, but should not be the sole diet and never left in the enclosure for extended periods as they can harm the snake. Red wigglers should be avoided. If offering wild-caught snails, annual deworming is recommended. Waxworms and adult mealworms should be limited. Well-fed and gut-loaded compost worms are an excellent staple food. For snakes on a limited diet, a weekly calcium supplement like ZooMed Repti-Calcium is essential. They can consume worms almost as large as themselves, but smaller worms are better initially.
Feeding Frequency: Little and Often
Dekay’s Snakes are best fed several small meals weekly. Establishing earthworms and other invertebrates in a bioactive terrarium provides hunting opportunities and entertainment for both the snake and the owner.
Gut Loading Feeders: Enhancing Nutritional Value
As insectivores, calcium and protein are crucial. Ensure feeder insects are well-gut-loaded before feeding. Some Dekay’s Snakes may also accept very small fish like feeder guppies from their water bowl, offering a protein boost. However, stick to guppies and avoid feeder goldfish, which contain thiaminase, an enzyme that inhibits thiamine absorption, essential for snake health. Creative keepers sometimes offer pinky mice rubbed with slug juice to provide additional protein and calcium, though this should be infrequent, perhaps once a month.
Maintaining a Healthy Environment: Cleaning and Sanitation
Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Cleaning Routines
Maintaining sanitation is vital for Dekay’s Brown Snake health. Snake feces can have a distinct and unpleasant odor if not addressed promptly.
Daily Cleaning: Spot clean any visible feces daily.
Weekly Cleaning: Remove and replace the top inch of substrate weekly.
Bi-weekly Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe furniture should be cleaned in a dishwasher every two weeks.
Monthly Cleaning: Perform a thorough monthly cleaning. Remove all contents, and spray the enclosure interior with a 10% bleach solution. For glass tanks, after bleach removal, spray with vinegar and wipe down for clarity. Use no more than a 10% bleach solution and ensure all bleach residue is removed after a 30-minute soak before returning the snake. After wiping down, wait another 30 minutes, replace the substrate, and sanitize and reposition furniture before reintroducing the snake. A separate holding container is useful during monthly cleaning. A Tupperware box with a secure lid, a thick towel at the bottom, and a warm location (or undertank heater placed underneath, with a towel barrier between the heater and plastic) is suitable. Preheat the holding box for at least 10 minutes before placing the snake inside to minimize stress.
Common Health Issues in Dekay’s Brown Snakes
Snake Fungal Disease (SFD)
Snake Fungal Disease (Ophidiomycosis), caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola, is a significant threat to snake populations. Dekay’s Snakes were identified as a new host species in 2017. SFD begins with fungal entry through skin breaks, leading to necrotic and thickened epidermis with yellow to brown crusts. In severe cases, it can invade muscle and even affect the face and eyes. Infected snakes may molt frequently to shed the infection, but reinfection is possible.
SFD is spreading rapidly, likely through environmental contamination and communal hibernation sites. Diagnosis is through clinical signs, fungal PCR testing, histopathology, or fungal culture. Treatment with antifungal medications like Terbinafine, via implant or nebulization, shows promise, but treatment in small, fragile species like Dekay’s Snakes is challenging and requires careful aftercare. Prevention through strict sanitation and sourcing snakes from reputable breeders is paramount.
Mouth Rot (Infectious Stomatitis)
Mouth rot, or Ulcerative Stomatitis, is common in colubrids like Dekay’s Snakes. It involves oral cavity ulcers and increased mucus, often caused by immunosuppression from stress, poor nutrition, improper temperatures, overcrowding, parasites, trauma, vitamin deficiencies, or calcium/phosphorus imbalances. Bacteria like Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Salmonella, and Klebsiella, and sometimes Mycobacteria, are culprits.
Mouth rot starts in the mouth and throat, unlike SFD which often begins on the body. Signs include pus, excessive mucus, swelling or redness in/around the mouth, inability to close the mouth, reduced tongue flicking, and gingival necrosis. A “cottage cheese” appearance in the mouth indicates tissue erosion. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and husbandry history. Samples may be taken to identify bacterial or fungal causes.
Prognosis is severity-dependent, but many recover with proper care. Lesions are cleansed with 1.5% hydrogen peroxide or povidone-iodine solution, and topical antibiotics or silvadene cream may be prescribed. Daily treatment until healed, supportive care like supplemental heat and humidity, and nutritional support are crucial. Force-feeding or tube feeding may be necessary in severe cases, though difficult in small snakes. Prevention through sanitized habitats and addressing underlying stressors through proper diet and care is key.
Are Dekay’s Brown Snakes Good Pets? Weighing the Pros and Cons
So, are Dekay’s Brown Snakes good pets? The answer is nuanced and depends on your expectations and capabilities as a pet owner.
Pros:
- Small Size: Ideal for those with limited space.
- Docile Temperament: Rarely bite, making them safe to handle (with care and respect).
- Relatively Simple Care: Temperature requirements align with typical household conditions.
- Fascinating to Observe: Naturalistic terrariums and bioactive setups allow for observation of natural behaviors.
- Unique Diet: Insectivorous diet can be interesting and manageable.
Cons:
- Not Ideal for Handling: Shy and prefer observation over frequent handling.
- Specific Environmental Needs: Require attention to humidity, substrate, and secure enclosures.
- Shorter Lifespan: Average lifespan of around 7 years.
- Potential Health Issues: Susceptible to SFD and Mouth Rot, requiring preventative care and monitoring.
- Musk Defense: Can release a foul-smelling musk when stressed.
Conclusion: A Subtle Charm for the Right Owner
Dekay’s Brown Snakes are not demanding in terms of space or complex heating setups, but they do require attentive care to their specific needs, particularly regarding humidity, diet, and sanitation. They are best suited for owners who appreciate the subtle beauty of small, non-flashy reptiles and are fascinated by creating naturalistic environments and observing natural behaviors.
If you are looking for a pet snake that is constantly seeking interaction and enjoys being handled frequently, Dekay’s Brown Snakes are likely not the best choice. However, if you are drawn to the quiet charm of a less-demanding reptile, enjoy the intricacies of creating a bioactive terrarium, and are committed to providing a species-appropriate environment and diet, then a Dekay’s Brown Snake can indeed be a rewarding and fascinating pet. For the right keeper, the answer to “are Dekay’s Brown Snakes good pets?” is a definite yes.
Happy Herping!
