Ringneck Snake Care Sheet

Diadophis punctatus

Northern Ringneck Snake

Description: The Northern Ringneck Snake is shy and reclusive in its behavior. It prefers to spend its day hiding in the crevices of bark from trees or underneath areas that are moist. They only reach lengths of 12-18 inches. Ringneck’s would much rather flee than put up a fight when being captured. These little critters are not suitable for the novice herper as they can be finicky eaters and the accommodations for keeping them can vary from snake to snake.

Substrate: 1/3 Peat Moss, 1/3 Sand, 1/3 Soil placed at a depth of about 1 inch or

     Any combination suitable for a temperate forest habitat.

Housing: 10-gallon terrarium will last the reptile its entire life.

Diet: Crickets, wax worms, earthworms, and salamanders.

Temperatures: Daytime temp: 70°F - 75°F

Basking Spot: 80°F - 85°F

Nighttime temp: 65°F - 70°F

Other: Water bowl with a diameter of 3 inches and a depth of 1 inch is recommended.

            The terrarium substrate must be moist at all times. Spraying the terrarium daily with a water bottle is ideal.

            A 10-gallon terrarium is suitable for up to two snakes.

           If the snake refuses to eat try rubbing a salamander against an earthworm and then offering the earthworm.