Southern Ringneck snakes originate from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina. A Southern Ringneck snake has a very distinctive body size and color pattern that makes it an easily recognizable snake. A Southern Ringneck snake only grows to a length of 10 - 15 inches long. Raising Southern Ringneck snakes requires extensive prior research and preparation to provide a living environment that exactly replicates a natural setting or else the snakes will not survive. Only experienced snake owners should attempt to raise Southern Ringneck snakes.
Body color
The top portion of a Southern Ringneck snake’s head and body is a shiny black, indigo, or dull dark gray color. A ring that is red, orange, or yellow is the only break in the solid body color and is located just behind the head. The belly of the snake is the same color as the ring, but much brighter. There are also small solid half-moon looking black spots along the center of the belly running the entire length of the snake’s body.
Eating habits
Southern Ringneck snakes have a reputation for being difficult eaters in captivity. The best method to encourage consistent eating habits is to provide numerous hiding places and a wide array of food that is constantly available including insects, earthworms, small snakes, fish, small lizards, skinks, slugs, salamanders and frogs. During the months October through January Southern Ringneck snakes often become lethargic with decreased eating habits because of the snake’s natural instinct to hibernate.
Poison
A Southern Ringneck snake is a rear-fanged snake, which means it is venomous. They are, however, harmless to a healthy adult human. The poison evolved over numerous generations and some species of Ringneck snakes, such as the Northern Ringneck snake, have higher levels of venom. The Southern Ringneck snake contains an extremely low level of venom. The mouth is very small and the teeth are set far back in the snake’s mouth. The snake uses the venom to attack and consume food that is larger than the small snake.
Living Habitat
Southern Ringneck snakes are extremely reclusive and prefer to live in a large collective group. The living habitat must equally balance the ability to hunt, hide, and lay on a flat uncovered warm surface. The ability to hunt and hide will intertwine using flat rocks loosely piled in a stack, wood and sticks that provide loose bark, pine needles, store bought sterile soil, and areas with water. Utilize real or artificial plants and mist with water on a regular basis, which will help provide needed humidity.
Reproduce
Southern Ringneck snakes reproduce during the months of March and April. They lay eggs in May, June, or July and hatch 2 - 3 months later. The eggs are stored in large groups under rock piles and logs in a hot humid area. Many snakes share the same nesting area. The snakes will often lay their eggs in the exact same spot every year.
WARNING
NEVER attempt to raise a Southern Ringneck snake caught and removed from the wild. A wild caught Southern Ringneck snake will not eat in captivity and will secrete a fowl musky smell used as a defense mechanism. Purchase a Southern Ringneck snake from exotic pet suppliers. It is best to be sure that a Southern Ringneck snake was captive born and has already developed eating habits prior to purchasing.
Copyright © 2016 John Mallozzi
