A ~ C ~ S~N~A~K~E~S Snake Breeders Based in Leicestershire, England, UK

AFRICAN BROWN HOUSE SNAKE CARE GUIDE Boaedon Fuliginosus Introduction African Brown House Snakes are a small, non venomous colubrid that is sexually dimorphic in that females grow significantly larger than males. The name "House Snake" was given as they are often found around houses and other buildings looking for food. House snakes are easy to maintain in captivity and make a great alternative to the more common species which are usually recommended for beginners. There is a great deal that is not fully understood regarding house snakes especially in the areas of identification of individual species and of genetics which makes them an excellent challenge for the more experienced keeper. A largely terrestrial species who are believed to be nocturnal. Experience Level Beginner Temperament Generally very placid Captive Variants Wild Type Expected Adult Length Males 60 - 100cm : Females 100 - 140cm Recommended Housing Vivarium or plastic tubs We prefer to use tubs as we have found them to be much easier to keep clean. Other requirements: -Small water bowl -A minimum of 2 hides (1 in the cool end and 1 in the warm end) at least one of which should be moist As House Snakes inhabit many different environments we would recommend offering as much variation as possible for example climbing branches and low level greenery as well as dry and moist areas, all of which will probably be well used. In general we have found our fuliginosus do better with a slightly higher humidity than our cape house snakes. Suggested Housing Sizes Housing sizes are a matter of personal preference (for you and your snake) and you should choose what best suits you but we generally use the Really Useful Products plastic tubs and move up in size as the snake grows. For particularly small hatchlings we often start them off in plastic takeaway food storage tubs to prevent escapees. Some of our tub size recommendations are listed below. 0.35Ltr - 155mm x 100mm x 40mm - Hatchlings 1.75Ltr - 245mm x 180mm x 70mm - Large Hatchlings 5 Litre - 340mm x 200mm x 125mm - Yearlings 9 Litre - 395mm x 255mm x 155mm - Larger Yearling Females, Sub Adult Males 12 Litre - 465mm x 270mm x 150mm - Sub Adult Females, Adult Males 24.5Ltr - 600mm x 400mm x 150mm - Adult Females, Large Adult Males 50 Litre - 710mm x 440mm x 230mm - Large Adult Females When moving snakes into a larger enclosure, particularly if the snake is a little nervous or has a tendency to go off their food easily, we fill the enclosure with extra greenery to ensure they feel secure. As they begin to settle we remove pieces of greenery to allow them more space to move around in. It is also a good idea to put an unwashed item of furniture or greenery from their old enclosure into their new enclosure for the first few days as we find that something familiar helps them acclimatise to their new surroundings much more quickly. Temperature Range 21°C (70°F) to 31°C (88°F) Recommended Heating Viv - Guarded Ceramic heater or heat mat Tub - Heat mat Whichever method is used, the temperature should be controlled by a suitable thermostat and monitored using a digital thermometer. Origin Africa Natural Environment Found in a wide range of environments including ; scrublands, forests, wooded areas, grasslands, coastal areas, shrublands, heathlands, houses, barns and other buildings. Recommended Substrate We use Aspen and provide two moist hides of vermiculite and/or moss. Natural Diet Mostly Rodents but will also eat Lizards and occasionally Bats, Birds, Frogs and even other snakes. Primary Captive Diet Rodents Other Observations Care should be taken when feeding your house snake as they are usually quite aggressive feeders! This care guide has been written by us at AC Snakes for your information and guidance.   It will be updated and expanded as regularly as we are able, however it should not be used as your only source of care information.   Prior to purchasing any animal it is strongly recommended that you research extensively to ensure that you can provide the correct care for your pet.   Last updated May 2012

Website and all images copyright A C Snakes | www.acsnakes.co.uk | Created and maintained by Adam & Charlotte Wilford