Housing

It is recommended to provide a terrarium with a minimum size of 0.9 x 0.6 x 0.9 meters (3 ‌x⁤ 2 x 3 ft) for each individual ⁣Blanding’s tree snake. Ideally, a larger enclosure of 1.2 x 0.6 x 0.9​ meters (4 x 2 ‌x 3 ft) should be provided. ​Keeping Blanding’s⁢ tree snakes in pairs can lead to cannibalism, so ‌it is best to only⁤ house them together during ⁢breeding season. However, some keepers have successfully housed⁤ them in ‌pairs year-round in large enclosures without any issues. These snakes are arboreal, so it is important to provide branches and foliage for climbing and a more naturalistic⁤ environment.

Hide ​box

While Blanding’s tree snakes do not typically hide, it ‍is still important to provide them with the option to⁢ do so. Placing a hollow piece of wood or other hiding spot⁤ at both ends ⁤of‌ the enclosure will allow your snake to thermoregulate and feel secure.

Substrate

Reptibark or other natural-looking bedding can be used as substrate. A bioactive system can also be implemented.‍ The ⁤substrate should be 0.05-0.1 meters (0.15-0.3 ft) deep.

Lighting and heating

It is recommended to use full‌ spectrum fluorescent tubes on timers for a 12-hour on ​and​ off cycle in the enclosure. The‌ heat ‌source ⁣should not be placed ⁤in the middle of the enclosure, as​ this will create a uniform temperature throughout. Instead, ‍place the ‍heat bulb on one side to create a thermoregulating environment. A 70W heat bulb should be sufficient for one hot spot with a temperature of 35 °C (95 °F). The ambient temperature in the enclosure should be 24-26 °C (75-79 °F). During winter, ‍the temperature may drop to 17-18 °C (63-65 °F) at night.

Water

Provide a water bowl for‍ your Blanding’s tree snake to⁣ drink from. You can also ⁣mist the enclosure⁢ or use a plant sprayer ⁤to ⁣provide water.

Humidity

Maintaining a humidity level of 60-70% is recommended for Blanding’s tree ‍snakes.

Feeding

The‌ diet of Blanding’s tree ​snakes will ⁤vary ​depending on their size. Newborn snakes can eat pinkies, while adults can consume rats, mice, and chicks once a‍ week. ​For adult snakes, it is recommended to feed‍ them every 10-14 days, depending on the ‌size of⁢ the ⁢prey.

Handling

Blanding’s tree​ snakes are ​known ‍to ​be⁣ defensive and not easily handled. ‍It is best to limit⁢ handling ⁣to ‌necessary tasks such as​ health⁤ checks and cage cleaning. These snakes will often ​open their mouths ⁢and strike when threatened,‌ so it is important⁣ to handle them with ⁣caution.⁢ Their venom is ​also known to be potent.

Cleaning

Spot clean any feces as⁣ soon as ⁣you ‍see them in the enclosure. The bedding should be changed ‍a few times a‍ year, ‍depending on ⁢how‌ dirty it gets and ‍the ⁢size of your⁣ snake. ⁤With two adult ‌snakes housed together, the enclosure will become dirty‌ quickly, so regular cleaning ⁤is important.

Shedding

Blanding’s tree snakes shed their skin like all other‍ snakes. Newborn snakes will shed ⁣after about 10 days. It is recommended to‌ increase​ the humidity level during shedding periods. A​ good indicator of ‌proper ⁤humidity is when your snake has a complete, ‍perfect‍ shed.

Potential health issues

Blanding’s tree snakes do not have any specific health issues,‍ but they⁣ are susceptible to common health problems that affect reptiles and snakes in general. When kept in proper conditions, they are ⁢generally hardy animals.

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