Brown Snake/DeKay Help with Feeding

[MorpheusMom]

Hi everyone! I'm new to this forum, so I hope you can help me. I found a brown snake (DeKay) a week ago and I have not had any luck feeding him. I currently have him in a 10 gallon tank with Aspen shavings (which he LOVES to hide under and peek his little head out of), some places to hide and climb, and of course, a water bowl. Temperature is not regulated currently, but it's summer and pretty warm here. Humidity in the tank is between 60 and 85 (variable). He is so sweet! Very calm, seems to like being handled and I have yet to see him nervous or "spazzed out." I just can't get him to eat. I've tried earthworms, wax worms, meal worms and small slugs (found in a pesticide-free garden). I've mostly tried feeding him outside of the tank (as I don't want him to accidentally ingest the aspen shavings), but he doesn't really like to be in a separate container (currently either a large jar or small shoebox). I'm open to any suggestions, ideas, tips, etc. on how to get him to eat (or maybe I shouldn't worry about it yet?). I will absolutely let him go back to the wild if he won't eat soon, but I think he likes his new home (maybe I'm projecting?). I'd love tips not just on diet, but also where/how to feed him. Any tips appreciated!

[Ironpriest88]

You could try putting the food in a small dish inside the tank. I tend to do that with my female dekay. Earthworms and slugs are the main staple of their diet (or only rather). If using worms (which I prefer) cut up the worm into 3 or 4 pieces so it doesn't crawl out of the container.

If the snake isn't used to eating worms, it won't go for it so you'll have to start with slugs and then work into feeding worms. If he doesn't eat, wait 2 or 3 days and then try again, just plop a container with worms/ slugs in and leave him be, if anything cover the container a bit so it's hidden. And if you are worried about the aspen shavings, what I tend to do is clear it away from the feeding dish a little.

[guidofatherof5]

Welcome to the forum. Storeria dekayi are an awesome snake.
Give the snake a little more time to settle in. A week without food isn't that long.
Rafael has given you some good advice.
I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say we would love to see a photo.
You should also keep in mind that some snakes don't take to captivity and that for some being released back into the wild is best for them
Just something to think about.
Best of luck with your new friend.
Species Profile: Brown Snake (Storeria dekayi) | SREL Herpetology

[Odie]

Hi, from Oregon, MorpheusMom

[infernalis]

I have worked with a lot of these, and maybe you have a shy eater.

For a shy eater you may have to feed inside the same enclosure that the snake lives in. I have a nice female right now that will only eat if I offer her the worms without touching her, meaning I have to give her the worms inside her home enclosure, If I pick her up and put her in a feeding box, she refuses to eat.

[guidofatherof5]

Thanks Wayne.
I was hoping you'd jump in on this thread, since you are very well versed in the art of the dekayi.

[MorpheusMom]

Thanks everyone for the great advice! I like the idea of putting in a dish with some cover for him - I will definitely try this and let you know. He still hasn't eaten, but I haven't offered him anything for 2 days - I thought I'd let him relax for a while and try again today or tomorrow. I will also get a picture and post soon. I think he is really enjoying his terrarium - he's been burrowing under the shavings and hides his whole body, except for his little head peeking out, tongue flickering. Today, I found him climbing over the driftwood "climber" I put in there for him and when I approached the tank to say hi, he actually came closer to where I was as if to say "hi" back. I agree that if he doesn't take to captivity, I will absolutely release him, but I'm really hoping he eats because I'm getting pretty attached! ;-) Thanks all and I will report back soon (with a picture!).

[Plissken]

Maybe dekayi's are exceptions, but aren't wax and meal worms also a no-no for a snake diet?

[RedSidedSPR]

Yes

[infernalis]

Maybe dekayi's are exceptions, but aren't wax and meal worms also a no-no for a snake diet?

Correct, they are insect larvae.