Dekay's brown snake (Storeria dekayi)
Photo: Benjamin Genter / CC0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Reptile · Colubrid

Dekay's brown snake care guide

Storeria dekayi

Beginner

The dekay's brown snake is a beginner-level colubrid from E North America incl. S Ontario, S Quebec. Adults reach 25–45 cm and live 5–8 years in captivity. Needs a moist, leaf-litter setup. Small groups OK.

  • Enclosure 45 × 30 × 30 cm
  • Temp 22–26°C
  • Humidity 60–80%
Plan this build Best plants for this animal

How much does a dekay's brown snake cost in Canada?

Animal$20–60Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$370–730Enclosure $120–230 · equipment $190–420 · bioactive supplies ≈ $70
Yearly upkeep$80–150Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$470–940All prices CAD, estimates

Dekay's brown snake quick facts

Skill level
Beginner
Adult size
25–45 cm
Lifespan
5–8 years
Activity
Diurnal
Native range
E North America incl. S Ontario, S Quebec
Minimum enclosure
45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
Housing
Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal.
Temperature
22–26°C
Humidity
60–80%
UVB
Recommended
Diet
Carnivore – earthworms, slugs, snails
Bioactive style
Temperate forest

Dekay's brown snake enclosure & bioactive setup

Give one adult at least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 inches). Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a temperate forest bioactive build.

  1. Leaf litter2 cm
  2. Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 cm

Keep a moisture gradient: drier on top and at the warm end, slightly moist underneath and at the cool end.

Temperature: 22–26°C. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Recommended.

What does a dekay's brown snake eat?

Carnivore – earthworms, slugs, snails. Feed earthworms or slugs every 3–4 days.

Handling, temperament & health

Small and gentle; may musk.

Health watch: Watch for dehydration and weight loss.

Cleaning & maintenance schedule

Daily

  • Check temperatures and refresh water.

Weekly

  • Lightly moisten the cool end and lower soil.
  • Spot-clean waste.

Monthly

  • Top up leaf litter; check hides and branches are stable.

Yearly

  • Partially refresh soil in high-traffic areas.
  • Replace UVB bulbs (if used).

Recommended for a dekay's brown snake bioactive

Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 30 × 30 cm).

Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix Bioactive soil layer, 8 cm Qty: 1 × 3L + 1 × 9Lfrom $12.99 Coco Husk Chips - Dried Loose Pack Coco Husk Chips - Dried Loose Pack Optional top layer (coco husk chips) Qty: 1 × 9L · optionalfrom $7.99 Red Oak Leaves 15/Pack Red Oak Leaves 15/Pack Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew Qty: 1 pack$10.99 Cork Bark Flats Cork Bark Flats A hide in each temperature zone Qty: 2 × Smallfrom $7.99 Cork Branches Cork Branches Many colubrids climb more than people expect Qty: 1 × 18"from $13.99

Dekay's brown snake FAQ

Is the dekay's brown snake good for beginners?

Yes – the dekay's brown snake is a good choice for beginners. Small and gentle; may musk.

What size enclosure does a dekay's brown snake need?

At least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (about 18 × 12 × 12 inches, roughly 11 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal.

How much does a dekay's brown snake cost in Canada?

Typically $20–60 CAD to buy, about $370–730 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $80–150 CAD a year to keep.

What temperature and humidity does a dekay's brown snake need?

Temperature: 22–26°C. Humidity: 60–80%.

What does a dekay's brown snake eat?

Carnivore – earthworms, slugs, snails. Feed earthworms or slugs every 3–4 days.

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This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.