Reptile · Colubrid
Egg-eating snake care guide
Dasypeltis scabra
The egg-eating snake is a advanced-level colubrid from Sub-Saharan Africa. Adults reach 60–100 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Eats only eggs; confirm a steady supply of finch or quail eggs before buying. Solitary.
- Enclosure 60 × 45 × 45 cm
- Temp Warm 28–30°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity 40–60%
How much does a egg-eating snake cost in Canada?
Egg-eating snake quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 60–100 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Minimum enclosure
- 60 × 45 × 45 cm (24 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 32 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 28–30°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Oophage – small bird eggs (quail, finch)
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Egg-eating snake enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 60 × 45 × 45 cm (24 × 18 × 18 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a semi-arid bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend10 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry.
Temperature: Warm 28–30°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a egg-eating snake eat?
Oophage – small bird eggs (quail, finch). Offer one or two small eggs every 7–10 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Toothless and harmless; mimics vipers when threatened.
Health watch: Watch for weight loss when egg supply is unreliable.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check basking surface temperature with an infrared thermometer.
- Keep the humid hide damp; refresh water.
Weekly
- Spot-clean waste.
- Every 1–2 weeks, pour water down into the soil around plants and in the cool corner.
Monthly
- Check stones and wood are stable and can’t be tunnelled under.
- Add a few leaves to the cool corner for isopods.
Yearly
- Refresh the top layer in the basking area.
- Replace UVB bulbs on schedule.
Recommended for a egg-eating snake bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (60 × 45 × 45 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive soil layer, 10 cm
Canyon Sand
Optional: mix in for a firmer, sandier texture
Eastern Oak Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Terrarium Moss 7L Bag
Humid hide moss
Cork Bark Half Rounds
A hide at each end – plus one humid hide filled with damp moss
Mopani Wood
Climbing and a raised basking spot
Carnelian Stone
Holds heat under the lamp – place directly on the enclosure floor
Egg-eating snake FAQ
Is the egg-eating snake good for beginners?
The egg-eating snake is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Toothless and harmless; mimics vipers when threatened.
What size enclosure does a egg-eating snake need?
At least 60 × 45 × 45 cm (about 24 × 18 × 18 inches, roughly 32 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a egg-eating snake cost in Canada?
Typically $150–350 CAD to buy, about $500–940 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $200–300 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a egg-eating snake need?
Temperature: Warm 28–30°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 40–60%.
What does a egg-eating snake eat?
Oophage – small bird eggs (quail, finch). Offer one or two small eggs every 7–10 days.
Similar species
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.