Reptile · Colubrid
Red-bellied snake care guide
Storeria occipitomaculata
The red-bellied snake is a intermediate-level colubrid from E North America incl. S Canada. Adults reach 20–30 cm and live 5–8 years in captivity. Slug specialist; keep moist and cool. Small groups OK.
- Enclosure 45 × 30 × 30 cm
- Temp 20–25°C
- Humidity 60–80%
How much does a red-bellied snake cost in Canada?
Red-bellied snake quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 20–30 cm
- Lifespan
- 5–8 years
- Activity
- Crepuscular
- Native range
- E North America incl. S Canada
- 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
- 20–25°C
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – slugs, earthworms
- Bioactive style
- Temperate forest
Red-bellied 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.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- 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: 20–25°C. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a red-bellied snake eat?
Carnivore – slugs, earthworms. Feed small slugs or worms every 3–4 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Tiny and harmless; may curl its lip as a bluff.
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 red-bellied snake bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 30 × 30 cm).
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 8 cm
Coco Husk Chips - Dried Loose Pack
Optional top layer (coco husk chips)
Red Oak Leaves 15/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Cork Bark Flats
A hide in each temperature zone
Cork Branches
Many colubrids climb more than people expect
Red-bellied snake FAQ
Is the red-bellied snake good for beginners?
The red-bellied snake is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Tiny and harmless; may curl its lip as a bluff.
What size enclosure does a red-bellied 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 red-bellied 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 red-bellied snake need?
Temperature: 20–25°C. Humidity: 60–80%.
What does a red-bellied snake eat?
Carnivore – slugs, earthworms. Feed small slugs or worms every 3–4 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.