Reptile · Colubrid
Ringneck snake care guide
Diadophis punctatus
The ringneck snake is a intermediate-level colubrid from Most of North America incl. S Canada. Adults reach 25–45 cm and live 8–12 years in captivity. Secretive; give moist leaf litter and bark. Small groups OK.
- Enclosure 45 × 30 × 30 cm
- Temp Warm 24–27°C, cool 20°C
- Humidity 60–80%
How much does a ringneck snake cost in Canada?
Ringneck snake quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 25–45 cm
- Lifespan
- 8–12 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Most of 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
- Warm 24–27°C, cool 20°C
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – earthworms, small salamanders, slugs
- Bioactive style
- Temperate forest
Ringneck 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: Warm 24–27°C, cool 20°C. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a ringneck snake eat?
Carnivore – earthworms, small salamanders, slugs. Feed earthworms every 3–5 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Shy; may musk and curl its bright tail but rarely bites.
Health watch: Watch for dehydration and feeding refusal.
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 ringneck 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
Ringneck snake FAQ
Is the ringneck snake good for beginners?
The ringneck snake is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Shy; may musk and curl its bright tail but rarely bites.
What size enclosure does a ringneck 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 ringneck snake cost in Canada?
Typically $30–80 CAD to buy, about $370–730 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $100–200 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a ringneck snake need?
Temperature: Warm 24–27°C, cool 20°C. Humidity: 60–80%.
What does a ringneck snake eat?
Carnivore – earthworms, small salamanders, slugs. Feed earthworms every 3–5 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.