Reptile · Legless lizard
Slow worm care guide
Anguis fragilis
The slow worm is a intermediate-level legless lizard from Europe, W Asia. Adults reach 30–45 cm and live 20–30 years in captivity. Cool, damp setup; slugs are a key food.
- Enclosure 60 × 45 × 30 cm
- Temp 18–24°C, basking 26°C
- Humidity 60–80%
How much does a slow worm cost in Canada?
Slow worm quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 30–45 cm
- Lifespan
- 20–30 years
- Activity
- Crepuscular
- Native range
- Europe, W Asia
- Minimum enclosure
- 60 × 45 × 30 cm (24 × 18 × 12 in, ≈ 21 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- 18–24°C, basking 26°C
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Insectivore – slugs, earthworms, small snails
- Bioactive style
- Temperate forest
Slow worm enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 60 × 45 × 30 cm (24 × 18 × 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 Mix12 cm
Keep a moisture gradient: drier on top and at the warm end, slightly moist underneath and at the cool end.
Temperature: 18–24°C, basking 26°C. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a slow worm eat?
Insectivore – slugs, earthworms, small snails. Adults 2–3 times a week.
Handling, temperament & health
Calm and handleable.
Health watch: Heat stress and tail 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 slow worm bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (60 × 45 × 30 cm).
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 12 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
Slow worm FAQ
Is the slow worm good for beginners?
The slow worm is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Calm and handleable.
What size enclosure does a slow worm need?
At least 60 × 45 × 30 cm (about 24 × 18 × 12 inches, roughly 21 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a slow worm cost in Canada?
Typically $60–150 CAD to buy, about $460–870 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–250 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a slow worm need?
Temperature: 18–24°C, basking 26°C. Humidity: 60–80%.
What does a slow worm eat?
Insectivore – slugs, earthworms, small snails. Adults 2–3 times a week.
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.