Reptile · Colubrid
Smooth green snake care guide
Opheodrys vernalis
The smooth green snake is a advanced-level colubrid from S Canada, NE United States. Adults reach 30–60 cm and live 5–10 years in captivity. Wild-caught animals do poorly; buy captive-bred only. Small groups OK.
- Enclosure 60 × 45 × 45 cm
- Temp Warm 25–28°C, cool 20°C
- Humidity 50–70%
How much does a smooth green snake cost in Canada?
Smooth green snake quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 30–60 cm
- Lifespan
- 5–10 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- S Canada, NE United States
- Minimum enclosure
- 60 × 45 × 45 cm (24 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 32 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- Warm 25–28°C, cool 20°C
- Humidity
- 50–70%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, caterpillars, spiders
- Bioactive style
- Temperate forest
Smooth green snake enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 60 × 45 × 45 cm (24 × 18 × 18 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 25–28°C, cool 20°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Required.
What does a smooth green snake eat?
Insectivore – crickets, caterpillars, spiders. Offer several gut-loaded soft insects every 2–3 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Gentle but stresses easily; best for observation.
Health watch: Watch for dehydration and stress-related decline.
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 smooth green snake bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (60 × 45 × 45 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
Smooth green snake FAQ
Is the smooth green snake good for beginners?
The smooth green snake is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Gentle but stresses easily; best for observation.
What size enclosure does a smooth green snake need?
At least 60 × 45 × 45 cm (about 24 × 18 × 18 inches, roughly 32 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a smooth green snake cost in Canada?
Typically $60–150 CAD to buy, about $500–950 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $200–300 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a smooth green snake need?
Temperature: Warm 25–28°C, cool 20°C. Humidity: 50–70%.
What does a smooth green snake eat?
Insectivore – crickets, caterpillars, spiders. Offer several gut-loaded soft insects every 2–3 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.