The Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis) is a stunning and docile species that has become a popular choice among reptile enthusiasts, particularly those looking for a calm, small, and beautiful snake to keep as a pet. Known for its vibrant green coloration, this non-venomous snake is an excellent option for both beginner and experienced snake owners. In this guide, we'll discuss everything you need to know about keeping a Smooth Green Snake as a pet, including its care, diet, habitat, and handling.

What is a Smooth Green Snake?

The Smooth Green Snake is a small, non-venomous species of snake that is native to North America. This species is famous for its bright, smooth, grass-green appearance, which helps it blend seamlessly into its natural environment of grasslands, meadows, and shrubs. Smooth Green Snakes are arboreal and terrestrial, and their sleek bodies are built for climbing and slithering through vegetation.

Due to their relatively small size, docile nature, and unique coloration, Smooth Green Snakes make great pets for those seeking a low-maintenance and visually striking reptile companion.

Key Features of the Smooth Green Snake

• Size: Adult Smooth Green Snakes typically reach lengths of 18 to 30 inches, making them one of the smaller pet snake options.
• Coloration: Their smooth, vibrant green coloration is their most distinguishing feature, although they may have slightly yellow or pale underbellies. Their bright coloration helps them camouflage in the wild, but in captivity, it makes them stand out as a visually appealing pet.
• Temperament: Smooth Green Snakes are known for being calm, non-aggressive, and easy to handle. However, they are slightly more delicate compared to larger, more robust snake species, so they require gentle handling.
• Lifespan: In captivity, Smooth Green Snakes can live for 6-10 years, although some may live longer with proper care.

Creating the Ideal Habitat for Your Smooth Green Snake

When setting up a home for your Smooth Green Snake, it’s important to replicate its natural environment as much as possible. Here’s how to set up a proper enclosure for your pet:

1. Enclosure Size and Material

Smooth Green Snakes are small snakes, so they don’t require a very large enclosure. However, they are active and need plenty of space to explore. A suitable enclosure size for an adult Smooth Green Snake is typically 20 to 30 gallons. For hatchlings or juvenile snakes, a smaller enclosure (10 gallons) can suffice, but they will need an upgrade as they grow.

• Material: Glass or plastic aquariums or terrariums work well, but make sure they have secure lids to prevent escapes. Smooth Green Snakes are small, but they are also excellent climbers, so the enclosure should be designed with vertical space in mind.

2. Substrate

The substrate (bedding material) in your snake’s enclosure should be safe, absorbent, and easy to clean. Some good options include:

• Aspen shavings
• Coconut husk
• Reptile carpet

Avoid using sand or cedar wood shavings, as they can irritate your snake’s respiratory system.

3. Temperature and Humidity

Smooth Green Snakes are native to areas with mild to moderate climates, so it’s essential to provide them with the right temperature and humidity levels:

• Temperature: The ideal temperature range for a Smooth Green Snake is 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C) during the day, with a slight drop at night to around 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). You can achieve this temperature gradient using a heat mat, heat lamp, or ceramic heater.
• Humidity: Smooth Green Snakes require moderate humidity levels, usually around 40% to 60%. Ensure the enclosure is adequately ventilated, but also mist it lightly to maintain proper humidity levels, especially if the air is too dry in your home. Excessively dry conditions can lead to shedding problems, while high humidity can cause respiratory issues.

4. Hiding Spots and Enrichment

Smooth Green Snakes need plenty of hiding spots to feel secure, as well as climbing branches to encourage natural behaviors. Some suggestions for enriching your snake’s environment include:

• Branches and vines: These will provide opportunities for climbing, mimicking the snake’s natural behavior in the wild.
• Caves or hide boxes: A simple plastic or ceramic hide box placed in the enclosure will help your snake feel secure. Smooth Green Snakes are often shy and like to have a secluded place to retreat to when they feel stressed.
• Live plants: Adding live plants (non-toxic varieties) can provide additional hiding spaces, as well as improve humidity and aesthetic appeal.

5. Water Dish

Like all reptiles, Smooth Green Snakes need access to clean water at all times. Provide a shallow water dish that is easy for your snake to drink from. Make sure to change the water daily to prevent bacterial growth.

Diet of a Smooth Green Snake Pet

Smooth Green Snakes are insectivores, which means they feed primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. In captivity, their diet should consist of:

• Crickets
• Mealworms
• Waxworms
• Roaches (such as dubia roaches)

You can feed your snake live or frozen/thawed prey. While feeding live insects can mimic natural hunting behavior, it's generally safer to offer pre-killed or frozen insects to prevent injury to the snake.

• Feeding Frequency: Hatchlings and juvenile Smooth Green Snakes typically need to be fed every 3-4 days, while adult snakes can be fed every 5-7 days.
• Supplements: It’s important to provide nutritional supplements like calcium and vitamin D3 to ensure your snake’s health, especially if you’re feeding it insects that may not be fully nutritious on their own.

Handling and Interaction

Smooth Green Snakes are generally calm and non-aggressive, but due to their delicate size and structure, they should be handled gently and infrequently. While handling, avoid grabbing them by the tail, as this can cause stress. Instead, support their body with both hands.

• Handling Tips: Always handle your Smooth Green Snake slowly and calmly. Since they are small and somewhat delicate, avoid dropping them or subjecting them to rough handling.
• Acclimation: When you first bring your snake home, give it time to acclimate to its new environment before attempting to handle it. Once it feels comfortable, you can handle it for short periods, but keep it to a minimum during the first few weeks.

Health Considerations

Smooth Green Snakes are generally healthy, but they can experience certain health issues if not properly cared for. Some common problems include:

• Respiratory Infections: Caused by poor ventilation, low temperatures, or high humidity, respiratory infections are a common issue in reptiles. Symptoms include wheezing, nasal discharge, and lethargy. Make sure your snake’s enclosure is properly ventilated and the temperature is ideal.
• Shedding Issues: If the humidity is too low, your Smooth Green Snake may have difficulty shedding its skin. Make sure humidity levels are appropriate and provide a shedding box (a moist hide) to help with the process.
• Parasites: Like many reptiles, Smooth Green Snakes can suffer from internal or external parasites. If you notice unusual symptoms like weight loss or lethargy, it’s best to consult a reptile vet for treatment.

Conclusion

A Smooth Green Snake pet can be a wonderful addition to your reptile collection due to its striking appearance, docile nature, and manageable size. While they do require specific care to ensure they thrive, especially in terms of temperature, humidity, and diet, Smooth Green Snakes are relatively low-maintenance pets when compared to some other species of snakes.

By providing a properly designed enclosure, offering the right diet, and handling your snake with care, you can enjoy the beauty and serenity that a Smooth Green Snake brings to your home for many years. If you're looking for a unique, peaceful, and beautiful pet, the Smooth Green Snake may be the perfect choice for you!