Grass Snake

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Hi,
Some days ago I was near a pond and caught 3 grass snakes. Having understood they are harmless, I was fascinated of the idea of breeding a snake at home. I got them with me in my house and now I have some questions about it.

1. I am curious to know how old are they if one is long about 45 cm and the other 2 are about 25 cm.

2. Am I right thinking that they let out that smell and hiss ONLY to defence when they are afraid of some factors? Although they are harmless, can they bite me or sorta? Or they can just hiss at me? :-D

3. How long they can stay out of water without any bad consequences for them?

4. How to make for them the best home and help them feeling comfortable in it? What they like and what not? Average temperature of the water? Accessories? (I know only about the big stone ;)

5. I have a problem... yesterday one of them managed to run away and it's SOMEWHERE in the house or out of it now. I do not know where is it. I am worried for it not to die... is there any way I can draw it to me?

6. How to differ which one's male and which is female? And when they are full grown, ready for reproduction?

Lot's of thanks in advance! ;)


Answer -
Vlado,

Hi.  Thanks for your question.  In order to answer these questions, I am going to have to know a little more information.  I need to know where you live, or caught the snakes in order to give you more info on them.  This is just so I can make sure that I am not describing the wrong species to you, as many different snakes may be known as 'grass snakes' depending on their geographical location.  If you could provide me this info,  I would be more than happy to answer your questions.

Thank you,
Joseph Glenn

Hi again,
It's Natrix natrix. I am sure, cause I did my mini survey before I have asked you. I live in Bulgaria, Europe and I caught it in a pond near my town. I hope it's enough :)
Thanks,
Vlado

Answer
Vlado,

Thank you for being so patient with me.  I am not really familiar with too many snake species from Europe, but I will tell you the information I found out about Natrix natrix.  

1).  These snakes are probably very young.  The average length for a grass snake as an adult is about 140 cm.  They are probably new hatchlings of this year.

2).  Grass snakes will hiss, like many other snakes, when they are alarmed or afraid.  Usually once a snake has been handled after some time, the snake will stop expelling musk, and will become more docile when handled more frequently.  Any snake can bite.  Grass snakes are nonvenomous colubrids, however, so their bites are relatively harmless...much like a pin prick.

3).  Grass snakes can be found a considerable distance from water.  Much like the water snakes of the U.S., they do not actually have to live in water, but they prefer a water source to escape the heat in.

4).  I personally don't know anything about keeping Grass snakes, but I will refer you to a good website for more info about them:

www.planet-pets.com

This site doesn't give very much info about Natrix natrix in particular, but has good info about snake husbandry in general.

5).  This is a tough situation.  I would suggest turning your house upside down.  Look under anything which might provide shelter for the snake, and go from there.  Try to consider what might be a comfortable temperature for them (for example--in a warm attic or cool cellar with rodents or insects).

6).  You really can't tell the difference very well between males and females just by looking at this species.  They are too small to use a sexing probe, so the best method would be to just trying to mate them (once the appropriate size).

I know this information isn't very precise, but I will continue to do more research on them.  I appreciate you asking me questions about species from other countries than my own.  It helps me to learn, as well.  If there is anymore help I can provide you, please let me know.

Best of luck,
Joseph Glenn