Natrix Natrix Persa (Eastern Grass Snake)

Age: Around 15 years old
Origin: Europe
Length: Between 1 and 2 meters
The Eastern grass snake is a small thin snake that originated in Europe. In color, this species is generally olive, brown, blue-gray, or greenish, although unusually marked black, gray, silver, and bluish animals are known.

Care
Experience: Average snake keeper
Food: Carnivore
Feed adults: fish, earthworms or pinkies twice a week
Feed young: fish or earthworms 3-4 times a week
Water bowl: Yes
Water change: Every 3 days

Power supply
Grass snakes can often be found around the water and therefore eat fish and earthworms. Pinkies can also be part of the diet, but make sure they don't get too fat. When they become too fat, the diet can be limited to fish only. Young animals can have trouble eating pinkies, but as they get older this often goes well. To get them on pinkies you can give the pinkies the smell of fish, that way they will eat pinkies.

Water
This grass snake is a great lover of water and it is therefore essential that a water bowl is offered. The water must be large enough for the hose to fit completely

Cleaning
To prevent diseases and bacteria accumulation, the accommodation must be kept clean. This can be done weekly, in addition, it is wise to thoroughly clean and disinfect the accommodation a few times a year. This prevents the build-up of bacteria.

Handling
Most snakes get used to being held. However, never attempt to handle a grass snake until it has eaten more than four meals in its new enclosure. And always wait for him to finish digesting the food before you touch him.
Place your hands under the abdomen as this helps support the weight. Be sure to grab only the middle part of the body. Sometimes it is necessary to also hold the tail or head, but always make sure that you also support the body with one hand.

Housing
Minimum size enclosure for 1 snake: 80x30x30
Lying area: 0.52m
Day temperature: 23-25 degrees Celsius
Night temperature: 18-22 degrees Celsius
Hours of light: 12 hours a day
Humidity Level: 50-70%
Soil cover: Cocopeat, soil or peat litter

Design
Before your stay, there are some extra things to be aware of. The natrix is able to squeeze itself through small cracks. Keep this in mind and make sure that there are no small cracks in the accommodation that it can fit through. In addition, ventilation is necessary to keep the air fresh and it is advisable to place the accommodation out of the bright sun and as vibration-free as possible.

Behaviour
Hunting method: Strangler snake
Lifestyle: terrestrial and diurnal

Character
This species has a very calm disposition and is easy to handle when used to it. They are often active which makes them interesting to watch.
Points of attention
Before your stay, there are some extra things to be aware of. The natrix is able to squeeze itself through small cracks. Keep this in mind and make sure that there are no small cracks in the accommodation that it can fit through.

Cost and Purchase
Legislation: No documentation is required for keeping this species.
One-off costs: This includes the costs for accommodation, lighting, heating, water bowl and decoration. This can cost a few hundred euros to a few thousand euros in total. The final amount depends on the quality and size of the products.
Fixed costs: Fixed costs include the costs for the feed, which is a few tens of euros per year.
Unexpected costs: Costs are incurred when your snake happens to get sick or your equipment breaks down.