Natrix Natrix Persa (Eastern Grass Snake)

Origin: Europe
Lifespan: Around 10-15 years
Length: Between 1 and 2 meters
The Eastern grass snake is a small, slender snake originating 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
Feeding adults: Fish, earthworms, or pinkies 3 times a week
Feeding juveniles: Fish or earthworms 5 times a week
Water bowl: Yes
Water change: Every 3 days

Diet
Grass snakes are often found around water and therefore eat fish and earthworms. Pinkies can also be part of their diet; however, be careful that they do not become too fat. If they become overweight, the diet can be restricted to fish only. Young animals may have difficulty eating pinkies, but as they get older, this often goes well. To get them to eat pinkies, you can give the pinkies the scent of fish; that way, they will start eating them.

Water
This grass snake is a big water lover, so it is essential that a water bowl is provided. The water must be large enough for the snake to fit completely inside.

Cleaning
To prevent diseases and bacterial buildup, the enclosure must be kept clean. This can be done weekly; additionally, it is advisable to thoroughly clean and disinfect the enclosure a few times a year. This prevents the buildup of bacteria.

Handling
Most snakes get used to being held. However, never try to handle a grass snake before it has eaten more than four meals in its new enclosure. And always wait until it has finished digesting its food before touching it.
Place your hands under the belly, as this helps support the weight. Ensure that you only grasp the middle part of the body. Sometimes it is necessary to hold the tail or head as well, but always ensure that you also support the body with one hand.

Housing
Minimum enclosure size for 1 snake: 80x40x40
Lying surface area: 0.52m²
Daytime temperature on the warm side: 28-30C
Daytime temperature on the cooler side: 23-25C
Nighttime temperature: 18-22 degrees Celsius
Light hours: 12 hours per day
Humidity: 50-70%
Substrate: Cocopeat, soil, or peat moss
Setup
There are a few extra things to keep in mind regarding the enclosure. The Natrix is ​​capable of squeezing through small cracks. Take this into account and ensure that there are no small cracks in the enclosure that it can fit through. Additionally, ventilation is necessary to keep the air fresh, and it is recommended to place the enclosure out of direct sunlight and as vibration-free as possible.

Behavior
Hunting method: Constrictor
Lifestyle: Terrestrial and diurnal
Character
This species has a very calm temperament and is easy to handle once accustomed to it. They are often active, which makes them interesting to watch.
Points of attention
There are a few extra things to watch out for regarding the enclosure. The Natrix is ​​capable of squeezing through small cracks. Keep this in mind and ensure there are no small cracks in the enclosure that it can fit through.
Costs and Purchase
Legislation: No documentation is required for keeping this species.

One-off costs: These include the costs for the enclosure, lighting, heating, water bowl, and decoration. This can cost anywhere from 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 cost of food, which is a few tens of euros per year. Unexpected costs: Costs are incurred if your hose happens to get sick or your equipment breaks down.