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Snake Nesting Structures

Artificial snake nesting structures can be built to help snakes where natural habitat is lacking. There are two types of structures: nest boxes and nest cages. These structures are designed to mimic natural nesting sites, while providing protection from nest predators such as skunks and raccoons.Ìý

Breeding Behaviour

Snakes reproduce by internal fertilization and either give birth to live young or lay eggs. Female live-bearing snakes (e.g., red-bellied snake, queensnake, DeKay’s brownsnake, northern watersnake, and eastern gartersnake) find a sheltered location to give birth before leaving the young to fend for themselves.

Egg-laying female snakes (e.g., gray ratsnake, eastern foxsnake, eastern milksnake, smooth greensnake, northern ring-necked snake, and eastern hog-nosed snake) lay eggs in areas where the sun and other environmental heat sources provide the warmth necessary for proper incubation. Species such as gray ratsnake, eastern milksnake and eastern foxsnake will often deposit their eggs in organic matter such as rotting logs, leaf litter and mulch piles. These decaying materials provide additional heat for the incubating eggs. Depending on the species, the female will either guard the eggs or leave them alone. Some females will nest at the same location each year, and some nest sites are used by multiple females.

Nest Box ConstructionÌý

1. Construct a large wooden framed cubic box at least 5 x 5 x 5 feet (1.5 cubic meter).Ìý
2. With staples, attach wire fencing using heavy 12-16 gauge wire with openings of 2 x 2 inches (5 x 5 cm) to the back, bottom, and two sides. The mesh fencing helps to keep out egg predators, but allows snakes to pass through freely. Do not use chicken wire.Ìý
3. Assemble two more square sections (1.5 x 1.5 meters) covered with wire fencing for a removable top and front. Securely fasten the lid and front with zip ties or screws once the nest box has been filled with nesting material (see below).Ìý
4. To avoid being tipped over, anchor the nest box to the ground using T-bars or stakes.ÌýÌý

Nest Cage Design

Nest cages are similar to nest boxes but are constructed from wire mesh fencing without a wooden frame.Ìý

1. Use 12-16 gauge wire with mesh openings between 2 x 2 inches to 2 x 4 inches (5 x 5 cm to 5 x 10 cm).ÌýÌý
2. Shape the fencing into a cylinder (5 feet or 1.5 meters in diameter) with the ends overlapping by at least two links. Fasten the two ends together with zip ties at intervals of approximately 6 inches (15 cm).Ìý Ìý
3. At the desired location, pound T-bar fence posts into the ground just inside the diameter of the cage. Place the cage over the posts and fill with nesting material.
4. Place a piece of fencing on top of the cage and fasten it using zip ties. Ensure there are no gaps through which predators can enter.Ìý

of staff at St. Clair Region Conservation Authority building a snake nesting structure.

Nesting MaterialÌýÌý

• Use a mixture of approximately 1/3 coarse mulch or peat moss (wood chips can be used as a substitute), 1/3 straw, and 1/3 dry leaves.ÌýÌý
• Mix these components together.ÌýÌý
• Fill the box 75-100% full. The nesting material will settle with time.Ìý
• Adding partially decomposed material can help maintain higher temperatures, which helps with egg incubation.Ìý

ÌýLocationÌýÌý

• Locate the nest structures in an area that receives full sun at least half the day.Ìý
• Place them in open or edge habitats such as old fields. Placing them near other structures, like rock and brush piles, is also helpful. Avoid areas that lack basking and retreat sites (e.g., mowed lawns, and barren rock clearings).Ìý
• Keep structures away from areas frequently used by people or potential hazards such as roads.Ìý

ÌýMaintenanceÌý

• Top up the boxes annually with new material in late winter or very early spring. Leave some of the previous year’s nesting material. Shredded snake skins and eggshells from previous years can be included to help attract snakes.Ìý

Coverboards for Monitoring Reptiles

Coverboards are pieces of plywood, approximately 4 x 4 feet (1.2 x 1.2 meters) that are placed on the ground in areas where snakes are likely to occur. While coverboards can be any size, larger boards often result in more success.

Snakes are drawn to the boards as they trap moisture and retain heat, creating favorable conditions for ectothermic snakes. They also attract rodents and invertebrates, thus providing feeding opportunities, while offering cover from predatory birds.

Researchers use the board as a means of determining the types of snakes in a habitat. They arrange several coverboards in long transects. By carefully lifting the boards, researchers can see the type (species) and number of snakes using the area. The boards are left in place for several weeks or months in summer and checked intermittently.

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