Dasypeltis scabra

A well-ventilated semi-arboreal terrarium, with height and branches for climbing, and several high and low hides

Minimum dimensions for an adult; increase for a large female. A small, agile snake and a good climber: favour vertical volume, branches, cork and foliage (natural or artificial). A perfectly secured lid, as the species is slender and escapes easily.

Average savannah-type humidity. Provide a humid hide (sphagnum) to aid shedding; avoid a constantly waterlogged substrate that promotes fungal infections and respiratory infections.

A dry to slightly moist substrate that holds burrows. Add branches, cork bark and elevated hides: the species readily climbs to search for bird nests in the wild.

Not essential as a nocturnal species, but low UVB (UVI 1-2, a tube of about 5-6%) on a regular day/night cycle is beneficial and improves well-being. Provide shaded areas.

A bowl of clean water available at all times, refreshed regularly; the snake drinks and may immerse itself to aid shedding.

Sub-Saharan Africa (savannahs, scrubland and semi-arid zones); one of the most widely distributed snake species on the continent.

Strict egg-eater (fresh bird eggs only) — does NOT eat rodents — Fresh, unincubated, shelled bird eggs, sized to the snake's build: finch/canary/zebra finch eggs for juveniles, quail then chicken eggs for adults

The species' major constraint: the egg must not exceed the body diameter at its widest point. Fresh eggs served at room temperature (never spoiled). Feed every 7-14 days (more often for growing young). The animal seizes the egg, saws it open with its vertebral processes ('gular spines'), swallows the liquid then regurgitates the crushed shell: this is normal. Note: finding eggs small enough for neonates is the real husbandry challenge, and the species may fast for several months outside the birds' breeding season — monitor the weight without forcing feeding.

Clutch 6–15 eggs/young. Females markedly larger than males. Breeding triggered by a seasonal cycle (a cool rest followed by a rise in temperature and food availability). Incubation of the eggs around 27-29 °C for ~2.5-3.5 months. Breeding remains little practised in captivity, as the majority of animals in the trade are wild imports.

• Regurgitation or digestive obstruction if the eggs are too large, too cold or spoiled
• Weight loss and deficiencies linked to the difficulty of finding eggs of a suitable size (especially for juveniles) and to seasonal fasting
• Internal parasites and dehydration, very common in the many wild-caught specimens (imports)
• Dysecdysis (incomplete shedding) from insufficient humidity or grip points
• Respiratory infections if kept too cold and/or too humid