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Green Anacondas (Eunectes murinus)

     Green Anacondas are found throughout forests of South America.  They are usually found near water and are excellent swimmers.  Anacondas are extremely heavy and can grow to almost 30 feet in length.  They are the second longest snake in the world and only the reticulated python is longer.  Baby anacondas are usually 20-34 inches in length when they hatch and grow very quickly.  With adequate food, you can expect these snakes to grow over six feet in a year.  Wild anacondas will feed on a variety of animals including fish, monkeys, caimans, birds, deer, capybaras, and dogs.  Anacondas are infrequently bred in captivity and don’t lay eggs, all babies are born live.  The anacondas’ gestation period lasts 5-8 months and large females can produce 75 babies.  With proper care anacondas are long lived snakes and you can expect them to live 20-30 years.  Prehistoric Pets promotes responsible snake ownership and we recommend locking cages that prevent accidental escape.   Large constrictors and other escaped snakes can have a negative impact on the general public which can lead to a ban of snake ownership.

Temperature

     Anacondas should be maintained at 82-85 degrees during the day, with a hot spot under the heat light reaching 90 degrees.  Nighttime temperatures need to range between 75-80 degrees.  Daily misting should be used to maintain humidity between 75-90 %.  Snakes shed in one complete piece, if yours is shedding in pieces the humidity is too low.  Another option to increase humidity is to provide a box with a small entrance, for the snake to enter, filled with damp potting soil and moss.

Housing

     Baby anacondas can be kept in 29 gallon or larger terrarium.  These snakes grow quickly and we recommend that you provide the largest cage possible.  One can expect an adult anaconda to need a room sized enclosure. 

Bedding

     Our recommendation for bedding is bark or coconut bark, this bedding holds moisture very well and duplicates their natural environment. 

Food & Water

     Anacondas feed on fuzzy or small adult mice as babies and juveniles.  As your snake grows it will soon move up to rats, rabbits, or even small pigs.  We recommend that you feed baby and juvenile anacondas 1-2 times per week.  Adults can be fed once every 7-10 days to maintain proper body weight.  Like most snakes, anacondas typically will not eat when they are preparing to shed.  After your snake has shed you can return to your normal feeding regiment.  If your snake doesn’t eat make sure you remove the rodent from the cage.  Rodents, when they are hungry, can bite snakes and can injure or kill them.  A large water bowl should be provided at all times and the snake should be able to completely submerge itself. 

Cleaning and Handling

     The terrarium should be cleaned as necessary. Any fecal matter should be cleaned out several times a week. The bedding should be completely changed once a month.  The inside of the terrarium can be cleaned out with an appropriate reptile cage cleaner, we recommend Natural Chemistry’s Healthy Habitat.  Anacondas can be handled on a daily basis and always wash your hands before and after handling them. You should never handle or feed large snakes, such as anacondas, alone.  A large hungry snake can mistakenly bite and kill its owner.  When a snake is half your weight it can overpower you.