Beauty Rat Snake

CARE GUIDE

Size: Adults can reach up to 300 cm

Origin: Taiwan

Lifespan: Up to 12 years in captivity

Natural Habitat: The Beauty Rat Snake inhabits forests and farmland in Taiwan.

The Beauty Rat Snake is one of the largest rat snake species. Reaching around 3 metres, and with its colour and ornate pattern, it is a highly sought-after species. It is very active during the day and an excellent choice for taller terrariums. It is suited to people with some previous experience with snakes who are looking for a more challenging personality.

Although this is a relatively easy species to keep, you should pay attention to a few aspects and ensure certain conditions, which you will find in the following paragraphs.

Terrarium

Size: Minimum 90x45x60cm for 1 adult

Material: Glass

 - Heating and Lighting

You should set up a terrarium with a thermal gradient, with a minimum temperature of 24ºC on the cool side and around 32ºC on the warm side. At night the temperature should not drop below 20ºC. Heating can be provided by lamps at the top of the terrarium.

Although not essential, daytime exposure to a UVI between 0 and 3 (Ferguson Zone 1-2) is recommended. To achieve these UV levels you can use ShadeDweller UV lamps.

- Humidity

The Beauty Rat Snake comes from fairly humid environments. It is therefore recommended to use a moisture-retaining substrate and to mist the terrarium 1 to 2 times a week.

The Beauty Rat Snake should always have a water bowl with fresh water available, which it can also bathe in.

- Decor

You can use a Tropical Humus or Coco Chips substrate, or Arcadia Earth Mix. You should create a three-dimensional habitat using branches and rocks, making sure they are firmly secured. Especially with young animals, it is advisable to provide a few hiding places to avoid unnecessary stress. You can also use live plants (safe species only) and/or artificial ones.

Diet and Supplementation

Feeding habits: Carnivorous

 Juvenile Diet: You can feed prey of up to 15% of the animal's body mass every 5 days.

 Adult Diet (from 2 years old): You can feed prey of up to 10% of the animal's body mass every 7-10 days.

- Foods

Dead Mice and/or Rats.

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