Reptile · Colubrid
Coachwhip care guide
Masticophis flagellum
The coachwhip is a advanced-level colubrid from S United States, N Mexico. Adults reach 120–180 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Needs very high basking temperatures and lots of floor space. Solitary.
- Enclosure 180 × 60 × 60 cm
- Temp Warm 32–35°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity 20–40%
How much does a coachwhip cost in Canada?
Coachwhip quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 120–180 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- S United States, N Mexico
- Minimum enclosure
- 180 × 60 × 60 cm (71 × 24 × 24 in, ≈ 171 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 32–35°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity
- 20–40%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Carnivore – mice, lizards
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Coachwhip enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 180 × 60 × 60 cm (71 × 24 × 24 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a semi-arid bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend10 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry.
Temperature: Warm 32–35°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 20–40%. UVB: Required.
What does a coachwhip eat?
Carnivore – mice, lizards. Feed one appropriately sized thawed mouse every 5–7 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Extremely fast and nervous; bites readily.
Health watch: Watch for stress, nose rubbing and dehydration.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check basking surface temperature with an infrared thermometer.
- Keep the humid hide damp; refresh water.
Weekly
- Spot-clean waste.
- Every 1–2 weeks, pour water down into the soil around plants and in the cool corner.
Monthly
- Check stones and wood are stable and can’t be tunnelled under.
- Add a few leaves to the cool corner for isopods.
Yearly
- Refresh the top layer in the basking area.
- Replace UVB bulbs on schedule.
Recommended for a coachwhip bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (180 × 60 × 60 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive soil layer, 10 cm
Canyon Sand
Optional: mix in for a firmer, sandier texture
Eastern Oak Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Terrarium Moss 7L Bag
Humid hide moss
Cork Bark Half Rounds
A hide at each end – plus one humid hide filled with damp moss
Mopani Wood
Climbing and a raised basking spot
Carnelian Stone
Holds heat under the lamp – place directly on the enclosure floor
Coachwhip FAQ
Is the coachwhip good for beginners?
The coachwhip is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Extremely fast and nervous; bites readily.
What size enclosure does a coachwhip need?
At least 180 × 60 × 60 cm (about 71 × 24 × 24 inches, roughly 171 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a coachwhip cost in Canada?
Typically $150–400 CAD to buy, about $1170–2090 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $250–400 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a coachwhip need?
Temperature: Warm 32–35°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 20–40%.
What does a coachwhip eat?
Carnivore – mice, lizards. Feed one appropriately sized thawed mouse every 5–7 days.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.