Reptile · Rat snake
Green rat snake care guide
Senticolis triaspis
The green rat snake is a advanced-level rat snake from SE Arizona to Costa Rica. Adults reach 90–130 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Rare in the trade; climbing branches and dense cover help it settle. Solitary.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 90 cm
- Temp Warm 28–30°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity 50–70%
How much does a green rat snake cost in Canada?
Green rat snake quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 90–130 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- SE Arizona to Costa Rica
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 90 cm (47 × 24 × 35 in, ≈ 171 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 28–30°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity
- 50–70%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Green rat snake enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 120 × 60 × 90 cm (47 × 24 × 35 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a tropical arboreal bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix10 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls5 cm
Most of the action is vertical – keep the soil moist but not wet, and focus on perches and dense planting.
Temperature: Warm 28–30°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a green rat snake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one appropriately sized thawed mouse every 7–10 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Often defensive; tolerates limited handling.
Health watch: Watch for dehydration and stress.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Mist to raise humidity – usually a heavy evening misting with a dry-down by day.
- Check temperatures at perch height.
Weekly
- Feed; remove uneaten food (and diet dishes after 24–48 h).
- Check the drainage layer and prune vines.
- Look for stuck shed on toes and tails.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter.
- Check branches and mounts are still secure.
- Clean glass, vents and misting nozzles.
Yearly
- Refresh the top of the soil in open areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used) on schedule.
Recommended for a green rat snake bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (120 × 60 × 90 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 5 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 10 cm
Magnolia Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Cork Bark Backgrounds
Turns the back wall into climbing space
Cork Bark Tubes
A “tree trunk” to climb and hide in
Yamuna Spiderwood
Arboreal species prefer diagonal and horizontal perches
Cork Branches
More climbing routes
Green rat snake FAQ
Is the green rat snake good for beginners?
The green rat snake is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Often defensive; tolerates limited handling.
What size enclosure does a green rat snake need?
At least 120 × 60 × 90 cm (about 47 × 24 × 35 inches, roughly 171 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a green rat snake cost in Canada?
Typically $300–700 CAD to buy, about $1360–2320 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–300 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a green rat snake need?
Temperature: Warm 28–30°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 50–70%.
What does a green rat snake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one appropriately sized thawed mouse every 7–10 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.