Reptile · Rat snake
Ladder snake care guide
Zamenis scalaris
The ladder snake is a intermediate-level rat snake from Iberian Peninsula, S France. Adults reach 100–160 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. Juveniles are nippy; patient handling usually helps. Solitary.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 60 cm
- Temp Warm 28–31°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity 30–50%
How much does a ladder snake cost in Canada?
Ladder snake quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 100–160 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Iberian Peninsula, S France
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 60 cm (47 × 24 × 24 in, ≈ 114 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 28–31°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity
- 30–50%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice
- Bioactive style
- Temperate forest
Ladder snake enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 120 × 60 × 60 cm (47 × 24 × 24 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a temperate forest bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix10 cm
Keep a moisture gradient: drier on top and at the warm end, slightly moist underneath and at the cool end.
Temperature: Warm 28–31°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 30–50%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a ladder snake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one appropriately sized thawed mouse every 10–14 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Often defensive and bitey when young.
Health watch: Watch for respiratory infections and stress.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check temperatures and refresh water.
Weekly
- Lightly moisten the cool end and lower soil.
- Spot-clean waste.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter; check hides and branches are stable.
Yearly
- Partially refresh soil in high-traffic areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used).
Recommended for a ladder snake bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (120 × 60 × 60 cm).
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 10 cm
Coco Husk Chips - Dried Loose Pack
Optional top layer (coco husk chips)
Red Oak Leaves 15/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Cork Bark Flats
A hide in each temperature zone
Cork Branches
Many colubrids climb more than people expect
Ladder snake FAQ
Is the ladder snake good for beginners?
The ladder snake is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Often defensive and bitey when young.
What size enclosure does a ladder snake need?
At least 120 × 60 × 60 cm (about 47 × 24 × 24 inches, roughly 114 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a ladder snake cost in Canada?
Typically $250–600 CAD to buy, about $860–1570 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–300 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a ladder snake need?
Temperature: Warm 28–31°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 30–50%.
What does a ladder snake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one appropriately sized thawed mouse every 10–14 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.