Reptile · Colubrid
Long-nosed snake care guide
Rhinocheilus lecontei
The long-nosed snake is a intermediate-level colubrid from SW United States, N Mexico. Adults reach 50–90 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Often needs lizard-scented prey; buy established feeders. Solitary.
- Enclosure 90 × 45 × 45 cm
- Temp Warm 30–32°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity 20–40%
How much does a long-nosed snake cost in Canada?
Long-nosed snake quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 50–90 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- SW United States, N Mexico
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 48 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 30–32°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity
- 20–40%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – lizards, scented mice
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Long-nosed snake enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a semi-arid bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend12 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry.
Temperature: Warm 30–32°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 20–40%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a long-nosed snake eat?
Carnivore – lizards, scented mice. Feed one small scented mouse every 7–10 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Shy but rarely bites.
Health watch: Watch for feeding refusal 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 long-nosed snake bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 45 × 45 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive soil layer, 12 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
Long-nosed snake FAQ
Is the long-nosed snake good for beginners?
The long-nosed snake is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Shy but rarely bites.
What size enclosure does a long-nosed snake need?
At least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (about 35 × 18 × 18 inches, roughly 48 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a long-nosed snake cost in Canada?
Typically $150–400 CAD to buy, about $600–1100 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–250 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a long-nosed snake need?
Temperature: Warm 30–32°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 20–40%.
What does a long-nosed snake eat?
Carnivore – lizards, scented mice. Feed one small scented 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.