Reptile · Colubrid
Louisiana pine snake care guide
Pituophis ruthveni
The louisiana pine snake is a advanced-level colubrid from W Louisiana, E Texas. Adults reach 120–150 cm and live 15–25 years in captivity. Endangered in the wild; only legally captive-bred animals should be bought. Solitary.
- Enclosure 180 × 60 × 60 cm
- Temp Warm 29–32°C, cool 22–24°C
- Humidity 30–50%
How much does a louisiana pine snake cost in Canada?
Louisiana pine snake quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 120–150 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–25 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- W Louisiana, E Texas
- Minimum enclosure
- 180 × 60 × 60 cm (71 × 24 × 24 in, ≈ 171 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 29–32°C, cool 22–24°C
- Humidity
- 30–50%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats
- Bioactive style
- Temperate forest
Louisiana pine snake enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 180 × 60 × 60 cm (71 × 24 × 24 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a temperate forest bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix15 cm
Keep a moisture gradient: drier on top and at the warm end, slightly moist underneath and at the cool end.
Temperature: Warm 29–32°C, cool 22–24°C. Humidity: 30–50%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a louisiana pine snake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats. Feed one appropriately sized thawed rodent every 10–14 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Usually calmer than other pine snakes.
Health watch: Watch for respiratory infections and obesity.
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 louisiana pine snake bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (180 × 60 × 60 cm).
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 15 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
Louisiana pine snake FAQ
Is the louisiana pine snake good for beginners?
The louisiana pine snake is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Usually calmer than other pine snakes.
What size enclosure does a louisiana pine snake 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 louisiana pine snake cost in Canada?
Typically $500–1200 CAD to buy, about $1250–2190 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $250–400 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a louisiana pine snake need?
Temperature: Warm 29–32°C, cool 22–24°C. Humidity: 30–50%.
What does a louisiana pine snake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats. Feed one appropriately sized thawed rodent 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.