Reptile · Rat snake
Moellendorff's rat snake care guide
Orthriophis moellendorffi
The moellendorff's rat snake is a advanced-level rat snake from S China, N Vietnam. Adults reach 150–200 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. A limestone-cliff species; offer rockwork and climbing space. Solitary.
- Enclosure 150 × 60 × 90 cm
- Temp Warm 28–30°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity 50–70%
How much does a moellendorff's rat snake cost in Canada?
Moellendorff's rat snake quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 150–200 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- S China, N Vietnam
- Minimum enclosure
- 150 × 60 × 90 cm (59 × 24 × 35 in, ≈ 214 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 28–30°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity
- 50–70%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats
- Bioactive style
- Temperate forest
Moellendorff's rat snake enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 150 × 60 × 90 cm (59 × 24 × 35 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 28–30°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a moellendorff's rat snake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats. Feed one appropriately sized thawed rodent every 10–14 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Usually calm once established.
Health watch: Watch for parasites and stress in imported animals.
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 moellendorff's rat snake bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (150 × 60 × 90 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
Moellendorff's rat snake FAQ
Is the moellendorff's rat snake good for beginners?
The moellendorff's rat snake is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Usually calm once established.
What size enclosure does a moellendorff's rat snake need?
At least 150 × 60 × 90 cm (about 59 × 24 × 35 inches, roughly 214 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a moellendorff's rat snake cost in Canada?
Typically $400–900 CAD to buy, about $1250–2280 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $200–350 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a moellendorff's rat snake need?
Temperature: Warm 28–30°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 50–70%.
What does a moellendorff's rat 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.