Reptile · Venomous snake
Prairie rattlesnake care guide
Crotalus viridis
The prairie rattlesnake is a expert-level venomous snake from Great Plains incl. S Alberta and Saskatchewan. Adults reach 90–120 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. Protected in parts of Canada; never collect wild snakes and follow provincial permit rules.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 60 cm
- Temp Warm 29–31°C, cool 20–22°C
- Humidity 30–50%
How much does a prairie rattlesnake cost in Canada?
Prairie rattlesnake quick facts
- Skill level
- Expert
- Adult size
- 90–120 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Great Plains incl. S Alberta and Saskatchewan
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 60 cm (47 × 24 × 24 in, ≈ 114 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 29–31°C, cool 20–22°C
- Humidity
- 30–50%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Prairie rattlesnake enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 120 × 60 × 60 cm (47 × 24 × 24 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a semi-arid bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend10 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry.
Temperature: Warm 29–31°C, cool 20–22°C. Humidity: 30–50%. UVB: Recommended.
Some Canadian provinces and many municipalities restrict or ban this species. Check your local bylaws and any provincial permit rules before buying.
What does a prairie rattlesnake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one appropriately sized thawed mouse every 10–14 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Nervous and quick to rattle; tools only.
Health watch: Watch for respiratory infections and fasting.
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 prairie rattlesnake bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (120 × 60 × 60 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive soil layer, 10 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
Prairie rattlesnake FAQ
Is the prairie rattlesnake good for beginners?
No – the prairie rattlesnake is a specialist animal for expert keepers only. Nervous and quick to rattle; tools only.
What size enclosure does a prairie rattlesnake 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 prairie rattlesnake cost in Canada?
Typically $150–400 CAD to buy, about $880–1600 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $300–500 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a prairie rattlesnake need?
Temperature: Warm 29–31°C, cool 20–22°C. Humidity: 30–50%.
What does a prairie rattlesnake 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.