Reptile · Rat snake
Radiated rat snake care guide
Coelognathus radiatus
The radiated rat snake is a intermediate-level rat snake from S and SE Asia. Adults reach 120–180 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Not for beginners; captive-bred animals are noticeably calmer. Solitary.
- Enclosure 150 × 60 × 60 cm
- Temp Warm 28–31°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity 60–70%
How much does a radiated rat snake cost in Canada?
Radiated rat snake quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 120–180 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- S and SE Asia
- Minimum enclosure
- 150 × 60 × 60 cm (59 × 24 × 24 in, ≈ 143 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 28–31°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity
- 60–70%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats
- Bioactive style
- Temperate forest
Radiated rat snake enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 150 × 60 × 60 cm (59 × 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 24°C. Humidity: 60–70%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a radiated rat snake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats. Feed one appropriately sized thawed rodent every 7–10 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Highly defensive; inflates its neck and strikes.
Health watch: Watch for parasites and stress in imports.
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 radiated rat snake bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (150 × 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
Radiated rat snake FAQ
Is the radiated rat snake good for beginners?
The radiated rat snake is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Highly defensive; inflates its neck and strikes.
What size enclosure does a radiated rat snake need?
At least 150 × 60 × 60 cm (about 59 × 24 × 24 inches, roughly 143 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a radiated rat snake cost in Canada?
Typically $150–400 CAD to buy, about $1010–1820 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $200–350 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a radiated rat snake need?
Temperature: Warm 28–31°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 60–70%.
What does a radiated rat snake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats. Feed one appropriately sized thawed rodent 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.