Reptile · Rat snake
Red bamboo rat snake care guide
Oreocryptophis porphyraceus
The red bamboo rat snake is a advanced-level rat snake from S and SE Asia. Adults reach 60–100 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. A cool montane species; never let temperatures exceed 27°C. Solitary.
- Enclosure 90 × 45 × 45 cm
- Temp Warm 24–26°C, cool 18–21°C
- Humidity 60–80%
How much does a red bamboo rat snake cost in Canada?
Red bamboo rat snake quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 60–100 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Crepuscular
- Native range
- S and SE Asia
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 48 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 24–26°C, cool 18–21°C
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice
- Bioactive style
- Temperate forest
Red bamboo rat snake enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a temperate forest bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix12 cm
Keep a moisture gradient: drier on top and at the warm end, slightly moist underneath and at the cool end.
Temperature: Warm 24–26°C, cool 18–21°C. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a red bamboo rat snake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one small thawed mouse every 7–10 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Shy and secretive but rarely bites.
Health watch: Watch for overheating and parasites 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 red bamboo rat snake bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 45 × 45 cm).
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 12 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
Red bamboo rat snake FAQ
Is the red bamboo rat snake good for beginners?
The red bamboo rat snake is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Shy and secretive but rarely bites.
What size enclosure does a red bamboo rat 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 red bamboo rat snake cost in Canada?
Typically $300–700 CAD to buy, about $590–1090 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–300 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a red bamboo rat snake need?
Temperature: Warm 24–26°C, cool 18–21°C. Humidity: 60–80%.
What does a red bamboo rat snake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one small thawed 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.