Reptile · Rat snake
Red-tailed green rat snake care guide
Gonyosoma oxycephalum
The red-tailed green rat snake is a advanced-level rat snake from Southeast Asia. Adults reach 150–240 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Highly arboreal; provide tall cover and seek captive-bred stock. Solitary.
- Enclosure 150 × 60 × 120 cm
- Temp Warm 28–30°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity 60–80%
How much does a red-tailed green rat snake cost in Canada?
Red-tailed green rat snake quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 150–240 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Southeast Asia
- Minimum enclosure
- 150 × 60 × 120 cm (59 × 24 × 47 in, ≈ 285 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 28–30°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Red-tailed green rat snake enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 150 × 60 × 120 cm (59 × 24 × 47 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a tropical arboreal bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls5 cm
Most of the action is vertical – keep the soil moist but not wet, and focus on perches and dense planting.
Temperature: Warm 28–30°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a red-tailed green rat snake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats. Feed one appropriately sized thawed rodent every 7–10 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Defensive, gapes and strikes; best as a display animal.
Health watch: Watch for dehydration, stress and parasites in imports.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Mist to raise humidity – usually a heavy evening misting with a dry-down by day.
- Check temperatures at perch height.
Weekly
- Feed; remove uneaten food (and diet dishes after 24–48 h).
- Check the drainage layer and prune vines.
- Look for stuck shed on toes and tails.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter.
- Check branches and mounts are still secure.
- Clean glass, vents and misting nozzles.
Yearly
- Refresh the top of the soil in open areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used) on schedule.
Recommended for a red-tailed green rat snake bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (150 × 60 × 120 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 5 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 8 cm
Magnolia Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Cork Bark Backgrounds
Turns the back wall into climbing space
Cork Bark Tubes
A “tree trunk” to climb and hide in
Yamuna Spiderwood
Arboreal species prefer diagonal and horizontal perches
Cork Branches
More climbing routes
Red-tailed green rat snake FAQ
Is the red-tailed green rat snake good for beginners?
The red-tailed green rat snake is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Defensive, gapes and strikes; best as a display animal.
What size enclosure does a red-tailed green rat snake need?
At least 150 × 60 × 120 cm (about 59 × 24 × 47 inches, roughly 285 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a red-tailed green rat snake cost in Canada?
Typically $300–800 CAD to buy, about $1900–3250 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $250–400 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a red-tailed green rat snake need?
Temperature: Warm 28–30°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 60–80%.
What does a red-tailed green 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.