Reptile · Rat snake
Rhinoceros rat snake care guide
Gonyosoma boulengeri
The rhinoceros rat snake is a intermediate-level rat snake from N Vietnam, S China. Adults reach 100–160 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Arboreal and heat-sensitive; avoid temperatures above 30°C. Solitary.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 90 cm
- Temp 24–28°C
- Humidity 60–80%
How much does a rhinoceros rat snake cost in Canada?
Rhinoceros rat snake quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 100–160 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- N Vietnam, S China
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 90 cm (47 × 24 × 35 in, ≈ 171 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- 24–28°C
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Rhinoceros rat snake enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 120 × 60 × 90 cm (47 × 24 × 35 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a tropical arboreal bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix10 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: 24–28°C. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a rhinoceros rat snake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one appropriately sized thawed mouse every 7–10 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Generally calm and inquisitive for an arboreal colubrid.
Health watch: Watch for overheating, dehydration and respiratory infections.
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 rhinoceros rat snake bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (120 × 60 × 90 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 5 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 10 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
Rhinoceros rat snake FAQ
Is the rhinoceros rat snake good for beginners?
The rhinoceros rat snake is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Generally calm and inquisitive for an arboreal colubrid.
What size enclosure does a rhinoceros rat snake need?
At least 120 × 60 × 90 cm (about 47 × 24 × 35 inches, roughly 171 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a rhinoceros rat snake cost in Canada?
Typically $500–1200 CAD to buy, about $1360–2320 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $200–350 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a rhinoceros rat snake need?
Temperature: 24–28°C. Humidity: 60–80%.
What does a rhinoceros rat snake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one appropriately sized 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.