Reptile · Venomous snake
Rinkhals care guide
Hemachatus haemachatus
The rinkhals is a expert-level venomous snake from Southern Africa. Adults reach 90–130 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. A livebearing spitting elapid; never assume a "dead" rinkhals is safe.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 60 cm
- Temp Warm 28–30°C, cool 20–22°C
- Humidity 40–60%
How much does a rinkhals cost in Canada?
Rinkhals quick facts
- Skill level
- Expert
- Adult size
- 90–130 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Southern Africa
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 60 cm (47 × 24 × 24 in, ≈ 114 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 28–30°C, cool 20–22°C
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice
- Bioactive style
- Temperate forest
Rinkhals enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 120 × 60 × 60 cm (47 × 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 28–30°C, cool 20–22°C. Humidity: 40–60%. 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 rinkhals eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one appropriately sized thawed mouse every 7–10 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Spits venom and feigns death; eye protection required.
Health watch: Watch for respiratory infections.
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 rinkhals bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (120 × 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
Rinkhals FAQ
Is the rinkhals good for beginners?
No – the rinkhals is a specialist animal for expert keepers only. Spits venom and feigns death; eye protection required.
What size enclosure does a rinkhals 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 rinkhals cost in Canada?
Typically $600–1500 CAD to buy, about $860–1570 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $300–500 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a rinkhals need?
Temperature: Warm 28–30°C, cool 20–22°C. Humidity: 40–60%.
What does a rinkhals 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.