Reptile · Rat snake
Russian rat snake care guide
Elaphe schrenckii
The russian rat snake is a beginner-level rat snake from Russian Far East, NE China, Korea. Adults reach 130–180 cm and live 15–25 years in captivity. Cold-tolerant; benefits from a winter cooling period. Solitary.
- Enclosure 150 × 60 × 60 cm
- Temp Warm 27–29°C, cool 20–22°C
- Humidity 40–60%
How much does a russian rat snake cost in Canada?
Russian rat snake quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- 130–180 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–25 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Russian Far East, NE China, Korea
- Minimum enclosure
- 150 × 60 × 60 cm (59 × 24 × 24 in, ≈ 143 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 27–29°C, cool 20–22°C
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats
- Bioactive style
- Temperate forest
Russian 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 27–29°C, cool 20–22°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a russian rat snake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats. Feed one appropriately sized thawed rodent every 10–14 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Calm and handleable once settled.
Health watch: Watch for respiratory infections and obesity.
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 russian 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
Russian rat snake FAQ
Is the russian rat snake good for beginners?
Yes – the russian rat snake is a good choice for beginners. Calm and handleable once settled.
What size enclosure does a russian 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 russian rat snake cost in Canada?
Typically $150–350 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 russian rat snake need?
Temperature: Warm 27–29°C, cool 20–22°C. Humidity: 40–60%.
What does a russian rat snake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats. Feed one appropriately sized thawed rodent every 10–14 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.