Reptile · Venomous snake
Timber rattlesnake care guide
Crotalus horridus
The timber rattlesnake is a expert-level venomous snake from E United States (extirpated from Canada). Adults reach 90–150 cm and live 20–30 years in captivity. Needs a winter cooling period; buy only legally captive-bred animals.
- Enclosure 150 × 60 × 60 cm
- Temp Warm 28–30°C, cool 20–22°C
- Humidity 50–70%
How much does a timber rattlesnake cost in Canada?
Timber rattlesnake quick facts
- Skill level
- Expert
- Adult size
- 90–150 cm
- Lifespan
- 20–30 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- E United States (extirpated from Canada)
- Minimum enclosure
- 150 × 60 × 60 cm (59 × 24 × 24 in, ≈ 143 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 28–30°C, cool 20–22°C
- Humidity
- 50–70%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats
- Bioactive style
- Temperate forest
Timber rattlesnake 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 28–30°C, cool 20–22°C. Humidity: 50–70%. 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 timber rattlesnake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats. Feed one appropriately sized thawed rodent every 14–21 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Calm for a rattlesnake but never free-handle.
Health watch: Watch for respiratory infections and fasting.
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 timber rattlesnake 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
Timber rattlesnake FAQ
Is the timber rattlesnake good for beginners?
No – the timber rattlesnake is a specialist animal for expert keepers only. Calm for a rattlesnake but never free-handle.
What size enclosure does a timber rattlesnake 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 timber rattlesnake cost in Canada?
Typically $300–800 CAD to buy, about $1010–1820 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $300–600 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a timber rattlesnake need?
Temperature: Warm 28–30°C, cool 20–22°C. Humidity: 50–70%.
What does a timber rattlesnake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats. Feed one appropriately sized thawed rodent every 14–21 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.