Reptile · Rat snake
Trinket snake care guide
Coelognathus helena
The trinket snake is a intermediate-level rat snake from India, Sri Lanka. Adults reach 90–150 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Rare in the trade; provide plenty of cover. Solitary.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 60 cm
- Temp Warm 28–31°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity 50–70%
How much does a trinket snake cost in Canada?
Trinket snake quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 90–150 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- India, Sri Lanka
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 60 cm (47 × 24 × 24 in, ≈ 114 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 28–31°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity
- 50–70%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice
- Bioactive style
- Temperate forest
Trinket snake 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 28–31°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a trinket snake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one appropriately sized thawed mouse every 7–10 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Defensive at first; settles in captive-bred animals.
Health watch: Watch for respiratory infections and stress.
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 trinket snake 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
Trinket snake FAQ
Is the trinket snake good for beginners?
The trinket snake is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Defensive at first; settles in captive-bred animals.
What size enclosure does a trinket snake 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 trinket snake cost in Canada?
Typically $200–500 CAD to buy, about $860–1570 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–300 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a trinket snake need?
Temperature: Warm 28–31°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 50–70%.
What does a trinket 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.