Yellow-tailed cribo (Drymarchon corais)
Photo: Miranda J, Lopes Costa JC, Duarte da Rocha CF (2012) / CC BY 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Reptile · Colubrid

Yellow-tailed cribo care guide

Drymarchon corais

AdvancedVery large adult

The yellow-tailed cribo is a advanced-level colubrid from N South America, Trinidad. Adults reach 180–260 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. An active diurnal giant; needs a large custom enclosure. Solitary.

  • Enclosure 240 × 90 × 90 cm
  • Temp Warm 29–31°C, cool 24°C
  • Humidity 60–75%

How much does a yellow-tailed cribo cost in Canada?

Animal$800–2000Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$2850–4930Enclosure $1830–3460 · equipment $190–420 · bioactive supplies ≈ $880
Yearly upkeep$400–700Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$4050–7630All prices CAD, estimates

Yellow-tailed cribo quick facts

Skill level
Advanced
Adult size
180–260 cm
Lifespan
15–20 years
Activity
Diurnal
Native range
N South America, Trinidad
Minimum enclosure
240 × 90 × 90 cm (94 × 35 × 35 in, ≈ 514 US gal)
Housing
Best kept alone.
Temperature
Warm 29–31°C, cool 24°C
Humidity
60–75%
UVB
Recommended
Diet
Carnivore – rodents, fish
Bioactive style
Humid terrestrial

Yellow-tailed cribo enclosure & bioactive setup

Give one adult at least 240 × 90 × 90 cm (94 × 35 × 35 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a humid terrestrial bioactive build.

  1. Leaf litter2 cm
  2. Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix12 cm
  3. Drainage – clay bio balls3 cm

Deep, moist soil is what holds humidity in this build – much better than thin bedding, especially through Canadian winters.

Temperature: Warm 29–31°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 60–75%. UVB: Recommended.

What does a yellow-tailed cribo eat?

Carnivore – rodents, fish. Feed one appropriately sized thawed rodent every 7 days.

Handling, temperament & health

Intelligent and usually tolerant but powerful.

Health watch: Watch for obesity and blister disease.

Cleaning & maintenance schedule

Daily

  • Check warm and cool side temperatures and humidity.
  • Refresh the water bowl.

Weekly

  • Mist or pour water into the substrate to keep the lower layers moist.
  • Spot-clean large waste promptly.

Monthly

  • Top up leaf litter.
  • Stir and fluff compacted topsoil around hides.
  • Check heat sources and thermostat calibration.

Yearly

  • Partially refresh soil in high-traffic areas.
  • Replace UVB bulbs (if used).

Recommended for a yellow-tailed cribo bioactive

Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (240 × 90 × 90 cm).

Yellow-tailed cribo FAQ

Is the yellow-tailed cribo good for beginners?

The yellow-tailed cribo is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Intelligent and usually tolerant but powerful.

What size enclosure does a yellow-tailed cribo need?

At least 240 × 90 × 90 cm (about 94 × 35 × 35 inches, roughly 514 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.

How much does a yellow-tailed cribo cost in Canada?

Typically $800–2000 CAD to buy, about $2850–4930 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $400–700 CAD a year to keep.

What temperature and humidity does a yellow-tailed cribo need?

Temperature: Warm 29–31°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 60–75%.

What does a yellow-tailed cribo eat?

Carnivore – rodents, fish. Feed one appropriately sized thawed rodent every 7 days.

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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.