A ~ C ~ S~N~A~K~E~S Snake Breeders Based in Leicestershire, England, UK

RADIATED RAT SNAKE CARE GUIDE Coelognathus radiatus Introduction Radiated Ratsnakes are among the largest of all the ratsnake species and are active both day and night although they are probably mostly crepuscular (active dusk & dawn) or even nocturnal (active at night).  Their desire to observe you at all times makes them an excellent display snake.  They are constrictors who belong to the colubrid family and are sometimes referred to as copperhead racers. Experience Level Intermediate to Experienced - require a very confident keeper Temperament Radiated Ratsnakes are well known for their aggressive nature however our experience is quite different from this. Most of the radiateds in our care are nervous but bold in their attempts to flee although our adult male T- Albino, Ivan, is extremely laid back and has never shown any signs of nervousness at all. As long as you are confident when approaching a radiated ratsnake our experience has shown that they will not normally bite, although hatchlings can be a little nippy until used to you. Our radiateds are currently all housed in tubs, when housed in vivs, however, they become more aggressive/defensive in nature. Captive Variants Wild Type, High Yellow, T+ Albino, T- Albino Expected Adult Length 150 to 230cm Recommended Housing Vivarium or plastic tubs We prefer to use tubs as we found them to be much easier to keep clean and the snakes appear much happier, having less of a tendancy to get stressed. Other requirements: -Suitably large water bowl for them to drink and bathe -A minimum of 2 hides (1 in the cool end and 1 in the warm end) one of which should be moist -Climbing branches are advantageous but not essential Temperature Range 25°C (77°F) to 29°C (84°F) Recommended Heating Viv - Guarded Ceramic heater or heat mat Tub - Heat mat Whichever method is used, the temperature should be controlled by a suitable thermostat and monitored using a digital thermometer Origin Bangladesh, Burma, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam Natural Environment Tropical rain forests, agricultural/farm land, dry grasslands or around ponds and waterways Recommended Substrate We use Aspen and provide a moist hide of vermiculite and/or moss. Radiateds may require increased humidity to aid shedding. Daily misting of the enclosure or moving the water bowl to the warm end of the enclosure just prior to a shed cycle should be sufficient for successful shedding. Natural Diet Rodents, Lizards, Frogs, Squirrels, Birds, Bats Primary Captive Diet Rodents.  Other Observations Tail wagging (as opposed to rattling) and inflating of the neck to mid-body are common characteristics displayed by radiateds when disturbed. They can be quite vocal, particularly when excited and especially at feeding time. They can make a variety of what can only be described as clicking sounds. Some people confuse this with respiratory problems however it is quite common and nothing for concern, just something to be aware of. We have only ever kept captive bred radiated ratsnakes and therefore this care guide is written with that experience in mind.  We would expect the care, handling and temperament of wild caught and long term captive specimens to be quite different. Recommended links www.ratsnakefoundation.org This care guide has been written by us at AC Snakes for your information and guidance.   It will be updated and expanded as regularly as we are able, however it should not be used as your only source of care information.   Prior to purchasing any animal it is strongly recommended that you research extensively to ensure that you can provide the correct care for your pet.   Last updated May 2012

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