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

RHINO RAT SNAKE CARE GUIDE Rhynchophis Boulengeri Introduction Rhino Ratsnakes are a medium sized, semi arboreal colubrid with a soft and flexible "horn" on the end of their nose which make a great display snake. It is always suggested that Rhino ratsnakes are nocturnal however in our experience this is unclear.  Our original pair are more active at night but may be crepuscular (active dawn/dusk) whereas our others appear almost as active during the day and spend a great deal of time out in the open watching the activity in the room.  When they hatch they are grey/brown with darker irregular speckling but their colour gradually changes to their amazing green adult colouration normally by about 2 years of age. Other names include Vietnamese Longnose and Green unicorn. Experience Level Experienced Temperament Shy but fairly placid.Young animals may occasionally attempt to bite as a defence mechanism but they will normally have grown out of this by the time they are adult. Captive Variants Wild Type Expected Adult Length 100 to 120cm Recommended Housing Vivarium or plastic tubs We would prefer to always use tubs as we have found them much easier to keep clean however the largest of our rhinos are kept in vivariums and the younger ones are kept in tubs. 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 Temperature Range 26°C (79°F) to 31°C (88°F) Recommended Heating Viv - Guarded Ceramic heater and/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 Northern Vietnam and Southern China Natural Environment Rhino Ratsnakes are arboreal and inhabit sub tropical rain forests Recommended Substrate We use Aspen or dry coconut fibre and provide a moist hide of vermiculite and/or moss. Natural Diet Rodents, Birds Primary Captive Diet Rodents Other Observations Rhinos are known for having a fairly high humidity requirement,however our experience is that in a captive environment they fair better in a drier setup with a humid hide and a large water bowl which they frequently bathe in. Since keeping ours in a drier environment they are in much better overall condition. 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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