Radiated ratsnake — Care Sheet & Morphs

Q: How big does an adult Radiated ratsnake get?

An adult Radiated ratsnake typically measures 1.5–1.9 m.

Husbandry requirements

Radiated ratsnake — origin: South and Southeast Asia: India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, southern China, the Malay Peninsula and Indonesia. Occupies lowlands, forest edges and agricultural areas..

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min20 °C

Cool side24–26 °C

Warm side28–30 °C

Basking spot30–33 °C

A tropical-to-subtropical, diurnal species: offer a thermal gradient with a controlled hot spot (a thermostat is mandatory, guard any heat source to prevent burns). A moderate night-time drop is tolerated, without going below ~20 °C.

Enclosure (adult)

150 × 60 × 75 cm

A spacious, well-ventilated terrestrial terrarium, with sturdy branches, multiple hides and moderate height (an active, semi-arboreal species).

Minimum dimensions for one adult; this very active species benefits from any additional space. A perfectly locked lid is essential (an excellent escape artist). Provide hides on the warm side and the cool side + a humid hide.

Humidity

60–80 %

Moderate to high ambient humidity; maintain a humid hide and mist lightly, especially during sheds. Avoid both drying out (poor sheds) and stagnation/constant dampness (dermatitis).

Substrate

Coco fibreCypress mulchOrchid barkSoil/coco mix

A substrate that retains moisture while staying aerated, at a depth allowing slight burrowing. Remove droppings promptly and watch for mould. Sufficient ventilation to avoid maceration.

UVB

Optional

Not strictly essential, but beneficial for this diurnal species: a low-to-moderate UVB tube (5-6 %, UVI ~1-2) with accessible shaded areas. Improves activity and calcium metabolism.

Water source

Always available

A large container of clean water allowing bathing; renew very regularly (the animal often defecates in it). Particularly useful during shedding periods.

Origin

Colubridae

South and Southeast Asia: India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, southern China, the Malay Peninsula and Indonesia. Occupies lowlands, forest edges and agricultural areas.

Feeding & health

Diet

Carnivore — Rodents (mice, rats of a suitable size), chicks/birds; juveniles may target lizards and small prey.

A voracious eater with a fast metabolism: thawed prey of a width close to the thickest part of the body. An adult fed roughly every 7-14 days; adjust to avoid obesity. Wild-caught animals may need time and calm before accepting dead prey.

Breeding

Oviparous

Clutch 6–15 eggs/young. Breeding is facilitated by a winter cooling/rest period. Incubation of about 60-75 days at around 27-29 °C depending on conditions. Monitor the female for egg retention (dystocia).

Health watch points

Respiratory infections (unsuitable temperature/humidity, stress)
Internal and external parasites, including mites - very common in wild-caught animals
Regurgitation linked to stress or to handling too early
Dermatitis / scale rot (substrate too humid or dirty)
Stomatitis (mouth infection), sometimes worsened by snout-rubbing against the glass

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 4 documented genes and 3 named combos for Radiated ratsnake.

Albino (T-) amelanisticRec
Albino (T+) caramelRec
White Sided (Lichen) lichenDom
Axanthic aneryRec

Named combos — 3 documented combined morphs

SnowGhost / IceAlbino White Sided

Pairing calculator

Pick each parent's genotype — clutch probabilities update live. Free, no sign-up.

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Radiated ratsnake × Radiated ratsnake

Probabilities per gene (independent loci).

Expected clutchSelect at least one gene on a parent.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about keeping the radiated ratsnake.

How big does an adult Radiated ratsnake get?▾

An adult Radiated ratsnake typically measures 1.5–1.9 m (a large colubrid; big females can approach or even exceed 200 cm. slender build.).

What temperature and humidity does a Radiated ratsnake need?▾

A gradient of roughly 24–26 °C on the cool side to 28–30 °C on the warm side, with a basking spot of 30–33 °C. Humidity 60–80 %.

What does a Radiated ratsnake eat?▾

Carnivore: Rodents (mice, rats of a suitable size), chicks/birds; juveniles may target lizards and small prey..

Is the Radiated ratsnake a good reptile for beginners?▾

Intermediate level. Defensive, nervous and skittish, but NON-venomous (a colubrid harmless to humans). Displays a characteristic threat posture: it inflates and raises its neck vertically (and not horizontally like a cobra) while gaping its mouth wide open. Many specimens in the trade are wild-caught, stressed and to be acclimated with great care; favour captive-bred animals. Plan ahead: a lifespan of 10–15 yrs.

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