Radiated ratsnake — Care Sheet & Morphs

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) lichenInc.d
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 large does an adult radiated ratsnake get?▾

It is a large colubrid that typically measures between 150 and 190 cm, with big females able to approach or even exceed 200 cm. Its build stays slender despite this considerable length.

What kind of terrarium should it have?▾

Provide a spacious, well-ventilated terrestrial terrarium at least 150 cm long, 60 cm wide and 75 cm high, with sturdy branches and several hides (warm side, cool side and a humid hide). This very active species makes good use of any extra space, and the lid must be perfectly secured because it is an excellent escape artist.

How should the temperature be set in the terrarium?▾

The cool side sits between 24 and 26°C, the warm side between 28 and 30°C and the hot spot between 30 and 33°C, with a mandatory thermostat to protect the heat source and prevent any burns. A moderate night-time drop is tolerated, never falling below about 20°C.

Is UVB useful for this species?▾

It is not strictly essential, but it remains beneficial for this diurnal snake: a low to moderate UVB tube (5-6%, UVI around 1-2), combined with accessible shaded areas, supports its natural activity and calcium metabolism.

What humidity and substrate should be favoured?▾

Maintain moderate to high humidity, between 60 and 80%, with a humid hide and light misting especially during sheds. A substrate that retains moisture while staying airy, such as coco fibre, cypress mulch or orchid bark, helps avoid both incomplete sheds and excess dampness.

What does a radiated ratsnake eat and how often?▾

It is a voracious eater with a fast metabolism that accepts rodents and chicks/birds, with juveniles also able to target small lizards. An adult is fed roughly every 7 to 14 days, with thawed prey whose width is close to the thickest part of its body, adjusting the frequency to prevent obesity.

Should a large water source be provided?▾

Yes, a large container of clean water allowing the snake to bathe is recommended, refreshed very regularly because the animal often defecates in it. It proves particularly useful during shedding periods.

What is its lifespan in captivity?▾

Generally count on 10 to 15 years, in line with the high metabolism and very active temperament of this species; some particularly well-kept individuals can live somewhat longer.

Is the radiated ratsnake dangerous or aggressive?▾

No, it is completely harmless to humans, but it can be defensive, nervous and skittish when stressed. Its threat display is distinctive: it inflates and raises its neck vertically, unlike the cobra which spreads it horizontally, while gaping its mouth wide to intimidate.

Where does this species come from and what temperament should be expected?▾

Native to a vast area of South and Southeast Asia, including India, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, it inhabits plains, forest edges and agricultural areas. Many specimens in the trade are still wild-caught, stressed and slow to acclimate; it is better to favour a captive-bred animal.

Is this species suitable for a beginner keeper?▾

It is rated intermediate in difficulty: its large size, its need for space and enrichment linked to its visual-hunter activity, along with its sometimes nervous temperament, already call for some experience. It nevertheless remains accessible to a motivated beginner, provided they research thoroughly and, if possible, start with a captive-bred specimen.

What are the most common health problems?▾

Respiratory infections linked to unsuitable parameters or stress, internal and external parasites (including mites, very common in wild-caught animals), and dermatitis or scale rot from an overly wet substrate are among the main risks. Regurgitation can also occur if the snake is handled too soon after a meal.

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