Japanese Rat Snake Care Sheet
Japanese rat snake care sheet
By Reptitrader
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(Care Sheets are a simplified look at how to care for snakes, for a more complete view consult the relevant book from our book store)
General: Japanese Ratsnakes (Elaphe Climacophora) is a slim snake that reaches a length of about 1,2 metres. They originate from the Japanese Islands as well as from the Kurile islands group. They have a nervous temperament and bite readily.
Enclosure: Japanese Rat snakes require an enclosure no smaller than 90cm X 40cm X 40cm. Furnish the enclosure with Hides in the hot and cold sides and provide some branches for climbing as well as a water bowl large enough for soaking.
Substrate: Japanese Rat snakes can be kept on newspaper as well as coconut husk, corn cob and other such substrates. They do not require a high humidity so a substrate that holds water is not necessary.
Temperature and Humidity: Japanese Rat Snakes require an ambient daytime temperature of between 76 and 78 degrees F with a hot spot of about 88 deg F. Nighttime temperatures can drop to between 70 and 72 degrees F. A moderate humidity of about 50% is needed.
Feeding: Japanese Rat snakes are known for their strong feeding response and can be fed an appropriately sized rodent no thicker than 1 and a half times the snakes girth once a week.
Cleaning: Clean and disinfect your Japanese Rat snakes enclosure thoroughly at least once a month and remove fecal matter as it appears.
Attribution: I, A.S.since1992
