They're a large (60" - 68" rarely up to 96" ) heavy bodied species so give them enough cage space. They like to burrow so give them a soft substrate to avoid injury. They'll eat rodents, birds and eggs. They're also snake eaters so be careful about keeping them together. Their temperment can be bad and they have a strong musk.



Temperature

day 72-84 degrees (cage gradient)

night 63 degrees



Hibernate for 3 -4 months at 45 - 60 degrees



reproduction 6 - 15 eggs, incubate at 77 to 82 deg for 41 - 58 days



Wild caught animals have heavy parasite loads of nematodes and tapeworms. They may also be less adaptable with respect to temperature and temperment.



Hope this helps

John

[ Hide Replies ]

• King ratsnake - SteveH, Sun Jan 23 12:18:03 2005
• Steve: I haven't worked with them but here's what I've read... - jfirneno, Sun Jan 23 18:46:15 2005
• RE: Steve: I haven't worked with them but here's what I've read... - SteveH, Sun Jan 23 19:26:43 2005
• c.b. would be best. Long term captive from a reliable source... - jfirneno, Sun Jan 23 20:55:32 2005
• Thank you for that info! - Katt, Wed Jan 26 12:51:18 2005
• Your welcome... - jfirneno, Wed Jan 26 18:29:57 2005