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What are Rock Rattlers like in captivity? I have successfully kept Eastern Diamondbacks, Timbers, Canebrakes, Black-taileds, and Red Diamonds. Are the Rocks any different? Do they require anything special? What are the temperaments generally like?

Thanks,
Dan

C. lepidus are probably one of the most ideal rattlesnakes to keep in captivity. They are easy to manage, come in some stunningly beautiful geographically specific locale colorations and patterns, are relatively hardy and an absolute joy to work with. Certain specimens can be a little snappy but you have to always assume that with any crotaline. Compared to EDB's and the others you have kept, you'll find this species to be a nice change of pace. I personally enjoy working with the small to medium sized rattlers. You're going to see a lot of advances made in the coming years on selective breeding of lepidus and you'll see some amazing color patterns.

Their care is fairly straighforward and not much different than some of the others you keep (just less humidity than an EDB). We keep our adults in cages that measure 28" wide x 24" deep x 24" high. We use a sand/torpedo sand (sandy gravel) substrate, well placed and anchored slate rocks to create crevices for hiding and ledges for basking. It's here that we place an overhead heat lamp and the snake can thermal regulate by moving amongst the levels of rocks (a modified Frank Retes stack used for monitors). We also place some hide areas on the cool end. A shallow wide water dish is filled, allowed to just barely dry out and then refill again (we'll disinfect the bowls once a week). Day temps range from the low 70's on the cool side to the low 90's on the warm end. Night temps drop to 70-72 deg F. If you are planning on breeding, you'll have to drop day and night temps during the winter. We will very lightly mist our rocks during their normal monsoon season but we go sparingly.

Hope this helps.

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center

>>What are Rock Rattlers like in captivity? I have successfully kept Eastern Diamondbacks, Timbers, Canebrakes, Black-taileds, and Red Diamonds. Are the Rocks any different? Do they require anything special? What are the temperaments generally like?
>>
>>Thanks,
>>Dan
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL