Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just wondering what opinions I can collect. I had a Canebrake about 8 years ago, and am considering getting another Rattler. Any major differences in them as far as care and keeping goes? Thanks a lot for any input.

You can keep the two nearly exactly the same - provide a good thermal gradient (70 on cool end to the upper 70's/low 80's on warm end with a localized basking spot that can reach the mid to upper 80s's for 4-6 hours daily and then a night drop to the 60's to low to mid 70's). Some folks just keep in a room where temps are a uniform 78 to 80 deg F. Me personally, I like to give them choices to decide what's their optimal temps. Attitudes are extremely variable with EDB's...some get very mellow while others are wound real tight. Feeding is identical - don't overfeed! Our's get one appropriately sized prey animal every 3-4 weeks. Our S.E. rattlers get misted a tad more than those from the western U.S.

Hope this helps. Rob

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center

>>Just wondering what opinions I can collect. I had a Canebrake about 8 years ago, and am considering getting another Rattler. Any major differences in them as far as care and keeping goes? Thanks a lot for any input.
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

Canebrakes are much easier to handle and seem to be less susceptible to captive stress. Otherwise, the care is the same.

Justin