These are beautiful snakes, but definitely are only a pet for the advanced snake keeper!

Dr. Jungle…”The Red-tailed Green Climbing Rat Snake shown here is an adult female about six feet long!”

The Red-tailed Green Climbing Rat Snake is not venomous, but may always be a bit temperamental. There are are some keepers that say they will tame down with regular handling, however there are others who say they are unpredictable.
Many will repeat a pattern of being docile, even tempered, and tolerant of handling for several months and then bite their keeper for no apparent reason. Despite this they are very hardy, easy to maintain and a beautiful snake.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Reptilia
Order:Squamata
Family:Colubridae
Genus:Gonyosoma
Species: oxycephela

Distribution

   The Red-tailed Green Climbing Rat Snakes are found in central, south, and southeast Asia.

Description

   The Red-tailed Green Climbing Rat Snake snake will grow to a good size between six and eight feet (2m to 2.5m). They are a thinner-bodied snake with a beautiful iridescent green coloration.

red-tailed green ratsnake
Image Credit: Opayaza12, Shutterstock

Feeding

  They are a constrictor and their diet consists of chicks,mice, rats and other rodents. Feed once or twice a week, depending on the size of the food and the size of the snake. As you get to know your snake, you’ll learn what its feeding needs are. Fresh water in a shallow dish should always be available.

Environment

   It is recommended that the Red-tailed Green Climbing Rat Snake be kept singly, except when breeding.

As the name implies, the red-tailed green climbing rat snake is an excellent climber. They like an arboreal type setting so set up their terrarium as a woodland type with a vertical or semi-vertical tree limb and plant vining. See Basic Reptile and Amphibian Care for more information on the terrarium type. Also provide a hiding place and a small water dish.

Temperature and Lighting requirements

   They do well in 70° to 80° F with moderate humidity. Lighting requirements are minimal, they do not need full spectrum lighting though it is good for long term maintenance as it helps them feel good. You can use a substrate heating device for basic heating. For additional heat, you can add a full spectrum incandescent daytime bulb and a blacklight bulb or red incandescent bulb for nighttime heating. Be sure you use a thermometer so you don’t let the terrarium become overheated!

Two Red-tailed Green Ratsnakes mating
Image Credit: Roxana Gonzalez, Shutterstock

Breeding/Reproduction

   These snakes, if not babies, need to be probe sexed for positive sex identification.

Availability

  The Red-tailed Green Climbing Rat Snake are not real common, so are not always readily available as pets.


Featured Image Credit: Lauren Suryanata, Shutterstock