Russian Rat Snake | Elaphe schrenckii

Plan the habitat for the adult animal, with secure housing and room to carry out its natural behaviour.

At a Glance

Housing & Setup

Enclosure dimensions are length × depth × height unless stated otherwise. Plan for the adult animal; larger, suitably furnished housing is encouraged.

Behaviour & Compatibility

House individually. An active climbing snake; secure all doors and ventilation gaps.

Feeding & Nutrition

Offer appropriately sized, fully thawed whole rodents. Confirm the current prey size and feeding schedule at collection; juveniles generally feed more frequently than adults. Adjust portions to body condition and do not use plain muscle meat as a staple. Routine calcium dusting is not needed for balanced whole prey. Provide fresh water daily.

Routine Care

Check temperatures, humidity, appetite and behaviour daily. Replace drinking water and remove waste promptly. Clean bowls and contaminated furnishings regularly; monitor weight and shedding. Arrange advice from an exotics vet for persistent changes in appetite, breathing or movement.

Important Before Buying

Run and check the enclosure before collection. Adult housing requirements apply even when the animal is sold as a baby. Confirm the animal’s current food, age and supplement schedule with our reptile team.

Live Animals Are Click & Collect Only

We do not ship live animals. Order online and wait for confirmation that your animal is ready before collecting from Newlands Home and Garden Centre, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. Have the enclosure prepared and its conditions checked before collection.