Baird’s Rat Snake
(Pantherophis bairdi)
Distribution
This species is native to southwestern areas of the USA, from Central Texas down to Mexico. Until recently this species was known as
Elaphe bairdi.
Size
Occasionally this species reaches sizes of up to 180cm (6ft), although the average size is 120cm to 150cm (4 to 5ft).
Diet
This species feeds well on appropriately sized defrosted rodents in captivity.
Requirements
- Heat Source: - This can be either reflector spotlight in green, red or blue, ceramics, or thermostatically controlled heat mats.
- UV Light Source: -Although there is a lot of controversy regarding the use of UV supplementation with snakes, many herpetologists wouldn't be without one. It has therefore been included here as a suggestion and the recommended type for snakes until further scientific research proves otherwise is a 2.0% UVB. This should be left on for 8 to 12 hours a day and replaced every 6 months unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer. However, care should be taken if your snake is albino as the light intensity could have a detrimental effect on the snake’s eyes. Vitamin D3 supplements should also be kept to a minimum.
- Housing: - This should consist of a dark wooden vivarium with glass frontage and adequate ventilation. Juveniles would require a small hatchling tub (pen pal, geoflat or even a ventilated sandwich box), which can be housed in a heated vivarium. A pair of adult snakes can live quite happily in a vivarium measuring 90cm long by 45cm deep by 45cm high (36 inches by 18 inches by 18 inches.
- Thermostat: - An essential part of any vivarium and is required to regulate the internal temperatures of the vivarium and to prevent your pet from becoming too hot or too cold.
- Wire Mesh Guards: - These should be fitted over all heat sources used in order to prevent thermal burns.
- Thermometers: - One should be placed at each end of the vivarium in order to give an accurate reading of the temperatures within the vivarium. Never go by the temperature on the thermostat, as these are often inaccurate.
- Hides: - These are essential to prevent stress and allow your pet to hide away from the outside world. Artificial plants, boxes, plant pots, cave etc. all make excellent hides.
Water
These animals require a water container, which will allow them to bathe without constriction. This water should be changed daily as this is also the water they drink. A heavy earthenware Dog or cat bowl is ideal for this purpose as they are hard to tip over for the snake.
Temperature
A background temperature of 25 - 26°C (75 - 78°F) should be created with a basking area of one third of the vivarium reaching temperatures of 27 - 28°C (80 - 82°F). At night the temperature may be allowed to drop to 26°C (78°F) although this is not recommended if the snake is suffering any respiratory infections
Longevity
This species lives for around 15 years on average, although some have been recorded as living longer.
Substrate
This can be anything from newspaper, brown paper or even astro turf. Whatever you use remember that it must be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent contamination from disease. Never feed your snake over substrate that could be ingested. Dust Free Bark Mulch (not containing pine or cedar) is a good substrate to use as it aids in maintaining a reasonable humidity and is more aesthetically pleasing. Corncob and wood chippings should not be used as substrate as they are commonly ingested accidentally.
Distribution map is taken from
http://lifemapper.org/robotfood/Reptile/Elaphe%20bairdi.HTM
Photograph used by permission of Gregg at
http://www.thecornsnakepit.com
Further Reading/Websites/Useful Contacts
Stuart Dodsworth –
stuartandlynette@dodsworth2005.wanadoo.co.uk
The International Herpetological Society –
www.international-herp-society.co.uk
The British Herpetological Society –
www.thebhs.org
Taxonomy Information –
http://srs.embl-heidelberg.de:8000/srs5bin/cgi-bin/wgetz?-e+[REPTILIA-Species:'Elaphe_SP_bairdi']
http://www.ratsnakes.com/Ebairdi.html
Rat Snakes: A hobbyist’s Guide to Elaphe and Kin, By Stasko, R & Walls, J G (t. f. h. 1994 ) ISBN – 0-86622-635-4 - An excellent book on all rat snake species even if the taxonomy is outdated and it contains scale counts and distribution maps.
www.reptilekeeper.co.uk
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