Baja (Lower Californian) Rattlesnake
(Crotalus enyo)
Distribution
This species of Rattlesnake is only found on the Baja peninsula and a small number of islands in the Gulf of California. It is quite an arid environment. There are currently 3 subspecies recognized. These are the Cerralvo Island Diamond Rattlesnake (
Crotalus enyo cerralvensis), the Baja California Rattlesnake (
Crotalus enyo enyo) and the Rosario Rattlesnake (
Crotalus enyo furvus). Time should be spent with an experienced keeper of this species prior to purchasing one in order to get used to the snakes husbandry and handling techniques.
Size
This species of rattlesnake is born at between 20 and 22cm (8 to 8.8 inches) long, when adults they have an average size of 50cm (20 inches), however specimens up to 80cm (32 inches) are not uncommon. Some specimens have been measured at 89cm (35 inches).
Diet
In the wild this species feeds primarily on small rodents, however it has been known to eat lizards as well. A diet of appropriately sized rodents is adequate in a captive environment. These should be fed using tongs and not by hand.
Requirements
Heat Source: - This can be either reflector (spot) lights in green or red. Ceramic heaters can also be used, although heat mats are a useful alternative. All heat sources should be suitably guarded and thermostatically controlled.
Ultra Violet Light Source: - Although controversial, I personally prefer having venomous snakes under
UVB lights. This is useful to show the keeper where the snake is and also to allow a natural photoperiod/vitamin D3 synthesis to occur. The best brand to use is Reptisun 5.0 or similar, this should be left on for 14 hours a day and positioned no more than 30 cm away from the basking snake. If you decide to use an UV with your snake, care should be taken if your snake is albino as the light intensity could have detrimental effects on the eyes of your snake. Vitamin D3 supplements should also be kept to a minimum. The UV should be replaced every 6-7 months.
Thermostat: - An essential part of every vivarium and is required to control the heat inside the vivarium and to prevent your pet from becoming too hot or too cold.
Housing - This should consist of a dark wooden vivarium with a glass frontage and adequate ventilation or vision cage. An enclosure measuring 90cm by 30cm by 30cm (36” x 12” x 12”) is adequate for an adult. Hatchlings would require a small hatchling tub (a pen pal is suitable). This should be left within a larger vivarium. The Vivarium should remain locked at all times. These snakes should be kept singly unless breeding is intended as they are livebearers.
Wire Mesh Guards: - These should be fitted over all heat sources used in order to prevent any thermal burns from occurring.
Thermometers: - One should be placed at either end of the vivarium. Never go by the temperatures shown on the thermostat, as these are often inaccurate.
Hides: - These should always be provided to help prevent the snakes from becoming stressed.
Water: - A small shallow water bowl should be provided at all times.
Temperature
A basking temperature of between 30 and 32C (86 to 95F) should be provided during the daytime, with a background temperature of around 25C (77F). At nighttime the temperature may be allowed to drop to a gradient of between 18 and 24C (64.4 and 75.2F).
Longevity
This species of rattlesnake can live up to around 17 years in captivity.
NB To care for this species in the UK, a DWA license is required. For more information on this license contact your local Environmental Health Officer (EHO). The Vivarium should always remain locked.
Substrate
Calcium sand or play sand (silica free) is adequate for this species. Care should be taken that none of the substrate is ingested whilst feeding. This must be regularly cleaned in order to prevent bacterial build up.
NB photograph taken by Peter Heathcote.
Distribution map taken from http://lifemapper.org/robotfood/Reptile/Crotalus%20enyo.HTM
Recommended Reading/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:'Crotalus_SP_enyo']
www.venombyte.com
Hot Herps Society –
www.hotherps.com
http://www.venomousreptiles.org
Local Environmental Health Officer at The Council
www.reptilekeeper.co.uk
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