Orthriophis (Elaphe) taeniura yunnanensis (Yunnan Ratsnake)

Origin: The species' range covers a large part of South and Southeast Asia, with the exception of West and Northeast China
Length: up to 1.2 to 1.8 meters
Lifespan: up to 15-20 years
Generally, the ground color is yellowish-brown to olive-green, becoming darker at the end of the tail. The skin on the back of the neck and head is uniform in color, and the back is typically marked with two pairs of round black spots that merge. Starting at the posterior corner of each eye, a black stripe extends back to each corner of the mouth, which is light cream-colored around the upper labial area.

Care
Experience: Experienced snake keeper
Food: Live or dead prey animals. The main prey animals given are mice, chicks, and rats.

Feeding adults: every 14 days.
Feeding young: Every 7 days
Water bowl: Yes
Water change: 3 times a week
Diet
Relatively small, the Yunnan rat snake usually feeds on ground rodents such as mice, chicks, and rats. Due to the snake's climbing ability, it even eats bats (in the wild) that nest in the caves they share. In addition to small mammals, Yunnan rat snakes are also known to occasionally eat birds and bird eggs. Domestic specimens have been observed to appreciate baby chicks as an alternative to a rodent-based diet.

You can offer these prey animals live or dead. However, it is more practical to accustom them to dead prey. After all, it sometimes happens that the prey animal injures your snake. If you do opt for live food, you will need to stay with your snake while feeding it, as most prey animals can also injure the snake. Additionally, feed the snake outside the enclosure using feeding tongs to prevent unnecessary injuries. If they are kept together, it is wise to separate them during feeding. It sometimes happens that the snakes grab the same prey or grab each other, which can lead to unnecessary injuries.

Water
The snakes need a reasonably sized water bowl in which they can lie down completely.

Cleaning
The Yunnan rat snake likes to spend its time higher up in the enclosure. This is where they will defecate. Pay attention to this during cleaning and thoroughly clean the climbing branches and raised platforms in addition to the substrate. Cleaning once a week is sufficient to keep the enclosure clean. In addition to the weekly cleaning, the enclosure must be thoroughly disinfected a few times a year. This must be done to prevent the accumulation of unnecessary diseases or bacteria.

Handling
Like many other snakes, they can be defensive. This makes them difficult to handle. Therefore, a snake hook must be used to prevent unnecessary wounds. Only handle it with your hands if you know the snake is accustomed to humans. Always remain calm during handling; this minimizes stress on the snake. Finally, there are a few things to pay close attention to. The snake cannot be handled in the dark or immediately after shedding. Handling at such times is particularly stressful for the animal.

Housing

Minimum enclosure size for 1 snake: 150 x 50 x 50
Lying surface area: 1 m² with at least one raised platform per snake for it to lie on.
Daytime temperature on the warm side: 28-30°C
Daytime temperature on the cooler side: 22-28°C
Nighttime temperature: 17-22°C
Hours of light: 12 hours
Humidity: 60%-80%
Substrate: bark or peat moss
Furnishings
They are true climbers. This lifestyle must therefore be possible in the enclosure. This is achieved with raised platforms and multiple climbing branches. Also try to create hiding places with artificial plants, or caves on the branches and platforms. Due to their climbing behavior, it is also important to have more height in the enclosure. When choosing an enclosure, it is therefore more important to opt for height rather than width.

There are a few additional things to consider regarding the enclosure. Yunnan rat snakes, for example, are quite good at escaping due to their speed and slender build, so care must be taken to ensure they cannot simply open their door. Additionally, ventilation is necessary to keep the air fresh, and it is advisable to place the enclosure out of direct sunlight and as vibration-free as possible.

Behavior: Due to their preference for caves, these snakes have become skilled climbers and are known for moving along cave walls. This skill becomes a strong asset for them when it comes to hunting. Furthermore, Yunnan rat snakes, likely due to their cave habits, are cathemerical, meaning they are active at random times throughout the 24-hour day, regardless of whether it is day or night outside. This species is naturally quick and easily stressed, so they must be provided with sufficient hiding space and the right temperature to improve adaptation to the new environment and potentially promote temperament.

Hunting method: Constrictor.
Lifestyle: Day and night active
Character
The Yunnan rat snake is a prime example of an active snake. They can be defensive quickly, and it takes a lot of effort to get them manageable.
Points of attention
The Yunnan rat snake is a constrictor and eats relatively small prey. Due to its aggressive behavior, it is advisable to keep the snake in a location where few people walk by. This is because they sometimes lash out at the glass and can injure themselves. Therefore, please keep in mind that you should not leave him alone with small children or pets.

Costs and Purchase
Legislation: The Yunnan rat snake is not covered by CITES II; you do not need CITES or transfer papers to own this snake. However, it is advisable to request a transfer document from the previous owner.

One-off costs: These include the costs for the enclosure, lighting, heating, water bowl, and decoration. Together, these can cost anywhere from a few hundred euros to a few thousand euros. The final amount depends on the quality and size of the products.

Fixed costs: Fixed costs include the cost of food, which amounts to a few tens of euros per year.

Unexpected costs: Costs are incurred if your snake happens to become ill or your equipment breaks down.