{"product_id":"orange-red-tail-rat-snake","title":"Orange Red Tail Rat Snake","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Red-Tailed Racer\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eGonyosoma oxycephalum\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSource:\u003c\/strong\u003e CB (hatchling)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 180–240cm (6–8ft), occasionally larger\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNative Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e South and Southeast Asia — including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and surrounding islands\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnclosure:\u003c\/strong\u003e A minimum \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/viperia.co.uk\/products\/120x60x120cm-4ft-pvc-vivarium\" style=\"color: #1a73e8; text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e120×60×120cm Viperia PVC vivarium\u003c\/a\u003e for adults; this is a large, active arboreal (tree-dwelling) species and height is essential. Furnish generously with sturdy branches, cork tubes, and dense foliage to provide climbing opportunities and secure retreats. A bioactive or humid-retaining substrate such as coco coir is ideal for maintaining the required humidity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeating:\u003c\/strong\u003e Basking spot of 30–32°C; ambient temperature of 24–28°C; a night-time drop to 20–22°C is well tolerated and beneficial.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHumidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 60–80%; achieved by lightly misting one side of the enclosure once or twice daily, using live or artificial foliage to hold moisture, and ensuring good ventilation to prevent stagnant conditions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUVB:\u003c\/strong\u003e A 6% UVB tube run along most of the vivarium's width, positioned so the animal can bask 20–30cm from the lamp. Although primarily crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk), red-tailed racers encounter dappled forest light in the wild and benefit noticeably from appropriate UV provision in captivity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Primarily rodents in captivity — pre-killed or defrosted mice and rats of an appropriate size. Juveniles feed every 5–7 days; adults every 10–14 days. Some individuals may initially prefer lizards or birds, but most can be transitioned onto rodents with patience.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eABOUT THIS SPECIES\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe red-tailed racer is a strikingly beautiful snake from the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, instantly recognisable by its vivid emerald-green body, contrasting rust-red tail, and piercing blue tongue. In the wild these snakes spend the majority of their lives in the forest canopy, making them a genuinely impressive display animal for keepers who can provide the vertical space they need.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed-tailed racers are best suited to experienced keepers — they can be defensive and fast-moving, particularly when young, and they require a well-thought-out arboreal setup with consistent humidity and temperature. With calm, consistent handling over time many individuals settle well, and their bold personality and stunning colouration make them one of the most rewarding larger colubrid species in the hobby.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Viperia UK","offers":[{"title":"Unsexed","offer_id":52885466186065,"sku":"orange-red-tail-rat-snake - 001","price":133.33,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0963\/0403\/8225\/files\/Orange-Red-Tail-Rat_1.jpg?v=1772450165","url":"https:\/\/viperia.co.uk\/products\/orange-red-tail-rat-snake","provider":"Viperia UK","version":"1.0","type":"link"}