Timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) (origin: Osten der USA von Minnesota und Neuengland bis Osttexas und Nordflorida — Laubwald, Felsgelände, Flussauen). Adult size around 100–150 cm. Life expectancy 20–25 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Timber rattlesnake: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 190×75×115 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, rattlesnakes).
Timber rattlesnake: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–29 °C, basking spot 32–35 °C, at night 16–20 °C.
Timber rattlesnake: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB recommended.
Timber rattlesnake: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 20–25 years.
Timber rattlesnake: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–29 °C
- Night temperature
- 16–20 °C
- Basking spot
- 32–35 °C
- Humidity
- 50–65 %
- UVB
- UVB recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 190×75×115 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, rattlesnakes)
- Substrate
- Forest floor: soil with leaf litter, pieces of bark, stone slabs
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed mice and rats
- Feeding interval
- adults every 14–21 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 100–150 cm
- Life expectancy
- 20–25 years
- Origin
- Osten der USA von Minnesota und Neuengland bis Osttexas und Nordflorida — Laubwald, Felsgelände, Flussauen
- Protection status
- VENOMOUS – a dangerous animal; protected in parts of its range
- Brumation
- A real winter rest of 10–14 weeks at 8–12 °C (important)
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly. Snakes are solitary and do not seek company — a shared hide is competition for the best spot, not social behaviour. The concrete reason is the feeding accident: if two animals grab the same food item, one can swallow the other along with it. On top of that, once they are kept together you can no longer tell which animal has eaten and which is losing weight. For breeding, put them together under supervision and separate them again afterwards.
Notes
A temperate climate – to be kept markedly cooler than the desert species, and dependent on a genuine winter rest. Considered comparatively calm; it warns long before it bites.
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Related species
- Eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) – Expert
- Ridge-nosed rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi) – Expert
- Mojave rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus) – Expert
- Prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) – Expert
- Red diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber) – Expert
- Neotropical rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus) – Expert
- Black-tailed rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus) – Expert
- Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 190×75×115 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, rattlesnakes)), substrate (Forest floor: soil with leaf litter, pieces of bark, stone slabs), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timber_rattlesnake, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Crotalus&species=horridus
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).