Western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) (origin: The south-western USA, northern Mexico). Adult size around 100–150 cm. Life expectancy 15–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Western diamondback rattlesnake: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 190×75×115 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, rattlesnakes).
Western diamondback rattlesnake: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 26–32 °C, basking spot 35–38 °C, at night 18–22 °C.
Western diamondback rattlesnake: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB recommended.
Western diamondback rattlesnake: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–20 years.
Western diamondback rattlesnake: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 26–32 °C
- Night temperature
- 18–22 °C
- Basking spot
- 35–38 °C
- Humidity
- 35–50 %
- UVB
- UVB recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 190×75×115 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, rattlesnakes)
- Substrate
- Sand-loam with stone slabs and caves
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed mice and rats
- Feeding interval
- adults every 10–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 100–150 cm
- Life expectancy
- 15–20 years
- Origin
- The south-western USA, northern Mexico
- Protection status
- VENOMOUS (haemotoxic) – a dangerous animal; a permit or notification is required, varying by German state
- Brumation
- A cooler rest of 8–10 weeks at 12–16 °C
- 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
The commonest rattlesnake in captivity. It warns reliably with the rattle, but defends itself quickly and with a long reach. A winter rest promotes health and breeding success.
Do you keep this species?
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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 Western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 190×75×115 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, rattlesnakes)), substrate (Sand-loam with stone slabs and caves), 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://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Crotalus_atrox/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crotalus_atrox, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Crotalus&species=atrox
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).