The Blanding’s tree snake, also known as Blanding’s cat snake, is a venomous species of snake belonging to the Colubridae family. It is characterized by its large oval head and prominent eyes, which are typical features of the Toxicodryas genus.
Young Blanding’s tree snakes have a light brown to rusty red coloration with large oval spots in darker shades of red or brown. As they mature, females develop a light gray-brown color with darker brown saddle patches, allowing them to blend in with their surroundings in the branches. Male Blanding’s tree snakes turn black as they reach adulthood.
- Scientific name: Toxicodryas blandingii
- Distribution: Sub-Saharan Africa
- Average size: 1.8 m (5.9 ft)
- Life span: 15 years or more
- Difficulty level: Intermediate
Housing
It is recommended to provide a terrarium with a minimum size of 0.9 x 0.6 x 0.9 meters (3 x 2 x 3 ft) for each individual Blanding’s tree snake. Ideally, a larger enclosure of 1.2 x 0.6 x 0.9 meters (4 x 2 x 3 ft) should be provided. Keeping Blanding’s tree snakes in pairs can lead to cannibalism, so it is best to only house them together during breeding season. However, some keepers have successfully housed them in pairs year-round in large enclosures without any issues. These snakes are arboreal, so it is important to provide branches and foliage for climbing and a more naturalistic environment.
Hide box
While Blanding’s tree snakes do not typically hide, it is still important to provide them with the option to do so. Placing a hollow piece of wood or other hiding spot at both ends of the enclosure will allow your snake to thermoregulate and feel secure.
Substrate
Reptibark or other natural-looking bedding can be used as substrate. A bioactive system can also be implemented. The substrate should be 0.05-0.1 meters (0.15-0.3 ft) deep.
Lighting and heating
It is recommended to use full spectrum fluorescent tubes on timers for a 12-hour on and off cycle in the enclosure. The heat source should not be placed in the middle of the enclosure, as this will create a uniform temperature throughout. Instead, place the heat bulb on one side to create a thermoregulating environment. A 70W heat bulb should be sufficient for one hot spot with a temperature of 35 °C (95 °F). The ambient temperature in the enclosure should be 24-26 °C (75-79 °F). During winter, the temperature may drop to 17-18 °C (63-65 °F) at night.
Water
Provide a water bowl for your Blanding’s tree snake to drink from. You can also mist the enclosure or use a plant sprayer to provide water.
Humidity
Maintaining a humidity level of 60-70% is recommended for Blanding’s tree snakes.
Feeding
The diet of Blanding’s tree snakes will vary depending on their size. Newborn snakes can eat pinkies, while adults can consume rats, mice, and chicks once a week. For adult snakes, it is recommended to feed them every 10-14 days, depending on the size of the prey.
Handling
Blanding’s tree snakes are known to be defensive and not easily handled. It is best to limit handling to necessary tasks such as health checks and cage cleaning. These snakes will often open their mouths and strike when threatened, so it is important to handle them with caution. Their venom is also known to be potent.
Cleaning
Spot clean any feces as soon as you see them in the enclosure. The bedding should be changed a few times a year, depending on how dirty it gets and the size of your snake. With two adult snakes housed together, the enclosure will become dirty quickly, so regular cleaning is important.
Shedding
Blanding’s tree snakes shed their skin like all other snakes. Newborn snakes will shed after about 10 days. It is recommended to increase the humidity level during shedding periods. A good indicator of proper humidity is when your snake has a complete, perfect shed.
Potential health issues
Blanding’s tree snakes do not have any specific health issues, but they are susceptible to common health problems that affect reptiles and snakes in general. When kept in proper conditions, they are generally hardy animals.
I’ve always been fascinated by snakes, and this one sounds particularly intriguing! Can’t wait to learn more about the Blandings Tree Snake.