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Image⁤ Credit: Gila Sierra

Crotalus polystictus, also ‍known as the ‌Mexican speckled rattlesnake, is a medium-sized‌ venomous pit⁣ viper species. Its distinct dark blotched pattern sets it apart from other rattlesnakes. The blotches, which are typically oval or elongated on the front of⁤ the body, become‌ more⁤ circular towards the middle.

Scientific Name: Crotalus polystictus
Distribution: Central Mexico
Average Size: 0.65 m (2.15 ft)
Lifespan: 20 ‍years​ or more
Difficulty: ‌Advanced

Housing
Crotalus​ polystictus can be found in both high ‍elevations and lowland areas with distinct seasonal cycles. This species requires⁣ a large cage with plenty of room, the bigger the better. ​Our breeding pairs ​are housed‌ in cages that are at least 1.2 meters (4 feet) long, 0.6 meters⁣ (2 feet) wide, and 0.6 meters (2 feet) tall. Adequate ventilation⁤ is crucial, so our cages have ⁢a screen mesh top, small windows ‍in the back, and multiple small holes drilled in the sides to ensure proper air flow.⁢ This also helps maintain a thermal ‍gradient, which is essential for proper husbandry.

Hiding Spots
It ⁤is important to provide multiple hiding spots throughout ‍the cage, in different⁣ temperature ranges. These hiding spots should be large enough to accommodate a⁤ pair ​of snakes, as ⁢they ⁣often⁤ like to share the same spot.

Substrate
There are two options for substrate in a cage without a filtration system. The first is a combination of fake⁤ grass covered with a layer of ‍previously ‌disinfected dead litter, about one inch⁢ deep. This is accompanied by ‌disinfected moss placed in ​the most humid⁣ and cool corner of the cage. The second⁣ option is‍ a mixture of natural substrates, such ​as soil, peat moss, and other organic materials, to create a balanced ecosystem with live plants. However, this ⁢option requires a properly designed filtration system to maintain the right ⁤conditions⁢ for a vivarium.

Lighting and Heating
Lighting and heating requirements vary depending on several factors. Due to the distribution of‍ this species, winters are not extreme, so we gradually increase the number⁤ of hours our breeding pairs are exposed to light⁢ as the season progresses, as shown⁢ in ⁤the table below. For young snakes that will not undergo brumation (a period of dormancy), temperatures should remain consistent throughout the year, with a slight drop in winter. We ⁣use⁣ heat pads to help maintain temperatures during the colder months ​or in ⁤very cold ⁤locations at night.

Adults

Season
Temperature Range/Hotspot
Lighting
Heat Pad

Spring
12-25 °C (54-77 °F) / 30 °C (86 °F)
10 hours/day
OFF

Summer
18-30 °C (65-86 °F) / 32 °C (90 °F)
12 hours/day
OFF

Autumn
15-28 °C (60-82 °F) / ‌30⁤ °C (86 °F)
10 hours/day
OFF

Winter
10-15 °C‌ (50-60 °F) / ‍20 °C ‍(68 °F)
8⁤ hours/day
ON

Juveniles

Season
Temperature Range/Hotspot
Lighting
Heat Pad

Spring
16-25 °C (60-77 °F) / 30 °C (86 °F)
10 hours/day
ON

Summer
18-30 °C ‍(65-86‌ °F) / ​32 °C (90 °F)
12 hours/day
OFF

Autumn
16-28 °C (60-82 °F)​ / 30 °C (86 °F)
10 hours/day
ON

Winter
16-25 °C (60-77 °F) / 30 ‍°C (86⁣ °F)
10 hours/day
ON

Water
It is ‍crucial to provide a large water bowl‌ for soaking. The water should ‍be kept clean and fresh at all times.

Humidity
Humidity levels vary according to the season, as‌ shown in the table below.⁤ We simulate the rainy season by spraying the ‌cages a ⁢few times a day, allowing the substrate to dry between each spraying. The frequency of spraying depends on‍ the type of substrate and cage used. For a⁣ naturalistic vivarium with a functioning⁢ ecosystem, heavier⁤ rain simulation is ‍acceptable. However, if⁢ the snake is housed ⁤in artificial substrate, a lighter rinse is ‍recommended, with time ⁣for the ​substrate to‍ dry between each rinse.

Season
Humidity
Rain Simulation

Spring
15%
NO

Summer
80%
YES

Autumn
70%
YES

Winter
15%
NO

Feeding
Adult Crotalus polystictus should be fed ⁢once‍ every 10 to 15 days, except for females ‌preparing to breed.‌ Weaned rats or ⁢full-sized ⁤mice are accepted without hesitation. Adding variety to their diet is beneficial for their overall health, ‌and we also use quail parts to supplement their diet. Juveniles and babies should be fed every 8 ‌to 10 days with appropriately sized rodents and quail parts. Newborns can be fed pinkie mice without‌ hesitation.

Handling
Venomous snakes should⁤ only be handled when necessary, such as for cleaning or other ⁤management⁣ purposes. Crotalus⁤ polystictus are​ generally calm and easy‌ to handle,‍ but they should only be handled with proper-sized snake hooks.

Cleaning
Depending on⁤ the substrate, cleaning can be as simple as removing any ‍debris on top of the dead litter as soon as it is found, and‍ changing⁢ all of the substrate every two months. If the snake is housed in​ a vivarium, the focus should be ⁢on maintaining a healthy ecosystem within the cage.

Shedding
Crotalus polystictus rarely has ⁢issues‌ with shedding, as long as⁢ humidity and temperatures are kept within ⁤the recommended parameters.

Potential Health Issues
Crotalus‌ polystictus ​is⁤ not a particularly sensitive species to care for, as long as ⁢the‌ recommended conditions are met. However, as with any animal, there are exceptions. The most common health issues are parasites, both intracellular and extracellular. If treated promptly and properly, ‍these issues can usually be‍ resolved without major complications.⁤ It is important to consult a ⁣veterinarian for the appropriate medication and dosage.⁤ Other health issues​ may ⁢include respiratory infections​ if the snake is kept too cold and humid with poor ventilation.

Bite ⁤Protocol
It‌ is highly recommended to have a bite protocol for any venomous species you keep or encounter. Each species has its own dedicated protocol, which includes general information⁢ about the species, details ​about ⁣their venom, and signs and symptoms of envenomation if bitten. It also includes detailed information about⁣ first aid (what to do and what not to do), specific treatment recommendations for medical personnel, including information about ⁤the necessary antivenom, and a⁢ list of specialists in snakebites and⁣ their contact information for consultation if needed. The ​protocol also includes a list of references used to create it.

Source
The‌ information in‌ this care sheet reflects the opinions and methods of the mentioned breeder, based on ⁤their expertise and extensive experience.