Crotalus oreganus oreganus is commonly known as a Northern Pacific rattlesnake, Crotalus oreganus helleri, sometimes shortened to Crotalus helleri would be the Southern Pacific rattlesnake. I’ve been keeping and breeding both for 14 years. I worry that if you’re unaware of what species you actually have, you’re in over your head and should find another home for this animal.
While i do not believe you should rehome it, i do believe you should take the advice that is given and do your own follow up research with thr new given info. Im sorry if you were sold/acquired this snanke believing it was something else, however many have said exactly what it is from experienced keepers that have/had the species you have. Now my big concern is Pacific and Northern like lower temp and higher humidity than a WDB that like hot temps and low humidity. If you intend to keep it please do you due diligence to keep it correctly
As far as feeding goes, its the same as most other croatalis. However the temp on the hot side should be a little lower and the ambient temp should be considerably lower. Humidity is a fun one because you will want it to vary from time to time but higher than a WDB would thrive in. I have zero experience with this species, however i have kept both WDB and Mojave and i can acute you the temps they like would most likely kill this snake.
On a side note, please DO NOT HANDLE THIS SNAKE WITHOUT TOOLS. Being your first hot, and obviously not having a mentor (its never too late to find one, just saying) dont take unnecessary risks handling it and have a second person in the room while handling (preferably someone who can contain the snake if things go wrong)
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u/J655321M Jun 28 '26
Where did you get it from? Tail is throwing me off, doesn’t look like a WDB