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Ornate black-tailed rattlesnake — Fact Sheet

Crotalus ornatus · Ornate black-tailed rattlesnake

📋 At a glance

Adult size70-130 cm
LifespanApproximately 18-25 years
OriginSee full guide; exact locality is essential
DifficultyExpert, display-only
LegalCITES: not listed; EU: Annex D; Mexican and local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

  • Minimum 150 x 75 x 90 cm in a locked secondarily contained room.
  • Two positively lockable shifts, protected port, anchored structure and no blind service areas.
  • Never free-handle; two trained adults attend every primary opening.

💡🌡️ Climate

  • Bright light 10-14 hours; optional measured Ferguson Zone 1 UVB with full shade.
  • Basking 30-33°C · ambient 23-28°C · cool 19-23°C · night 15-21°C
  • Humidity 35-55%; shedding retreat 55-70%; clean water.

🐁 Feeding and 🩺 emergencies

  • Frozen-thawed whole prey every 14-21 days according to weight and condition; no live rodents.
  • Watch for obesity, poor sheds, respiratory or oral signs, parasites, burns and décor injuries.
  • Every bite is a hospital emergency. No tourniquet, cutting, suction, ice, shock, massage or home antivenom.