Image Credit : Nature for you
Pseudechis colletti is one of Australia’s most beautiful elapids, this has made it one of the most commonly kept species of venomous snake in Australia both in public (zoos etc) and privately owned collections.
The adult colouration of Pseudechis colletti may vary between a dark tan to almost black above with irregular cross bands. The colour of the cross bands may vary between cream to orange-red. Juveniles have the same colouration as the adults but are brighter and far more contrasting however this fades with age.
- Scientific name : Pseudechis colletti
- Distribution : Australia (Queensland)
- Average Size : 1.5 m (4.9 ft)
- Life Span : 15 years or more
- Difficulty : Advanced
Housing
I would recommend a lockable cage of the following dimensions: 1.2 meters long by 0.6 meters deep by 0.7 meters high (3.9 x 2 x 2.3 feet) to house a pair of adults. There has been known cases of cannibalism in this species so it is recommended to house them individually except during breeding season if you are planning to breed them. Cage decorations might be used like a rough rock for shedding upon.
Hide box
A hide should be placed about 0.2 meters (0.6 feet) from the light-bulb box so the reptile has a ”hot spot”. You should also have a hide on the cool end so that the snake can thermo-regulate and feel safe.
Substrate
The substrate used could be gravel or paper; gravel looks better than paper but is harder to generally keep clean than paper. I recommend paper, as it is easier to keep clean thus reducing the risk of disease.
Lighting – Heating
It is recommended to provide a natural light pattern that mimics normal daytime according to the season.
Cages should have a thermal gradient being 30-32 °C (86-90 °F) at the warm end of the cage and about 20-24 °C (68-75 °F) at the cool end. A pair of “blue globes”(40 watt maximum) at the warm end of the cage will produce the desired amount of heat, the globe must be hooked up to a thermostat to regulate the temperature inside the cage. Other heating systems can be used such as heat cord and flexible heat tape. These systems must be used in conjunction with a controller to regulate temperature. A heat gradient must be maintained to allow for adequate thermoregulation. Note the globes should be inside a box so the snake cannot burn itself.
Water
Large bowls of fresh clean water should be offered at all times.
Humidity
Pseudechis colletti doesn’t require high humidity. A humidity level of 40-50% is recommended. Of course during shedding period the humidity levels can go up to 60-70%.
Feeding
In the wild this species eats frogs (Crinia sp, Limnodynastes sp and Litoria sp.) and the plague rat (Rattus sp). In captivity, they readily eat mice and rats, but juveniles may initially need to be feed on elvers and then eventually weaned on to pinky or fuzzy mice. Juveniles can be fed weekly and adults once every 14 days.
Handling
Handling should be kept to a minimum as it’s a venomous species. Just like with any venomous snake, great caution should be taken when handling this species. Handling should only be done with the use of hooks and other tools made specifically for the safe handling of venomous snakes.
Cleaning
Spot cleaning of the enclosure whenever is necessary. Make sure that the water is always clean. Whenever is needed I change the whole substrate and clean the enclosure.
Shedding
Under the proper conditions, shedding for this species will go fine. They rarely ever have shedding issues if the humidity of the enclosure is at proper levels.
Potential Health Problems
No specific potential health problems to mention for this species beyond those affecting reptiles and/or snakes in general. They seem to be a relatively hardy animal when kept properly.
Bite Protocol
It’s highly recommended for every venomous species that you keep or interested to keep to have the bite protocol. Each species has a dedicated bite protocol that includes general information regarding the species, information about their venom and signs and symptoms of envenomation if bitten. It also includes a detailed information about first aid (what to do and what not to do), specific treatment recommendations for medical personnel to provide appropriate care including information about the antivenom or antivenoms required for treatment. Finally it includes a list of people who specialize in snakebites and their contact information so they can be consulted to assist with the care if needed and a list of all the references used for the create the protocol.
Recommended Book
Source
The information contained in this care sheet reflect the opinions and methods of the mentioned breeder, based on their expertise and long-established experience.
