Pigmy Rattlesnakes (Sistrurus Miliarius)

Pigmy Rattlesnakes have three different subspecies which are:

Carolina Pigmy Rattlesnake

Dusky Pigmy Rattlesnake

Western Pigmy Rattlesnake

They are also known as ground or sand rattlers and are found in the southeast and southern midwest USA basking on sunny days in the morning and early evening. Just like their larger relatives, pigmy rattlesnakes have the distinctive rattle although because it is small it can be more difficult to hear, resembling more of an insect buzz than a rattle. They vary in colour from pale greys to black, brown, red, pink, orange, blue and lavender although there are always a series of black or brown blotches down their backs.

Length

Pigmy rattlesnakes average around two feet in length although some Dusky Pigmies have been recorded over 30 inches.

Longevity

Pigmies can live more than 20 years with proper care and become sexually mature at around 3 years.

Housing

A fully grown adult pigmy rattlesnake can live in a 20 gallon long aquarium (or 2-3 ft vivarium) and pairs or trios can be housed together in a 30 or 40 gallon 'breeder' tank. If they are housed together, separate them at feeding time to avoid accidents. Remember, these are venomous snakes so a completely secure, lockable, escape-proof enclosure is a necessity.

Heating

As previously stated, pigmies enjoy basking and therefore should be provided an area in the upper 80 - low 90 in Fahrenheit. Ambient temperatures should be in the low 80s with an optional drop at night of 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Don't forget to ensure the enclosure is large enough for the snake to thermoregulate.

Substrate

Due to their size, pigmies look great in naturalistic displays although substrate can range from newspaper to cypress mulch.

Feeding

Neonates can eat a variety of food such as mouse pinkies, small lizards, small fish, insects and smaller snakes. Juveniles to adults should eat appropriately-sized rodents. As with other reptiles, clean fresh water should be provided at all times. Pigmies may quickly hide from being misted but will explore after the misting is done.

Safety and Venom

Safety is a MUST for these snakes. They are NOT for beginners. The enclosure needs to be secured and locked. Due to their smaller size, pigmies are more difficult to hook and do not try to 'tail' them as they are fast. Their hemotoxic venom is delivered in small amounts and no documented fatalities have been recorded in human adults but there are records of prolonged hospitalization and necrosis in children who have been bitten. If an adult is bitten, they will experience several unpleasant days. Careful consideration and extensive research must be conducted before deciding to purchase one of these animals. In the UK, a DWA (Dangerous Wild Animal) license is required to keep these snakes however there may be protocols/licenses/requirements in other countries that the owner must adhere to. Please check with your authorities before owning one of these animals.