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Care Sheet: The Heather (Snakestrordinaire terribilis)

Heathers are perhaps one of the least satisfying species to keep. They can be particular, and often incredibly defensive. Conversely, they can have occassional funny antics and a wealth of information on ball python care. Heathers can challenge even the most experienced reptile keepers and breeders and therefore may not be the best option for you.

They can be found in the southwest region of the United States, where the culture and biodiversity are equally as rich- an important factor in maintaining heathers as they require abnormally large amounts of stimulation and enrichment.

They grow to 5 ft 5 inches, and can weigh up to 150 lbs at healthy weight (the largest heather in captivity weighed in at 160 lbs, but was determined to be overweight).

Housing:

Although not overly active, this species requires at least a large room to inhabit. This will allow for behaviors such as crafting, painting, video gaming, and even the occasional work out session. Access to outside is extremely beneficial, as this species has high UV requirements. Furnishings should include a TV, gaming console, bed, table, and fan. The fan is essential for allowing heathers to sleep as they require white noise to do so.

In order to keep one, you must maintain a temperature of 75 degrees during the day, with a 71 degree drop at night. A heat gradient will not be beneficial for this species, however providing a variety of bedding will allow them to regulate their temperatures for themselves.

A heather lounges in an arboreal bed, outdoors.

Temperatures:

Lighting:

Although this species appears to be nocturnal, a solid day/night cycle will help to regulate their cicadian rhythm. This can be challenging, however, because many of this species will actively place objects to block out light.

UV is essential for not only vitamin d production, but also for behavior. Heathers not exposed to proper UV become listless and uninterested in activities.

Humidity:

Diet:

Diet is quite tricky for heathers. They prefer high fat, fried or sugary foods that are really much better suited as an occassional treat. They easily become fixated on these foods, so it is best to avoid them. After being exposed to these foods, it is difficult to encourage a heather to eat anything else. Although fruits and veggies are an ideal diet, few heathers in captivity have adjusted to eating plant material on a regular basis. Because of this, heathers have a tendency to be meat heavy in diet (this is not necessarily healthy for them. Heathers should NEVER be guven red meat, as they have sensitive digestive processes. Chicken and turkey are better suited alternatives for protein.

This species thrives with low humidity (~20%), but due to sensitive skin, lotion must be provided to maintain skin health. High humidity often causes wheesing/mucus build up in this species as it is not suited for excess water in the air.

Enrichment:

Social behaviors of this species are quite difficult to determine. On one hand, they jave been observed spending large spans of time cohabitating with species of the same genus, but appears to also seek solitude away from others. For this reason, it is best to allow this animal the option for social behaviors, but also space away from others.

Due to the nature of this animal, hard hitting, fast paced stimulation is a MUST. Video games, social media, and art are all wonderful mental exercises that can benefit your heather greatly. This species, additionally, requires great physical enrichment as well. It is best to provide them with long nature excursions, climbing opportunities, and a space to run.

A heather on a mountain excusion. Note contentness.

Social or not social?

Interesstingly enough, this species has also showed intraspecies socialization as well and has been noted to convene with reptiles, mammals, fish, and insects.