Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I know this is a bit of a random question, but does anyone know where I could possibly buy a black rat snake?
My friend has been searching for one, specifically black in color. Unfortunately, you really can't buy them, because they're so common. The advice of a friend of mine was to go catch one, because there should be babies around now, but that's not something I can easily accomplish.
If anyone knows of a way we could find one, please tell us, we’d greatly appreciate your help.
Thanks!

>>I know this is a bit of a random question, but does anyone know where I could possibly buy a black rat snake?
>>My friend has been searching for one, specifically black in color. Unfortunately, you really can't buy them, because they're so common. The advice of a friend of mine was to go catch one, because there should be babies around now, but that's not something I can easily accomplish.
>>If anyone knows of a way we could find one, please tell us, we’d greatly appreciate your help.
>>Thanks!

I know Dwight Good is working with a jet black strain. I was going to start my own strain of MO locale jet blacks but am moving and have to SEVERELY reduce my collection.
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0.1 Snow Corn "Hope"
1.0 Ball Python "Wilson" (Castaway)
1. Orange Albino Black Ratsnake "Chunk" (Goonies)
.1 Orange Albino Black Ratsnake "Peaches"
0.0.1 Mexican Black Kingsnake "Onyx"
0.0.1 Black Ratsnake "Molly" (Flogging Molly)

As we say in Missouri, "I ain't goin back to Missouri!"

You can find them on the classifieds. Nice black ones can be found from time to time. Dwight Good produces a line of nice jet black rats. Below is an older pic of my 05 black rat from Dwight. I'll have to post an updated pic, but the last 1/3 of his body has lost all pattern.

Steve

I know that Brian at BHB (see the Breeder list, above) has them. Mike Joliff has really nice ones, too. I'm not sure if he's listed as one of KS's dealers, but you should be able to get in touch with him through this forum.

I'm glad you are getting a captive bred one. A good decision for many reasons, even if you came to it for more practical purposes. A baby black rat will not be expensive, and a reliable breeder (like the ones mentioned) will get you a good captive bred snake.

A reptile show, of course, would be a GREAT place to look! If there's one near you (click EVENTS) you can shop around and save on shipping. Good luck. A c/b black rat is a GREAT choice!

Duffy

I dissected a DOR Black Rat from Newtown, CT the other night. It was the blackest one I've ever seen, with the possible exception of the DOR I found in Vermont last year. I'll keep my eyes open, if you're interested. Be careful of any captive born herps, many are grossly inbred, and many people breed simply for money. Dwight Good is an exception to that, if you do go with captive born, he would be an excellent choice, have heard nothing but good about him.

Bart Bruno