Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi! Newbie to this forum; just acquired a juvenile Trans-Pecos Rat snake. Has been with us almost a month, is feeding well. However, he behaves much differently than our corns and Ca. Mountain King. We never see him out of his hide during the day or nightime. I understand these animals are nocturnal, but we see little evidence of him moving around at night. When we take him out of his habitat, he just sits in a coil in the palm of your hand, looking around with his tongue going a mile a minute. He doesn't crawl up your arm or all over your lap like our other snakes do. Is this normal behvior for subocs? Does he just need more time to get used to us ? The heated part of his habitat is at 86 degrees on top of the subtrate. Is this O.K.
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--- Bob
0.1.0 Normal corn
0.1.0 Hypomelanistic corn
0.1.0 " Mocha" corn
1.1.0 Bearded Dragons mating pair
0.1.0 Ornate box turtle
0.0.4 Firebelly toads
1.0.0 L. Zonata
0.1.0 Subocularis

Subocs often adapt to a diurnal schedule in captivity. As far as him not moving around, only one month at your place is still a fairly new environment for him. I have a double het (for silver and blonde) '04 female that I have had for a year and a half that NEVER comes out of hinding except on rare occasions. And she eats like a horse for her age and size. I wouldn't worry.

TPRSs are very docile and enjoyable (typically), but I frown on handling anything that is under two or three years of age on a regular basis. They are probably not quite as agreeable or resiliant to keeper-handling stress as a corn or Cal king, in that regard.

I never handle the juvies unless it is time to clean a cage. If you're worried about him becoming tame or getting used to you, then keeping him in a clear or semi-clear cage where he can occasionally see you is usually enough to accomplish that. Those bug-eyed babies are darn cute...but you have to resist the temptation to handle them at an early age.

Dave and Tracy Barker are even more strict about handling babies than I am. They only use small snake hooks to pick up baby subocs--no hands. This also helps with keeping a snake "tame" (or more fearless of us, rather).

Hope this helps.

Dusty Rhoads
Suboc.com

Sounds just like every Trans-Pecos I have ever owned.

They are very shy, especially compared to other rat snakes. I have had only 1 suboc that would climb all day and not care about her surroundings.

Just to add what what was posted before me...

I will say that Trans Pecos rat snakes stress very easily and are very unique when it comes to captivity.

I have found that that the ones I have had stressed and did not fare well when I used heating elements (heating pads or lights). I just kept that at room temp (73-80 daytime and 72-75 at night)...they have thrived with me like this and are much more active and calm while feeding well.

Thanks everybody for your opinions!
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--- Bob
0.1.0 Normal corn
0.1.0 Hypomelanistic corn
0.1.0 " Mocha" corn
1.1.0 Bearded Dragons mating pair
0.1.0 Ornate box turtle
0.0.4 Firebelly toads
1.0.0 L. Zonata
0.1.0 Subocularis

Couldn't resist!

Dusty
Suboc.com

DR
Suboc.com

I have about two dozen subocs of every age, color and pattern combo you could imagine, and they vary just as much in personality as they do in looks (though I'd say they are all handsome).

Several are outgoing. Several are shy. Several tolerate handling really well. Several don't.

IMO, just another reason to love them.

It is my experiece that as a species, they are USUALLY inquisitive and curious of their owner's movements and activities in the room.

It's the same with people, really...some are "social" and some are hermits (of course, I use the term social loosely).

DR
Suboc.com