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For the next few weeks I'm babysitting a friend's pair of snakes. One is a Baird's ratsnake. She is about 3 1/2 to four feet long. I think she is about 2 or 3 years old. This snake seems skinny to me, but I'm more used to seeing my thick ball pythons, carpet pythons, and sand boas.

The instructions were for me to feed one adult mouse every two weeks. The snake was fed last Sunday so I wasn't planning to feed today. I was thawing a mouse out today for the other snake when I saw the Baird's was out cruising around. I offered the mouse on a pair of tongs and the she took it immediately. What I'd like to know is what would be a good feeding schedule for this sized Baird's? The mouse didn't make much of a bulge in the snake's stomach. Do people feed ratsnakes one mouse a week or several mice a week? do people feed rats to ratsnakes?

One cool thing I've seen is the snake rattles her tail when I open the cage. Is this a common behavior for this species?

Attached are pics to show the after feeding photos. It doesn't show the mouse bulge well though.

KenW,
Some answers...

>>...Baird's ratsnake. She is about 3 1/2 to four feet long. I think she is about 2 or 3 years old. This snake seems skinny to me...

She looks quite healthy, and robust for a Bairds. These are typical North American Ratsnakes, and tend to be lean and muscular. Some can become quite large in captivity, even overweight.

>>...to feed one adult mouse every two weeks...

A little skimpy, IMHO.

>>I saw the Baird's was out cruising around...

They are active snakes - mine cruises around quite a bit, both day and night. He is alert and active.

>>...what would be a good feeding schedule for this sized Baird's?

IMO about once a week to 10 days.

>>Do people feed ratsnakes one mouse a week or several mice a week?

My guy gets at least 2 and sometimes 3 mice at a time, depending on the size of the mouse and how hungry he is. He also eats chicken with gusto.

>>...do people feed rats to ratsnakes?

Ah, yeah - That's why we call 'em RATsnakes!
If you decide to try rats, start off with weanlings. They are a little bigger than a jumbo mouse so you won't need as many. Check with the owner first. Once she tries Rat, she may never go back!

>>One cool thing I've seen is the snake rattles her tail when I open the cage. Is this a common behavior for this species?

My guy does that when he's startled or excited. Lots of snakes do that. Its no big deal, just their way of saying "Whoa! Back-off! I mean business!". Its mostly bluff, but not all.

>>Attached are pics...

And a handsome girl she is!

Pics of my guy below - he's lonely and needs a date for next spring....

Best Regards!

John D.

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I am so not lesdysxic!

0.1 Creamsicle Cornsake "Yolanda"
1.0 Bairds Ratsnake "Steely Dan"
0.1 Desert Kingsnake "FATTY"
0.1 Black Rat (WV Rescue) "Roberta"

n/p