Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So for a long time now I've been looking into getting a ratsnake...I've kept snakes of all kinds all my life, but somehow have never kept a ratsnake other than your standard corn or the occasional black rat. Recently, I've became very interested in acquiring one of the european or asian rat snakes, and I'm curious if anyone has any suggestions for a first. Whatever it is, it'll be captive bred. I've got a decent amount of space, so I'm looking for something that's going to reach an impressive size, but also something with a decent disposition. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Kevin

Russian black rat.Big,active,calm,never turns down a meal,doesnt need additional heat,loves to climb.etc.etc.I call mine the no hassle snake.lol

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If lead paint is so deadly why do they make it so delicious?

Agreed. Excellent suggestion.

rgds,
althea

that snake is absolutely gorgeous! How big do they usually get? Any idea where I can get one?

I've also always loved the head shape and body style of the taiwan beauties, cave dwellers, and blue beauties, but I've heard they're pretty bad tempered. Any snake that looks kind of like that without the temper?

Kevin

Russians are hard to find but they do pop up on the classifides.I dont have any experience with the rats you mentioned.I do have a 3-4 week old radiated that is ballistic for now.

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If lead paint is so deadly why do they make it so delicious?

wait a second...the russian rats, is that the same thing as an amur ratsnake? I always thought amurs were kind of this dull off-brown color, but that one you have is an absolute scorcher, looks almost like a tiger rat, but apparently without the attitude. I think that's my snake. Everything I've read about them seems like that's what I'm looking for, big, hardy, and friendly.
Kevin

Yeah, Amur is the same thing as Russian Ratsnakes. These are very friendly snakes. I have never heard of them being aggressive with anyone. They will often climb onto your hand as soon as you open their cage. They are always on the move and love to climb. They are diurnal. They can get to about 7 foot and a good thickness. The best behaved Ratsnake there are.
I am in Canada. A sire near me have several yearlings for sale. I recently saw a breeding pair for sale on line (in Canada).

http://www.reptilescanada.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=10593&cat=25

Actually, there are two types of rat snake that have been called Amur rat snakes because their natural areas overlap in Manchuria and the Amur basin.

One is Elaphe schrencki and the other is Elaphe anomala. Elaphe anomala has been known as an Amur rat snake, Korean rat snake, Southern russian rat snake. Elaphe anomala tend to be an olive green or green/brown colour as adults whereas Elaphe schrencki are black like the one shown in the original picture. The disposition of Elaphe anomala is about as different as you can get from schrencki being a shy and nervous animal.

Before being elevated to Elaphe anomala species status, the snake was classified as Elaphe schrencki anomala making it a sub-species of the russian nominate animal.

This is an adult anomala I sold on last year showing how different they are from their Russian neighbours... as hatchlings however, they are remarkably similar so it's wise to stick to latin/scientific names to be sure what it is you are buying.

Steve.

My friend has a pair of Taiwan Beauties, they are around 6 - 7 feet long, at only two years! They also have a pair of babies. These snakes are very mild, rarely striking or acting up, and fun to hold! And down right pretty!
Beth

Tiawan beauties are laid back compaired to other beauties. They are calm (except when feeding), beautiful and make great pet snakes that are large and impressive when adults. Randy W.