Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a chance to buy a beautiful Leucistic Texas Rat Snake. The owner says the snake is about 30" long and is handled often and is very tame. I have read often about the bad attitude of Texas Rat snakes and I am a little wary. I currently have boa, carpet python, and California King snake, but I know very litle about rat snakes. The pictures of Leucistic Texas Rat snakes that I have seen, are stunning! How big do the male snakes get and are these snakes considered constrictors? I was hoping someone could share some information on these snakes as pets.

Happy Holidays.

I had a leucistic female about 5 or 6 years ago that was extremely tame. Jeff

To answer your question about size, a Texas Rat Snake can get to be 6 feet long. If it is only 30" then it is only about 1.5 years of age. If the person who has the snake says that it is very tame, he could very well be telling you the truth. I have two Texans that are also very tame. This could very well be the case. The best way to tell is to put your hand in the cage and pick the little snake up. If it doesn't bite or musk, then in my book it is tame. LOL

If you get the snake, post a photo on the forum.

I myself can say that I never seen an American Rat Snake that I didn't like.

Rick

I've had one for 10 years and it has never ever tried to bite me once.

its a leucistic.

My 6yr old daughter can hold it like it was a cornsnake.

Rat snakes of all types are just like most North American colubrids -- some will tame down well with regular handling, some will not, most will alternate between docile and occasionally nippy. And yes they are constructors, though after a time most will not bother to pause to constrict F/T mice or rats. In general though, the feeding response is basically the same as you are used to with boas. Finally, I have found all the rate snakes I have owned to be especially hardy captives, reliable feeders and very adaptable. Guess that's why they are among the most common, prlific and widespread snakes around.