Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I rarely see anyone posting about their King Rat Snakes.
Are these so unpopular compared to the other Ratsnake species available and if so, why?
I hear the stories regarding them, good and bad with more being on the negative side.
Just curious???

Well, they're less common (and therefore harder to find) than say schrencki or beauties. They're pretty large (which is not necessarily a bad thing but would reduce the field of keepers). They are feisty. They have a reputation (earned or unearned) for powerful unpleasant musking. They can be ophiophagous. These can be part of the reason for its small market share.

Personally I like them. If I had the room I'd add a pair.

Regards
John

John,

You just described my entire snake room! LOL
I found a STUNNING bright yellow juvie at a local shop. By looking at it I'm thinking it's a male, 2 1/2 feet long, $190.
This snake is by far the brightest, cleanest, yellow juvie King Rat I've seen available online or in person.
I'm seriously thinkig of getting it. The kids in charge of the herp section are horrified of the snake and customers unfamiliar with King Rats think the snake is possesed. I had the kid take the snake out and you'd have thought he was free handling a King Cobra! LOL
Needless to say that snake should be about $150 next time I check and I'll get him for a nice discount!
I heard of King Rat keepers providing the same care as they would a King or Corn Snake. Is this true?

Thanks for your response!

Sounds really good.

As far as husbandry, the bible says they're not hard to keep (normal colubrid conditions). He recommends using a deep soft substrate because they like to burrow alot.

Please post some photos of that yellow devil when you can.

Regards
John

Thank you for the info!
I will get pictures if I pick him up. I think even after he is fully mature his coloration will still very yellow.
Very nice snake.