Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I took this today - he is one of last year's babies and is already 32 inches:

Third Eye

Beauty!
How big do those get and how are their temperaments?

They get fairly large - 5 to 6 feet - sometimes even longer. They are often described as "curious," and I have to agree. The other day I was holding one and my ferret was running around the room. The snake watched the ferret intently. I've never seen any of my other snake do this (I have a pretty good variety of 50-60 adult colubrids).

They don't seem to be as "bitey" as some North American Ratsnakes I've kept, as a matter of fact, I cannot remember even having a Russian strike at me.

Tim

Third Eye

Good looking Russian Rat you have Tim. They really look good when they develope that golden/yellow color on black. Would you say Russian Rats are about the same size on average as our North American Black Rats? Girth wise, and/or length?

Steve

I can't really say, as these are my first Russians. I've kept black rats, Texas rats and yellows, so I'll have something to compare them too which they reach adulthood.

Russians have some American racer qualities (preferring smaller food items, frequently not contricting food), so I wouldn't be surprised if they grew up to be longer and leaner than typical U.S. rats.

Below is the same snake as a hatchling, to give you an idea on much the colors have changed in a few months.

Tim

Third Eye

They are very cool, and docile to boot?!!! I should have looked into those instead of getting the King Rat.
Cute Ferret