Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This is the black rat I rescued from a brush pile that was about to be set on fire.
I have had him 3 years now and he is around 6-1/2 feet and eats 2 F/T medium rats a week.He is also the one that was M.I.A. in my basement for 5 months this winter/spring.I found him just in time to feed him a meal,shed and breed my female amel.He is a joy to handle and many kids have had the oppertunity to touch and hold him.
Mike Mitstifer

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nice pics of your collection.

That's huge! Very nice. I can only hope mine gets that big one day.

That a really nice looking snake. I've got 3 black rats myself. One is 7 1/2 feet, 5 feet, and 3 feet. I've had the 7 footer for about 8 years now. I caught him in my gramdma's bathroom. My question is what do you keep him in? I keep mine in the biggest clear rubbermaid you can get. I've got over 300 holes in it for air circulation and I keep a heating pad under it set on low. I just want to know if there's anything bigger. I don't like using tanks because of the lack of circulation and screen tops will really mess up a snakes nose. Especially a black rat since they're so active. Thanks.

I keep him in an enclosure that was custum made by a friend of mine for another friend of mine to keep his red-tailed boa in.It measures 61"LX31"HX31"W.When my friend got rid of his boa (had kids ,wife,lost interest)he gave it to me as a house warming gift when we bought our house.It is made of 4x4 frame and has lexan on 3 sides.The back is marine grade ply wood painted black.It weighs around 200 lbs.and is on wheels.I had to partially dis-assemble it to get it into my herp room.My blackrat lives in it alone and has more than enough room to roam.In fact it really is overkill,and would be great for a burm.,but hey,it was a freebie!I will post pics sometime.
Mike

Thanks Mike.

I know Mike, Tom can you bring your camera over again? I call ya sunday when I get home from camp.
Tom

They have to be 1 of the most overlooked species out there......... I produced my 1st clutch this year, 7 babies in all, 5 licorice stick (1of which was albino LS) 1 normal & 1 albino. EVERYONE ate a FT pinkie the 1st try........ wish the corns were as easy to kick start!!!

Cheers

Dean