Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

I am interested in purchasing a pair of Leusistic Texas Rat Snakes although I’ve been hearing that they can be very “flighty” and tend to “musk” a lot when they are handled…? So I was curious if this is true or anyone has experienced this at all… If so does this tend to mellow out with age? Also any recommendations on who to purchase from would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for all the help…
Dustin

If you are interested in LTR, then you should go for it. Their reputation, IMO, is somewhat exaggerated. Yes, they can be flighty and a bit nippy when little. But most will calm down very nicely with regular handling. As far as musking, mine did not musk any more (or less) than my other baby ratsnakes. Which is to say that it did musk a few times when little. With my North Amerecan Ratsnakes, musking was seldom a "HOLY CRAP" situation. More like: "HMMMM? Something kinda stinks." Go for it. If at all possible, go to a show or find a dealer near you, so you can actually handle some babies. You will likely find some to be calmer than others already.
Mine is an '02 and super-tame now. He did nip at me when I picked him up as a juvie. That was when I first was into snakes, and I really did not like getting bitten back then. So I used latex gloves to pick him up for a month or two. After that, no problem. Duffy

I agree with Duffy, there is no problem with LTR. I have two wild types myself, and both are as calm as can be. They eat just fine, and are easy to keep.

The only advice I would give you is to be aware that many of these snakes have "bug eyes." This trait doesn't hurt the snake, but some folks take it as a defect.

Since your planning on getting a pair (breeding?) You might want to get them from two different breeders to avoid inbreeding.

Or even better if you like the natural phase as well is get a LTR and a unrelated TR het for L.(I'm assuming the leucistic in TR's is a simple recessive)

Sean.

i would agree with the other members, try and stay away from the bug eye , and go for unrelated.

Regular handling is the key to a good temperement.

some musk some dont

if you can , feed them in a seperate container out of the viv, that way they shouldnt Associate your hands as a food source when entering the viv.

Paul.
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www.uk-hybrids.com

Thanks for all your help, its greatly appreciated! I am going to give it a go and I’ll give you guys some feedback later!

Thanks again for all the information, Take care

Dustin.