Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

I just got my first pair of rat snakes. I wanted something different and when I saw the ladder snakes I had to get them. I only saw one web page on the care and requirements and have not found much else. I was wondering if anyone else was keeping these snakes and what is the best way to keep them. I currently have them in a 55 gallon tank with a hot spot of 90 dagrees and the other end around 80 dagrees. I have them in aspen bedding wich they seem to love burrying them selves in. I also have a water dish in the middle and a few hiding spots. Just wondering if I am missing anything. I will get some pictures after they settle in and have a couple meals for me.

Ken

Rhinechis scalaris may be the easiest maintainable of all European ratsnakes. This species has a regular feeding response, likes it warm (like really a lot) and dry, and doesn't need a very long hibernation period (2 months is enough).

One thing though, they don't like being handled and most never settle down. But if you give them plenty of hides, and leave them alone (this may be the hardest part), they'll do just fine.

Good luck,

Herman Bronsgeest.

Thank you for the response. I have noticed they like to hide in the aspen bedding most of the time. But they do climb on the branches I have in there also. But I think there just trying to escape.Thanks again for the response.

Ken

Couldn't agree more, I love this species by far my favourites. The last two pix are of a now deceased 14yr old (in the picture) female that partially retained her juvenile pattern. Look forward to your pix Ken.

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Devboy.

www.ratsnakefoundation.org