Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've heard that the texas rat snakes have horrible temper, but the few I've been around seemed more friendly then my boas. Is it true that they become mean/ill tempered as they get older? I've wanted to get one for a long time, and my parents were thinking about geting one for my birthday, but I need to know how their temper is in the long run? Also how diffent is the care of them from the pythons & boas? I've read that it isnt much. Anyhow thanks for the help ^^
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Kurama- Male Ball python
Seven- Female ball python
Ginseng- Unknown spotted Python

Shinnie- Unknown Rosy Boa
Hannibal- Male Hypo Boa
Cookie Torment- Female salmon boa

Peanut- Male red footed
Dragon- Unknown Leopard gecko

(7 dogs, 1 cat, 2 birds, 19 bettas, 10 other fish)

Well I would not call it a "bad temper" but the ones I have had do remain defensive and wary. Handling with gloves has usually settled them somewhat, but I've never had one that became as docile as, say, a corn snake, but that is one of the attractions to me. They seem more "natural."
Texas rats tend to be easy keepers, usually feed well, etc. They don't need the tropical temp/humidity levels of boas, as they live in areas with wide seasonal and temp variations. One thing to consider is that they are devoted climbers who love to snag birds -- you often find them climbing rain gutters and trees in suburban areas -- so they need something to get elevated on in their cages. Natural materials ca carry parasites; I use one of those plaster and plastic terrarium trees, but a piece of lattice ot anything they can climb would work just as well. One nice thing about this species is the wide color and pattern variation you can find -- I have caught and released three this year on a sinlge piece of property in central Oklahoma that ranged from almost totally black to the more common tan/black/cream/patterned look.

I've had a pair for ten to twelve years now. I have bred them several times. Some of the babies are a little nippy, but most grow out of it in a few months,especially with regular handling. My adults are very tame and never bite. Individual behavior will vary,but most captive bred are pretty tame. Their care is like most north american colubrids. Water bowl and a hide.temps from high seventies to low to mid eighties. If you decide to get one and have questions,feel free to email me.Good luck. Rin

Are you that tiny or is that snake that big??
Realy nice!!
I have a pair of late 05's. The female is very tame and handles well. The male however is pure evil. He will latch on whenever he can.
Steve

I am 5-10. the snake is around 6 feet