Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all. I don't visit this particular forum much, but I think that's an oversight on my part, since this is the most likely spot to find the answers I seek.

I live smack in the middle of black rat snake country, in the ozarks. This species has always held a fascination for me. But I'm usually too busy taking care of my indigos and cribos to bother with it. Recently I found a brand new hatchling black rat, not more than a few days old, in my basement/snakeroom. I figured it was fate that he found his way inside my snake room, so I kept the little rascal. Like always, he fed eagerly the first time. A bit less the second,and now, not at all. What's up with that? Should I hibernate him now, and forget feeding for a couple months? Or should I keep him nice and warm with a long photoperiod? What's the trick to getting this species to feed with consistantcey, throughout the year? Thanks in advance,
T.

I think I would try cooling him down this winter. You could be wrong about his age, and he found your basement while looking for a place to spend the winter. Most likely he hatched back in Late August or September. He may be on the small side because he wasn't lucky about finding meals.

Good luck with the little guy.

n/p
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"Better to be silent and thought a fool, than to open mouth and remove any doubt!"