Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Anyone care to post pics of adults? Any info on them as well? Are they "nervous", "flighty", "fear-biters" or otherwise a chore to handle? Most of my experience is with various kings (4 species), corns, & one each of a eastern garter, northern pine, and columbian boa... so I am thinking an old world rat might be a bit different than I'm used to... I'm used to the snake holding me as I hold it (exception with garter, which I rarely handle anyways)and I'm used to not being bit (though the pine and boa each got me once)... different can be good, but I want to make an informed decision.

Thanks in advance,

Zach

I have some Kunashiri variety which I love. Some of my favs. I picked them up as adults and they were very calm. I even took one out and showed him off, other people were reaching for him and holding him with no problems. Now he is a little more flighty. He has struck when attempted to pick up but doesn't bite while handled. Female is still pretty calm. Beautiful snakes.

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Nick Puder
www.rnpreptiles.com

In my experience, Elaphe climacophora is just a little more nervous and has just a little bit more attitude than the average North American ratsnake. Remarkably, this goes especially for the striped morph, and especially for the females. However, when compared to Blue Beauties or King Ratsnakes, she's really not that bad at all. It's her feeding response you should be worried about. Right after brumation she feeds extremely well for 2 or 3 months, and then she tends to slow down and finally stops somewhere around september. But even within her feeding period she does occassionally pause for about a month. This is perfectly normal, but it could drive a power feeder up the wall. For the most reliable feeding response I recommend keeping her sollitary, especially the males.

Besides the feeding issue as mentioned above, they can be kept very much like Black Ratsnakes. They are beautiful snakes with lots of personality. Unless you're driven by commercial motives, I think it's very unlikely you'll be disappointed getting into Elaphe climacophora.

Good luck,

Herman.