Reptile & Amphibian Forums

With all the talk recently of Gulf Hammock variations,I thought I'd bring up the topic of another underated and almost forgotten form in the hobby,the Gray Rat.Possibly the reason being is because,across most of its range "spiloides" is not a particularly attractive snake as opposed to an Everglades or a vibrant colored s.fla Yellow.Or some seem to think that they have the same attitude as their brethren to the west,the Texas Rat.I've found that most Grays have mild dispositions and to be some of the most beautiful of the NA Rats,truly an appeal all their own.I have spent lots of time over many years in the field documenting,photographing and looking for the ultimate "White Oak Phase".And have found that they can be pretty variable in color and pattern,but true "white" ones are like the needle in the haystack and are fantastic finds!Here are a few,but not the best of the best!
This one had a "tude"and not as light colred as I like,as most are not,so after a couple shots I let them go about their business

A young light silvery male

A nice white faded animal

A couple truely white specimens

Thanks Alan

Thanks for the post, info and pics. I love those. Had one as a kid and have been trying to get another CB for the last few months with no success. For one, very few on the market when I do find one there's always some issue.

To me, all those you've pictured are superb.
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Have a nice day

Website: SerpenTrack

Monklet,you're right,not that many are offered in the hobby.Maybe that is due to the fact that they are'nt high dollar animals.I personally don't care about the dollar value of what I keep,to me its about a real passion for beautiful reptiles naturally occuring in the wild.And for some reason I seem to really like some that are not worth much.I have never been into it for the money,and don't care so much for all the morphs.As for the ultimate white ones,they're about as close to a snow or a leucisic as you can get and still occur naturally.I'll have a couple clutches of superb whites this season if all goes well.What did you mean about having some issues with them? Thanks for the responce,Alan

Yep, I'll take a nice White Oak over Paradox Ball Python anyday

The issues I mentioned are not really relevant to the species, just the deal doesn't work for some reason or the animal is messed, or I get it and it dies (not my fault), that kind of stuff. I've just been hexed trying to get one for some reason.

Good news is that, since my last attempt to get one failed I found one of these (yes, I know it's a morph but apparentyl naturally occuring and too freakin' awesome for a rat snake lover to pass up. Also get a great deal on it.

btw, I'd like to be on the list for one of yours if things work out this season.
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Have a nice day

Website: SerpenTrack

OK just what is that? I would make a guess but I'm not sure?
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King Snakes! Who can make a better mouse trap?
J Sierra

It's a Calico morph Black Rat bred by Will Bird (Calico Cow Suckers by Will's nomenclature). The line originates from a wild caught Kentucky animal.

www.ectotherms.net/available.htm

Scroll down to view the calicos.
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Have a nice day

Website: SerpenTrack

N/P
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King Snakes! Who can make a better mouse trap?
J Sierra

Im looking to pick up a real nice female. If you have some available later in the summer I'd be interested.
thanks, Don

I caught a couple of greys many years ago in the southwesternmost portion of their range in Mississippi. They were dark colored, but not as much as a Texas rat, and appeared to have more blotch to groundcolor constrast going on. Their blotches had an almost "H" shape to them. They tended more in coloration towards greys than browns like the texas rats do. They were the typical large nondescript ratsnakes we referred to as "chicken snakes" LOL!! To be honest, I never realized they were a different species than Texas rats until many years later and review of range maps. They are handsome in a sombre manner. I think part of the reason they are not super popular is the fact many of the new herpers are not field oriented as much as the older herpers are/were, and only know about what is available in deli cups at herp shows. Also, some of the older herpers have "moved on" from these types of animals to more profitable morphs in their breeding collections. Its a shame, because they are still nice animals.

Yeah the Grays are nice for sure!
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King Snakes! Who can make a better mouse trap?
J Sierra