Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey. I really like these guys. Was wondering about their upkeep. Are they as easy as Black Rats? Also, what all morths do these guys have?
Thanks.

My first suggestion would be to find a good book about transpecos rats, or a general ratsnake book that covers various species including subocs. There are several on the market, and I am sure some show the various morphs available today. They are NOT similar to black rats IMO. Mine like their cages more ventilated and drier, and need a hot spot/temp gradient. They do not seem to do well with just keeping the entire cage at a general temperature, or just room temperature like black rats may handle. I melted extra holes in their rack box and I give them very small water bowls. They are also not usually power feeders like black rats and may requirer smaller meals than a similar sized black rat would take. They can be prone to regurge if meals are too large, too frequent, or temps arent right for them. Also can be prone to respiratory ailments if kept in poorly ventilated cages or not allowed to regulate temps. They just seem more "delicate" in nature and actions than black rats IMO. Please keep in mind this is only my opinion on the pair I keep, and the few others I have kept over the years. Morphs include normals, blondes, silvers, silverblondes (platinum), and amel. Could be a few more morphs. Plus, locality or areas their lineage comes from can affect their coloration regardless of which morph you are dealing with. Thats how morphs like mustard blondes, bleached blonds, etc. came into being. Normals can range from greyish to bright orange in coloration as well based on where they or their lineage was collected.

Subocs are cool animals to work with. Just remember they are not corns or black rats and may require a little more attention to detail in their keeping. However, I would not consider them difficult and they are gorgeous snakes.

Thanks for for information. They are very cool looking snakes for sure.I figured they'd like a hotter, drier enclosure based on where they are found in the wild. I can handle that. Think I may pick one up at the next reptile show. The blode morth is super!

I think the key is definitely more ventilated enclosures. I dont think they need an uber hot hot spot, just one in the low to mid eighties. However, I do think they NEED this warm spot above the ambient temps for that extra warmth more than other ratsnakes or corns. If they cant get that warm when needed and only subjected to ambient temps in the house, they may get respiratory infections. Same if kept in poorly ventilated boxes. Definitely need ventilation. They are cool snakes and if you get a good captive bred animal well established they are a breeze to keep.

Check out "The Complete Suboc" by Dusty Rhoades - ECO Publishing