Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Do those of you working with E. schrencki find that they need larger enclosures than similarly sized North American rats? I've heard a lot about how inquisitive they are, but I didn't know if that translated to increased activity or not. Thanks.

I wouldn't keep a Russian Rat in a sweaterbox. Heck, I wouldn't keep some other North American Rat Snakes (Black Rat, Yellow Rat, Everglades) in a sweaterbox either - at least not adult-sized snakes. My Russians are in a 55 gallon tank. They spend quite a bit of time ona basking platform under spotlight (they also have an undertank heater).

I find them to pay more attention to what's going on outside their cage than any other type of snake I've kept. I do not think I'd consider them to be especially active, but they are large snakes which like to climb, so they do need space.

Here's my breeding pair. They like to hang out on that piece of cork bark on top of the stump. There's a light above it. They spend time in the green heated hidebox as well - especially at night.

Tim

Third Eye

>>I wouldn't keep a Russian Rat in a sweaterbox. Heck, I wouldn't keep some other North American Rat Snakes (Black Rat, Yellow Rat, Everglades) in a sweaterbox either - at least not adult-sized snakes.

Thanks Tim, I know what you mean. The black and bairds rats I've kept always seemed to be on the move and I wouldn't want to keep such active snakes in cramped conditions. I've been interested in the Russians for a long time, but considering their curiosity and fondness for climbing, I think I should make sure I have a large display enclosure with some arboreal perches first.