Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i know nothing about rats snakes but my friend is looking into getting a leucistic rat snake...wat are the pros and cons for this snake?..handling, feeding, enclosures,temps, etc.......also, can anyone post pictures of leucistics?..thanks

Leucistic is a color. The two most common types of leucistics are Texas and Black rats. Both are easy to care for, Texas I think are a tad smaller and also have a reputation for being wilder.
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Peter: It's OK, I'll handle it. I read a book about something like this.
Brian: Are you sure it was a book? Are you sure it wasn't NOTHING?

I had a pair of leucistic Texas rat snakes and wish I still had them. They're known for being temperamental, and mine never grew completely tame, but they were really funny characters. I used to hold one in my left hand while working the computer mouse with my right hand, and every time I turned my head to look at the critter, he/she would strike toward my head, but only half-heartedly. It's a great snake to take to school. My high school kids were always very impressed by them. They are absolutely beautiful as adults and enjoy an enclosure where they can do a little branch climbing. They also do well in a sweater box. Not all are nasty, however, but I wouldn't want one that didn't have a little piss 'n' vinegar because that's half the fun. As for leucistic black rat snakes, there is some question as to whether they are 100% black rat. My feeling is that they may have gotten their leucistic gene from the Texas strain. Perhaps a breeder or two was trying to genetically engineer a more mellow leucy rat.

I have a year old pair of leucistic black rats,and can't wait till they are mature.With the potential to reach 6-7' they should be awsome looking snakes.Here is a not so good pic of one of them.

Of the three leucistic texas I have owned, one was nippy-the other two Angels...Just depends on the individual temperment. I do prefer the "Bug eyed" form.
Frank
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"The luxury of not getting involved departed with the last lifeboat Skipper..."

My bug-eyed leucisctic TX Rat started out nippy, but now she's a sweetie. A friend of mine who breeds them gave her to me because the bug-eyed ones are usually not considered as being worth much. He didn't think he could get much out of her, and I thought she was pretty cool. She's a great snake! Duffy

I have a pair of leucistic black rat. they are tame and kindly and are growing up fastly.
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