Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey im new to this forum and and am finally able to get a snake.I have had a black rat snake in mind forever as when i was little a pet shop near me had a adult black rat snake that i always went to see first.he was awsome.I rated him over the huge burmese python they had.ever since then i have wanted one but have not been able to get one.in the past ive kept all sorts of lizards(and still do)a few turtles and a few different kinds of snakes.the current snakes in my house are my lil sisters corn snake adn my dads speckaled king.i have been holding out for a black rat and now i have the chance to get one.ive also kept garters,ringnecks,adn rough green snakes.if you think im redy to keep a black rat please tell me any info as i want to get all i can so i can have a nice healthy and happy pet.thanks for your time
nick

Well I've got several corns and I just got a young licorice black rat. It makes sense since corns are ratsnakes, but basic care is pretty much the same. The black rat will probably get a little bigger and may take a little more work to tame down, but shouldn't be any more difficult to care for.

Black Rats are just as easy to keep as Corn Snakes. (I have both) Get a C.B. one, and not one from the wild. If you start with a youngster, they are easy to tame and stay tamed.

There are a ton of care sheets out there for Corn Snakes. Use one of those. (see link) One warning, Black Rats can and do like to climb. If you use a twenty-gallon aquarium with a top, make sure that the top is very well secured (clips work). I keep a branch in my cage for the snake to climb on.

If you can find one that has been raised on F/T mice, your life will be easier.

Good luck,
Rick
Link