I have been thinking about getting a ratsnake... I currently have a couple chain kings and a beautiful bullsnake... I notice a difference in personalities between the kings and the pit... I have had a lot of different species of snakes over the years, but never a ratsnake... My wife used to have a gray ratsnake before I met her and swears that the snake really had a cool personality and temperment... I am always hearing people on the pit forum talking about the way that pits seem to show personality... Can anyone tell me how ratsnakes compare to other species in general? Also, I can never seem to find anyone selling or breeding grey ratsnakes... Why are they so hard to find? I would really appreciate any feedback/info/advice...
Thanks,
Eric
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Do ratsnake species as a whole exhibit personalities?
Replies (3)
I was able to find plenty of Gray Rats for sale last year. Check some of the auction sites. I have found them with gray and black coloring and tan and brown. You might just want to ask the seller for a picture before you buy.
I like Rat Snakes. That is all I keep. If you want an easy Rat Snake to start with, try a Corn Snake. They seem to be tamer. In E. o. sp. I have 2 Blacks, 4 Grays, 4 Yellows, and 2 Texas Rats, and I like them all. I also have two Corns, and they are a little calmer. I suggest that you get the snake young so that you will have no problems taming it. Grays get to be about six feet long and like to climb.
I also saw plenty of grey rats last year at the Ohio show. Saw some nice little ones last weekend, as a matter of fact. If it's the Obsoleta temperment that you like (potentially feisty at first, but easily calmed with regular handling...plenty of possible individual differences, also)...don't just limit your choice to the greys. Black, Yellow, Everglades, even Texas are good choices. Yes, and corns, too. I think that Brian of BHB is working with grey rats, if you are set on them. He's in the list of dealers still, I think. Good luck. North American Ratsnakes are an excellent choice! Duffy
I love Texas rats with their piss 'n' vinegar personalities, but the most endearing of all the rat snakes I've ever kept are Russian rats. They are inquisitive, calm, and recognize their owners. They are rough-keeled and get long and hefty. They will ever "greet" you at times when you walk into the snakeroom. At least mine did.
