Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i just bought some rat snakes for the science center at the preschool i work. we used to have some rat snakes before, but i didn't take care of them, another guy i worked with did so when i got the two i have now i figured he would help me out but he took off for a family emergencie for about two weeks. SO I NEED HELP. what kind of environment, how often do they eat, what they eat, lights? heat? how big of a cage? screen or glass? sorry for the ?'s and not doing research.

i always read up to a year inadvance before i buy animals or reptiles but this pet store was closing down with amazing sales and i bought alot of animals. i know that sounds stupid but i learn quick when it comes to animals and i go all out to give them the best living environment.
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1.1. Vield Chameleon(Jessy James)
1.1.3 Sugar gliders(Bonnie & Clyde)
2.0 Ferrets(Butch & Sundance)
1.1.3 Parakeets(Prettyboy,Sassy)
1.0 Doberman (Aries)
1.1 Cats(Riley, Zoe)

Check out the CareSheet/FAQ section of this site - you can find basic info there on how to set up enclosures with proper heating, bedding, hide spots, water, etc., as well as general care, feeding, etc. The Corn Snake site has some good info. (Corn snakes are a variety of rat snake, so their housing requirements are essentially the same.) Size of the enclosure depends on the size of the snake(s). Most of our native rat snake species range from around 1-1.5 feet as newborns up to 6 feet or more as adults. (The "Rat Snakes of North America" page will help you identify the species/subspecies you have.)

Hope this helps.
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MichaelB