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snow rat snakes?

crtoon83 May 18, 2004 07:17 PM

I was interested now in getting a snow/blizzard rat snake, because I saw a full grown blue beauty, and it didn't really register how big a 7 foot snake IS. Anyway, I was looking at getting a pair of hatchlings, but they are pink, kinda skin toned right now. do they get snow white with age or what? Just wondering before I went and paid the $$ for 'em.

Replies (7)

elaphefan May 18, 2004 11:16 PM

If white is what you want, get a leucistic Texas Rat Snake. There are plenty of people breeding them.
Link

crtoon83 May 19, 2004 12:16 PM

how long do they grow? typical 4 feet or so?

duffy May 19, 2004 04:32 PM

Texas rats get bigger than 4 ft. They can get to about 6 or so, with the record still holding at 86 inches, I think. If you are interested in a smaller, whitish snake, a snow corn or blizzard would be a good choice (I assume that's the "snow rat" you are talking about). Yes, they can be kinda pinkish when small. Just be sure that you are buying from a reputable dealer who knows what he's talking about and can assure you that they come from legitimate snow or blizzard lines. I always suggest trying to find a reptile show near you (click on Events) for best selection and value. Duffy

crtoon83 May 19, 2004 09:22 PM

thanks

honestly i have no idea what i want yet. i'm still trying to take in the vast array of choices i have, lol. i still want a blue beauty, but i cant handle one that size. right now i'm interested somewhat in a flame garter snake. thankfully i'll have a while to decide.

any suggestions are appreciated. i'm looking for a snake that will grow to about 5-6 feet maturity, at the very max.

duffy May 20, 2004 10:54 AM

What is it about the blue that grabs you? That may steer you towards something similar but smaller. You really should check out the vast array of color morphs on the cornsnake forum. They will fit your size requirements perfectly, and are great snakes.
They ARE ratsnakes (your snow and blizzard are certainly corns), but smaller than many and quite tame in general. Fairly inexpensive, easy to keep. Lots of advantages. I still strongly suggest a reptile show if you can find one. Duffy

Sonya May 19, 2004 04:42 PM

>>I was interested now in getting a snow/blizzard rat snake, because I saw a full grown blue beauty, and it didn't really register how big a 7 foot snake IS. Anyway, I was looking at getting a pair of hatchlings, but they are pink, kinda skin toned right now. do they get snow white with age or what? Just wondering before I went and paid the $$ for 'em.

Maybe I am confused. But black rats can get that big too. So are you thinking of a Corn snake? They tend to the 4-5ft range. Maybe I have just had gargantuan Ratsnakes.
-----
Sonya

Haven't we warned you about tampering with the structure of a chaotic system?
Mrs. Neutron

Elaphefan May 19, 2004 10:47 PM

Another snake to think about is a Great Plains Ratsnake. They are small Corn Snakes, aren't as colorful as a normal Corn, but are just as easy to keep. I have some, and they are great snakes. I think I have seen some albinos for sale on the Web.

Good luck with finding just the right snake.

P.S.: I think that Duffy gave you very good advice. Corn snakes are great snakes for people who are just getting started keeping snakes.

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