Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok, I am very interested in getting a leucistic texas rat snake. I have a ball python so I'm not new to snakes. I just wanted to know more about these specific snakes cause I think they are just awesome looking and would love to own one. From the little I have read, some people say that they are not that docile and I am used to my BP which is very docile. Is this true? And can they be calm enough to handle often? And what does it mean by bug-eyed? Is this a bad mutation that should be avoided? What is the husbandry like for these snakes and are there any care sheets for them? How big do they get in both length and girth?

Thanks for all your help in advance.

Alex

I have a white sided rat, very closely related to the leucistic (both derived from black rats). ball pythons are very docile, they love to lay around and do nothing from what i've seen. rat snakes in general are very active. once one gets comftorable in his cage, he will be crawling all over the place. I have a female licorice stick and a male black rat. I handle both twice daily, and I really have no problems. You just have to keep a hold on them a little more than on a ball python...it's the difference between a dog and a cat. a dog is always active wanting to play, a cat wants to lay its fat @$$ down and do nothing, like a rat snake and ball python, respectively.

Check in the Snakes - General forum. There is a thread going there on the comparison of the to.

I love my rats, they are wonderful pets I wouldn't ever want nay other ones.
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The reason mainstream thought is thought of as a stream is because it's so shallow. -Unknown

Most rat snakes in general are fairly active snakes,especially when compared to a ball python! Like any north american rat snake the texas rat should tame down with frequent handling but every snake has his/her own temperment! I know some CB rat snakes that are just plain nasty. My yearling yellow rat snake was a little fiesty once in awhile but was managable.

Texas rats usually get around 4 - 6 feet in length with 6 feet being large.Girth wise they are a fairly slender constrictor. Definately won't get the girth of a ball python! Husbandry wise the care sheet is the same as a black rat snake. Warm side of the tank should be 81-85 degrees,cool side 76-78,have atleast two hide boxes for the snake,a large water dish,climbing tree and proper subtrate(Dont use cedar!!). Rat snakes do not require any UV lighting so none is needed. These guys are very hardy snakes and forgiving in their enviorment.

These are a lot easier husbandry wise then a ball python is IMO but there are definately more fiesty.

It would be great if you could handle a couple of Texas Rats for yourself and see just what they can be like compared to balls. More active...Yes! Can they be handled regularly...Yes, and they should be in order to get them to be as calm as possible. The Texas Rats have a reputation for being aggressive, but most will calm down nicely with regular handling, especially if you start handling them when they are young. Mine was a biter when young, but now is a pleasure to handle. Easy to care for, like most N. Am. Rats. 5-6 feet, but much "smaller" than a 5 foot ball (thinner). The "bug-eye" trait is not uncommon in leucistic texas rats. The eyes are large and bulging. Many, if not most, people consider it an undesirable trait. Mine is a bug-eye, given to me by a breeder friend who chose not to sell him. He's a great snake. You should pay less for a bug-eye, if that's an issue. Many will avoid them altogether. It would seem that there is nothing else "wrong" with them other than the odd look.
Hope this helps. Duffy