Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm thinking about getting a Leucistic Rat Snake and would like some information on them.

The way I'm understanding this is they are merely a morph of a certain species of rat snake. The gene is bred into them. Any species of rat snake. Is this correct?

I'd like to see some pictures too, if you have one to share. I think we all would like to see some!

Thanks in advance

I've got 2 of them (had 3 but one got out before I received the 2 and I just found him dead: RIP Louie). They are such beautiful looking snakes and have an interesting temperment. They were nippy when I first got them but are starting to settle in. The male still rattles his tale and goes into strike mode when I try to pick him up but he calms down once I pick him up (very quick though and always tries to get away). The female on the other hand is quite a bit more nice and has never tried to strike at me or rattle her tale. She is a little less wiggly too when being held but is still fast and tryin to get out of my hands. They are very fun to watch in their cage cause they are always up to something and are rarely in their hides or hiding under the substrate. Good luck with your choice and I will try to get some pictures of them up tomorrow or the next day.

Alex

P.S. I have TEXAS Leucistic Rat snakes and I hear the Leucistic BLACK rat snakes are somewhat easier to handle but not sure. They are a lot more money though. I think around $150 - $200 is what I saw on the classifieds today. I got my 2 for $100 shipped!! Lucky me.

leucisim is a trait. I havent ever seen it in anything but a black or texas rat, however. Apparently the first one was actually found out in texas I believe? I haven't ever had a leucy, but I love them. Maybe in 20 years when my current ones have passed on i'll get one...lol. My black rats are both very docile animals...I can tell you that much. I can also tell you that every snake has its own personality. I currently have 4, a 5th on its way this upcoming wednesday, and none of them have the same personality at all.

You may want to also look into a licorice stick (white sided) black rat snake. If you look on my website you'll see mine, she's very sweet...is perfectly content to sit in your hands or wrap around your arm or even wrapped around my upper arm and resting her head on my shoulder! (I gotta get a pic of that!) I love the leucy's, but I think the black down the back gives it a little intersting tone.
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The reason mainstream thought is thought of as a stream is because it's so shallow. -George Carlin

Battling ignorance one stupid person at a time.

Current snakes:
0.1 Licorice Stick Black Rat(Lola)
1.0 Neonate Black Rat (het for Lic Stk's) (Frankie)
1.1 Texas Bairds ("Bill" and "The Bride aka Beatrix Kiddo" )

Here's a not so good pic of mine from a year ago.

Mine are blackrats.

Most of the Leucistic rat snakes are Texas Rat Snakes. The leucistic trait blocks the expression of skin color. The snakes have dark blue eyes and are white in color. Besides rat snakes, I have see posts of leucistic Pine Snakes for sale. Many of the leucistic American rat snakes (obsoleta) have a "bug eyed" look to them. I haven't heard that this hurts them in any way, but some people don't like that look.

There are plenty of people out there breading them. I see them for sale on the Web for about $50 each plus shipping.

I haven't kept any leucistic snakes, but I have about a dozen obsoleta, and I find that if you get them young, handle they gently and often (except for the two days after you feed them) they calm down and are great snakes to keep.

Good luck with your choice of snake.

I think i forgot to hit on this subject in my last post. It is something that comes out of too much inbreeding...which can be a little sign for other health problems to come in the future.
-----
The reason mainstream thought is thought of as a stream is because it's so shallow. -George Carlin

Battling ignorance one stupid person at a time.

Current snakes:
0.1 Licorice Stick Black Rat(Lola)
1.0 Neonate Black Rat (het for Lic Stk's) (Frankie)
1.1 Texas Bairds ("Bill" and "The Bride aka Beatrix Kiddo" )