Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello just wondering if anyone could tell me what temps they keep their russian (amur) rat snakes at? I think my male has a respirtory infection because I am keeping them too cold.

Best regards,

Erik M

Eric, a Russian rat should be brumating now unless it's a baby, which could forego the brumation. Whichever it is, you should keep it near 80*F, during the day, and down towards 70*F. at night. Don't try to brumate if the snake has a respiratory infection, however. TC.

Thanks. There is not much info on these snakes that I can find. I have been keepign them at a steady 74F all day which I guess is very cold! They are both just over 2 1/2 years and the male is 4ft, the female 3.5ft. I guess the cold has stopped them from growing real fast. When should I attempt breeding? What do you drop the temps to for cooling?

Best regards,

Erik

Sounds like they're in pretty good shape. I'd stop feeding for a couple weeks to 20 days, or so, cool to 60*F. for at least a week, then cool to about 50-55*F. for a month or two, at least. Russians grow pretty slowly when brumated for several months a year. I didn't ever breed mine until after four yrs. of age. They will probably only get bt. five and six feet long.

I keep mine at an ambient temperature of 75F with a spot bulb basking spot at about 80-82F which they only tend to use when shedding. Then drop it down to 70-72F at night.

I have found that any warmer than 82F and they tend to get irritable and a little snappy.

Steve.