Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am new to owning ratsnakes, with having experience only in kingsnakes. I was hoping someone could give me some pointers, and answer a few questions. I currently have a female rhino rat.
If I decided to get a male with purposes of breeding them, do I need to cage them seperately? How big of a terrarium should she be housed in when she is full grown? What is a good substrate? Did Rhino ratsnakes lose their popularity, because they seem to be somewhat difficult to find. Thanks in advance.. Ed

It's probably best to house them separately - males typically are very aggressive/ zealous breeders, and it would stress your female to have them constantly paired.

Additionally, feeding could be problematic - they are such eager feeders from sub-adults onward that you have the usual difficulties associated with trying to feed multiples together (going after the same food item/ each other, etc.)

I keep adults individually in 28 qt sweater boxes, but they would do well in a 10 or 20 gallon aquarium, or something of similar space. They will climb occasionally if you give them the opportunity.

Substrate - I use indented kraft paper, but newspaper or cypress mulch work well also.

As to the popularity - from my perspective they are more popular than ever; the last two years I've sold out without having to post ads for them.

So far as I know, I produce more than anyone else, so combined with a lack of imported CB babies the past three years, there aren't as many being advertised online.

Cheers
Rob

RhinoRats.com