Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all,
Just wanted to introduce myself to the group. I will be receiving my first albino bull snake tomorrow compliments of Jason Nelson @ Envy Reptiles. (Thanks Jason!) I've been keeping kings for a while now but this is my first experience with pits. It looks like the husbandry requirements are very similar to other colubrids but I have read that pits should be kept at a slightly cooler temperature. I usually keep my kings' hot side at 86-90 but I hear 85 is probably best for a bull snake. Is this true? Thanks in advance for any helpful tips. I look forward to learning more about this fascinating species.

Congrats on your new purchase! You could not have picked a better person to deal with!! Jason has many fine bullsnakes for sale each year, and I am sure you will be exceptionally pleased!!

IMO, yes, pits do better at slightly cooler temps. If you are using a hot side, like you mentioned, at that temp, but the snake also has a cooler side to choose, I think that should be fine. I use ambient temps, but your temps sound fine, and I hope others can chime in on their experiences as well.

Post pics of your bull when you can!
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Genesis 1:1

BTW, how do you post pics here?

A Pituophis needs to bask just like your average Lampropeltis. Also it really needs to avoid the heat form time to time. This goes for snakes in general, but when compared to Kings, thermoregulation in Bulls seems a little more punctuated. This requirement implies access to both a warm side and a cool side, which means a large cage and proper ventilation.
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I'm Dutch. Somebody shoot me.

Thanks for the tips guys. I'm going to house her in a 40 gal tank and upgrade to something nicer and larger in a year or so. I'm using a uth on my warm side with the thermostat set at 86. I keep my kings set at 90. The cool side is in the low to mid 70's normally. Its been a bit cool here lately.

My girl arrived safe and sound today and I'm very happy. She's a really nice looking animal. Thanks again to Jason Nelson @ Envy Reptiles. He was GREAT to work with. I'm looking forward to getting an ivory bull in the fall.

Congratulations on entering a wonderful new world :] there's nothing like pits!
Our next is also coming from Jason, a beautiful little yellow girl. She will be arriving tuesday.
I'm also wanting to get an ivory as well. Does Jason breed those? I know he has yellows, reds, hypos, albinos
Looking forward to seeing pics of your albino

Thanks, I'm really looking forward to keeping pits. They're awesome animals. I love their feisty attitudes. I'm not sure if Jason breeds the Ivory bulls regularly but he did say produces them from time to time. Once I get my ivory bull I'll be all set for snakes. I'm sure my girlfriend will love to hear that

I emailed Jason after I read this thread. I asked him if he was breeding ivories this year, he said yes but that they will be "very limited in availability" Hopefully we'll get lucky :]
My snake collection will never be "complete" , but I am drawing the line pretty soon. The ivory is one of the two on the list. I'm also needing a russian rat and really hoping to get one of Tim Spuckler's this summer.

I've got my fingers crossed on those ivories. We just need 2 . I know what you mean about the collection never really being complete. I figure I'll have one for each of the four seasons and directions. Then again 10 is a nice round number

10 is a nice round number. But 15 is nice too