Rat Snakes as Pets: Complete Guide for Prospective Owners

Table of Contents

Rat snakes as pets: what you need to know

Rat snakes have become progressively popular in the reptile keep community, and for good reason. These non-venomous constrictors are known for their manageable size, docile temperaments, and strike appearance. But are rat snakes perfect pets? This comprehensive guide explore everything prospective owners should consider before bring one of these fascinating reptiles home.

What are rat snakes?

Rat snakes belong to several genera include

Pantherophis

,

Elapse

, and

Pilot

. Some popular species keep as pets include:

Black rat snakes (

Pantherophis obsoletes

)
Corn snakes (

Pantherophis Gustavus

, erstwhile

Elapse guttate

)
Texas rat snakes (

Pantherophis obsoletes lindheimeri

)
Yellow rat snakes (

Pantherophis alleghaniensis

)
Russian rat snakes (

Elapse Schenck

)

These constrictors earn their name from their natural diet, which principally consist of rodents. In the wild, they play an important role in control pest populations.

The advantages of keep rat snakes as pets

Manageable size

Most rat snake species grow to a manageable adult length of 4 6 feet, though some can reach up to 8 feet. This makes them large adequate to be impressive but not thus large that housing become problematic, unlike some python or boa species that can grow to massive sizes.

Broadly docile temperament

Captive breed rat snakes, particularly those handle regularly from a young age, typically develop calm, docile temperaments. While they may be defensive as juveniles (include the famous ” at snake bluff “” ere they vibrate their tails and strike with a closed mouth ),)irtually grow out of this behavior with consistent, gentle handling.

Hardiness and longevity

Rat snakes are comparatively hardy reptiles that can live 15 20 years or more with proper care. This longevity mean you won’t will need to will replace your pet oftentimes, will allow you to build a long term relationship with your snake.

Fascinating behaviors

These snakes display interesting natural behaviors, include excellent climbing abilities. Many rat snake owners provide vertical space in enclosures to allow their pets to exercise this natural behavior, make them more engaging pets than some other snake species.

Attractive appearance

Rat snakes come in a variety of natural colors and patterns, from the solid glossy black of black rat snake to the vibrant orange and red patterns of corn snakes. Captive breeding has to produce numerous morphs with unique colorations and patterns.

Challenges of rat snake ownership

Space requirements

Adult rat snakes require spacious enclosures. A minimum 40 gallon tank or equivalent space (roughly 36″x18″x18 ” is necessary for an adult, with larger being better. This rerepresents significant space commitment in your home.

Feeding requirements

Rat snakes are carnivores that principally eat rodents. Most pet rat snakes are feed pre kill frozen mice or rats that are thaw before feed. Some owners find feed pre kill rodents to their pets uncomfortable, which is an important consideration before get any snake.

Initial defensiveness

Young rat snakes can be flighty and defensive. While most calm down with regular handling, this initial period can be challenge for first time snake owners who may be intimidated by defensive displays.

Long term commitment

With lifespans of 15 20 + years, rat snakes represent a significant long term commitment. Potential owners should consider whether they’re prepared for this responsibility before bring one home.

Rat snake care requirements

Housing

A proper rat snake enclosure should include:

A secure, escape proof tank or vivarium (glass, pPVC or wood enclosure work comfortably )
Appropriate size: 20 gallons for juveniles, 40 + gallons for adults
Climb branches and perches (rat snakes are ssemiarboreal))
Multiple hides on both the warm and cool sides of the enclosure
Substrate options include aspen shavings, cypress mulch, or reptile specific bedding
A water bowl large adequate for the snake to soak in

Temperature and lighting

Rat snakes require a temperature gradient in their enclosure:

Warm side: 85 88 Â° f (29 31 Â° c )
Cool side: 75 80 Â° f (24 27 Â° c )
Heat can be provided use under tank heaters, ceramic heat emitters, or radiant heat panels
A thermostat is essential to regulate temperatures and prevent overheat
While UVB lighting isn’t considered essential for rat snakes, many keepers provide it to establish a natural day / night cycle and potentially improve overall health

Humidity

Most rat snake species do considerably with moderate humidity levels of 40 60 %. Species from more humid regions may require somewhat higher levels. Proper humidity is particularly important during shed to ensure a complete, healthy shed.

Feed

Feeding schedules depend on the snake’s age:

Hatchlings and juveniles: one befittingly sized pinky or fuzzy mouse every 5 7 days
Adults: one adult mouse or small rat every 7 14 days

Prey items should be nobelium larger than the widest part of the snake’s body. Invariably feed pre kill prey to avoid injury to your snake from live prey fight back.

Handle

Regular, gentle handling help rat snakes become accustomed to human interaction. Some guidelines for handle include:

Wait at least 48 hours after bring a new snake house before attempt handling
Don’t handle for 24 48 hours after feed to prevent regurgitation
Start with short sessions (5 10 minutes )and gradually increase as the snake become more comfortable
Support the snake’s body and avoid restrain the head
Be calm and confident in your movements

Rat snakes vs. Other pet snakes

Rat snakes vs. Ball pythons

Ball pythons are much considered the gold standard for beginner snakes, so how do rat snakes compare?

Size:

Rat snakes typically grow larger than ball pythons
Activity level:

Rat snakes are mostly more active and exploratory
Feeding:

Rat snakes are typically less picky eaters than ball pythons
Handle:

Both can become identical docile, though ball pythons are ofttimes more tolerant of handling from the start

Rat snakes vs. Corn snakes

Corn snakes are really a type of rat snake, but they’re oftentimes discussed individually due to their popularity:

Size:

Corn snakes tend to be smaller than most other rat snake species
Temperament:

Corn snakes are mostly considered the nearly docile of the rat snake group
Care requirements:

Identical similar across all rat snake species

Are rat snakes good for beginners?

Rat snakes can make excellent pets for beginners, specially species like corn snakes and black rat snakes. Their hardiness, reasonable size, and broadly docile nature make them forgiving of minor husbandry mistakes that new keepers might make.

Nonetheless, they’re not rather as hands off as some other beginner reptiles. Prospective owners should be prepared to:

Provide appropriate sized housing
Maintain proper temperature gradients
Feed whole prey items
Commit to regular handling to maintain tameness
Provide care for potentially 15 20 + years

Legal considerations

Before acquire any snake, check local laws and regulations. While rat snakes are legal in most areas, some municipalities have restrictions on keep reptiles or may require permits. Additionally, if you rent your home, check your lease agreement as many landlords prohibit exotic pets.

Where to acquire a rat snake

Reputable breeders

The best source for a pet rat snake is a reputable breeder. Benefits include:

Captive breed animals that are typically healthier and advantageously acclimate to captivity
Known genetic history and age
Oftentimes pre start on frozen / thawed prey
Opportunity to see the parents and conditions in which the snakes are keep

Reptile expos

Reptile expos are excellent places to meet multiple breeders, compare animals, and find the specific species or morph you’re look for. They besides typically offer better prices than pet stores.

Rescues and adoptions

Reptile rescues oftentimes have rat snakes available for adoption. These snakes may be adults with established personalities, which can be an advantage for know what you’re got. Notwithstanding, they may besides have unknown histories or special care requirements.

Pet stores

While convenient, pet stores are mostly the least recommend source for rat snakes. Store animals may have unknown origins, improper care before purchase, and staff may provide incorrect care information.

Common health issues in pet rat snakes

Rat snakes are mostly hardy, but they can experience health problems, peculiarly with improper husbandry:

Respiratory infections:

Oftentimes cause by low temperatures or excessive humidity
Mouth rot (infectious stomatitis )

Bacterial infection of the mouth that can occur after injury or with poor husbandry
Parasites:

Both internal and external parasites can affect snakes
Incomplete shed:

Normally indicate humidity issues
Obesity:

From overfeed or insufficient exercise

Regular veterinary check-ups with an experienced reptile veterinarian are recommended, specially when you initiatory acquire your snake and if any health concerns arise.

Final verdict: are rat snakes good pets?

Rat snakes can make excellent pets for the right owner. They combine the best aspects of snake keep â€” interesting behaviors, manageable size, reasonable care requirements, and the potential for a long term relationship with your pet.

They’re specially comfortably suit for:

First time snake owners willing to do proper research
Reptile enthusiasts look for an active, visible snake
People who want a pet snake but are concerned about the size or specialized care requirements of some other species
Those interested in observe natural snake behaviors like climb

Nonetheless, rat snakes aren’t the right pet for everyone. They’re not ideal for:

Those uncomfortable with feed whole prey items
People unable to commit to potentially 15 20 + years of care
Individuals seek a snake that seldom need enclosure maintenance
Those without space for an appropriate adult enclosure

As with any pet, the key to success with rat snakes is thorough research before acquisition and a commitment to provide proper care throughout the animal’s life. With these elements in place, a rat snake can be a rewarding, fascinating companion for many years.