rat snake care - Noah's Ark Pets
Common Name: Rat Snakes
Scientific Name: Elaphe spp.
Size: Maximum size 5 - 8 feet, with an average size of 4 feet.
These are typically docile and attractive constrictors that are excellent pets. They are generally even tempered and easy to handle. Most rat snakes can be found from the central to Eastern United States.
Enclosure:
Rat snakes should be kept in longer rather than tall enclosures. A 20 gallon long aquarium should be good for most rat snakes. The enclosure should be at least 2/3 the animal's length, the width and height should be a minimum of a third of its length. Use reptile bark, shredded coconut husks or reptile carpet as substrates. If you use substrates other than reptile carpet, you should feed your animal in a separate cage. This is to prevent substrate from lodging in the snake's mouth or causing a blockage in the digestive tract of your pet. Clean substrates often and remove solid wastes as needed. Provide several climbing areas on branches, logs, and plants. Provide dark hiding places for this species. These snakes are very good at escaping so a good screen lid with locking clips is recommended. This will keep your pet snake safe and provide adequate ventilation.
Temperature:
Maintain a temperature range between 75-85 degrees F. There are several methods for establishing the proper temperature range for your reptile. Using spotlights of variable wattage incandescent bulbs on the outside of the enclosure, under tank heaters or heat rocks or any combination of these. When using spotlights for 24 hour heat use red, night bulbs or a ceramic heating element to maintain day / night light cycle. Never place lights inside the enclosure where the reptile could come in contact with them and get burned. Use a thermometer to ensure proper temperature range is maintained.
Lighting:
UVB emitting full spectrum lighting is optional for snakes. However it may prove to be beneficial to the long term care of your pet reptile. The light should be positioned less than 18" from your pet for maximum effect. Glass blocks ultraviolet light, and air circulation, therefore it should never be used as a top for the enclosure. A 12- hour day/ night lighting cycle is a good start for your pet reptile. Using a timer is the best way to ensure that the proper amount of light is received.
Water:
A bowl of clean, de-chlorinated water should always be available. Change water every day with de-chlorinated water. Change more often if the water appears dirty. A water dish should be provided that is large enough for the animal to easily get in and out of.
Food:
Rat Snakes prefer a diet of mice. Never leave mice old enough to bite in the snake cage, unless you are watching, as they may injure or kill the snake. Try to get your snake used to eating dead mice. Many rat snakes are erratic feeders. They will eat ravenously for a few months, and then not eat for weeks or months at a time, causing you endless distress. If you have such an individual, stay calm, unless significant weight loss occurs. To stimulate feeding after a fast, offer a live small mouse in the hiding box.
Handling: Most snakes don't object to being handled two or three times a week. Don't handle any snake for 48 hours after feeding, or if it becomes ill or stops feeding, unless the cage needs cleaning. Keep handling to a minimum when your snake is getting ready to shed. The skin can be damaged easily during this time. Always support the snake's body and do not restrict the snake's movement also avoid fast movements as your snake may be startled.
NOTE: This care sheet is a general guide, to learn more about your pet consult a book about it.
