Newbie Looking for some advice

I've been trying to do all my research before jumping into something and jeopardizing the health of a snake.

I am really in love with the pictures and videos I have seen of Rhino and Mandarin Rat snakes. I also like that some ratsnakes are abit fiesty. But How are they for beginners? I also can't seem to find any sub adults for sale anywhere.

I like other colubrids alot Especially Corn, Cal kings, And Milk snakes. So If a Rat Snake is to much for a beginner I'd be willing to wait for one as a next step. I used to raise garters as a kid before my mother insisted they be given away, the new step dad had a snake hatred. But out of the house and wanting to move up in the snake world.

So I've been trying to do research. Read and learn all I can. My overall plan is to use Vision Cages 36" wide - 28" deep - 18" high. With heat lamps and thermostats. I'd like to start with sub adults because I think it would be a challenge. Also after reading about Aspen substrate here I think I will go with that. And I think I'll probably by from BhB If I decide to go with a Corn, Cal. King, or Milk.


I really don't understand Brumation though, When it's time, and what exactly to do. I'd hate to harm the snakes health by not brumating it or worse doin it wrong.


So any advice one would give a newbie? I definatly wanna raise some Colubrids before moving on to Balls and then Boas. Any Books or blogs someone would like to reccommend?

Sorry I know you guys probably get this alot. Thanks in advance for any advice you can give! :bow:

Hi,

It might be worth dropping BHB an email or phonecall as I think he has rhino rats. ( I might be mistaken but check out his weeks snakebytes as I'm thinking that's where I saw them ).


dr del

I Saw some on his videos in the past. Do you know where I can find a care sheet for them, I read somewhere they are arboreal and need High humidity, and I'm not sure how to control humidity or where to find a tall arboreal cage.

Also how would you rate them as far as experiance required? I really love the Asian ratsnakes and especially the Rhino. I'd be willing to put in alot of work.

There's an '08 CBB Female Rhino Rat on KS for sale

http://market.kingsnake.com/detail.php?cat=64&de=757632

I don't know much about Rhinos/Mandarins (out of my price range), I think most of the Ratsnakes are pretty easy husbandry wise. I have a Blue Beauty and she is feisty from time to time, but has gotten better as I handle her more. If she's out cruising around during the day and I try to get her out, we're going to have problems. If she's in a hide and I try to get her out, no big deal and she's fine once she's out of her cage either way. She's more secretive too, she won't eat if you watch. But she's never refused a meal...as long as I leave her alone.

Check out ratsnakefoundation.org:

http://www.ratsnakefoundation.org

Oh she's beautiful, I need to put a cage togather quick and make sure it heats right.


Lucky me I just got my Tax return.


And I signed up on the ratsnake foundation but I think there care sheets are blocked somehow. I couldn't read them.