Elaphe schrenckii FAQ

Good question! I've heard providing UVB lighting for them is good, while maybe not essential. But they will often bask under it if provided. I've got a ways to go, but will be planning to provide UVB once it comes time to design a permanent enclosure.

While they are curious, I don't get the sense that they're particularly destructive, so I'd assume inside is fine. But would be good to hear from the experts to confirm.

Perhaps one of the weirder questions but, how often do russian ratsnakes defecate? Are they similar to ball pythons where they can go for long periods without pooping depending what they eat? Or because they have a higher metabolism do they go more frequently? Basically, at what point would you have to worry about constipation if that's even a concern?