Bonsai! Russian Rat Snake (Progression)

It’s happened. I have snake. After months of lurking, learning, preparing and anticipating, we have a beautiful addition to the family. Allow me to introduce Bonsai, my Russian Rat Snake (elaphe schrenkii). Bonsai is my first ever snake and I am ridiculously excited about him.

Technically his mom is my 13-year-old daughter. She has been asking for years for a snake because she loves them so. I’ve always said no because, … well, because snake!? Until one day it dawned on me that I didn’t have to say no. All of a sudden it became a research project for her and me both, and we’ve had an amazing time together learning all there is to know about pet snakes. For those of you with pre-teen/teen daughters, wonderful mother/daughter bonding moments can be tough, if not darn near impossible, to come by. So this project has been an unexpected and delightful gift!

I came into this thinking a BP was the way to go and quite accidentally stumbled upon the elaphe schrenkii in a few new and old threads (thank you redshepherd & zina10!). I can’t begin to brag enough on this little guy. I am blown away by his outgoing and curious disposition. Even as a wispy hatchling, he’s so personable! He’s eaten eagerly and immediately for me. He’s rarely out of view and actually comes to the sides of his tub to check us out when we’re around him. Not to be all project-y with human emotions, but he really seems to have a ton of self-confidence! And is not at all persnickety about husbandry. A little warm spot with a UTH of about 80-82 degrees, some hides and clutter, and a water bowl about does it.

My pics aren’t great, just crappy camera phone. But he’s so content to just hang out in my hand and let me sweet talk him for as long as I feel like it. I really can’t say enough about him! This snake is AWESOME and we love him!


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amazing new addition! you sound like an awesome parent. i love reading these stories of parents getting into the hobby alongside their kids and supporting their different choice of pet. :gj:

Colubrids are such an amazing species; they're so much fun! it sounds like he's settled right in with you guys and you've done a wonderful job. i can't wait to watch him grow!!!

EDIT: WHAT an adorable name, too!!!!!!!!

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

WHAT an adorable name, too!!!!!!!!

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Credit to my Japan obsessed kiddo. His full name is Bansai Ramen - little tree noodle. :D

Very nice critter and awesome story of a new family of keepers. I'm sure you all will provide an excellent home for Mr. Bonsai.

Congrats! Seems he's making himself at home already! I'll have to wait until next year until I get mine :p

Kisses to everyone!

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Originally Posted by MissterDog

Congrats! Seems he's making himself at home already! I'll have to wait until next year until I get mine :p

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I pulled the trigger sooner than I had planned, but these guys can be tricky to come by. Zerkle's had two males left from a late clutch so I went ahead and snatched one up. But I do know they have several breedings planned for late Summer 2018. I highly recommend them if that aligns with your timing!

Oh you will have SO MUCH FUN with this little one.

Everything about him is just beautiful. Him, his name, his enclosure and how much you all are excited about him.

Really, it warms the heart ;)

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Originally Posted by hilabeans

I pulled the trigger sooner than I had planned, but these guys can be tricky to come by. Zerkle's had two males left from a late clutch so I went ahead and snatched one up. But I do know they have several breedings planned for late Summer 2018. I highly recommend them if that aligns with your timing!

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Haha I don't blame you! They are pretty hard to find! Oh trust me, I'm already on Zerkle's waiting list :P So I'm hoping all goes well with the clutch I'm anticipating!

AHH congrats on your first snake!! You probably have Jack's brother. :D For sure this is going to be a fabulous first snake!!

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Originally Posted by zina10

Oh you will have SO MUCH FUN with this little one.

Everything about him is just beautiful. Him, his name, his enclosure and how much you all are excited about him.

Really, it warms the heart ;)

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Couldn't have done it with out tremendous guidance from everyone! I HEART Y'ALL!

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Originally Posted by MissterDog

Haha I don't blame you! They are pretty hard to find! Oh trust me, I'm already on Zerkle's waiting list :P So I'm hoping all goes well with the clutch I'm anticipating!

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Me thinks a melanistic baby??? ;)

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

AHH congrats on your first snake!! You probably have Jack's brother. :D For sure this is going to be a fabulous first snake!!

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I think so! When was Jack's hatch date? I've tried to get that from the Zerckle's but so far no answer. I want to track his growth...

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Originally Posted by hilabeans

I think so! When was Jack's hatch date? I've tried to get that from the Zerckle's but so far no answer. I want to track his growth...

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July 17th! That's what was written on his box he came in.

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Originally Posted by hilabeans

Me thinks a melanistic baby??? ;)

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You are thinking right :P