SnakeBytes Black Leucistic Rat

[ALTownsend1]

Saw the most recent SnakeBytes, and Brian briefly showed off the Black Leucistic Rat Snake...What a looker!

Did a little googling and wanted anyones opinions/experience with these guys. I'm a huge sucker for white snakes, and this definitely hurts the pocket a lot less than a Lucy!

I've never owned anything other than a BP, what do these guys require? I've got room in a rack that has 41 qt tubs, would this size be enough for an adult? I know it would probably be waaaaaay to big for a baby or subadult, but I would possibly be on the hunt for an adult...

Look forward to hearing your opinions and advice, and bravo Brian and BHB Reptiles for producing such great snakes and weekly vids to look forward to

[ALTownsend1]

coughcough

[dembonez]

im not sure what they need exactly im sorry = / but i just wanted to say i saw snakebytes too and that snake was so awesome!!!!

[Hulihzack]

You can use a corn snake care sheet for them. 86 hot spot, and the water bowl for humidity. The 41qt should be big enough unless you end up with a 7-8 footer. There's also the Leucistic Texas Rats that would definitely fit in a 41qt rack.

[ALTownsend1]

What are the differences between the Texas and the Black? Again, I've never owned corns or rats...

How's temperament? I would probably buy an adult so I guess I'd know what I was getting

[ALTownsend1]

coughcough

[Hulihzack]

As far as temperment, it all depends on the snake, each one is an individual. I have only worked with a couple Texas Rats, but I can say they are much more active than BPs (especially when being handled). Hope that helps, maybe someone with more experience with various ratsnakes can chime in.

[ALTownsend1]

Thanks Zack!

[SNIKTTIME]

Ratsnakes in general love to climb and actually live in trees, so you might be better off using a display type of setup instead of a tub. They are night and day different from BP as far as strict temps and humidity. I see Black rats when it is 55-60 outside as long as the sun is out. As far as temperment I know a guy in NY that used a Lucy Black rat for schools and camps. I have even been told that wild caught after a little work make excellent pets. But there are still very nasty ones like everyting else. Just remember that they are very strong so if you go for say a 20 long to start with they will pop that lid right off if not secured.

[Angry J]

I used to catch black rats every summer growing up in eastern MO. They're a LOT bigger than an adult corn snake, and in my experience a lot stronger too. I kept a couple wild-caught ones for a few weeks when I was younger, just to observe them before releasing them.

I would agree that they're more tolerant of cooler temps though. I would see them into late October. Just make sure that the enclosure is really secure, and they do climb a lot so maybe a display setup would be better.