Garter v Russian Rat snake

[greenmamba]

Hi,

I am trying to make my mind between getting a Garter snake or a Russian Rat snake.

Please provide your opinions and reasons between the two, with a suggestion on your choice.

Cheers.

[TheWinWizard]

Why choose? Get both.

[Skiploder]

Hi,

I am trying to make my mind between getting a Garter snake or a Russian Rat snake.

Please provide your opinions and reasons between the two, with a suggestion on your choice.

Cheers.

Two completely different animals.

Russian Rats, true Russian Rats are awesome animals. They get striking black and yellow coloration as adults and are some of the most personable snakes you can buy.

They get big and like to climb, so a large enclosure that allows them enough space is critical. They are not animals for beginners.

Garters are garters. Nothing wrong with them. They require much less space than a Russian Rat and don't get near as big.

If it was my choice, I'd go with the schrenckii.

[leper65]

The Russian Rat Snake is a lot more difficult to find too, I would go with it as well as long as I were prepared to meet cage/husbandry requirements.

[zina10]

Russian Ratsnake, no doubt !!!!

They are the closest to a "buddy" you can find in a snake. Very curious, personable, up for anything kind of snakes. Just great !

Also great snakes for display tanks.

[Alexandra V]

Yeah, if you're up to it, and you can find one, I'd say Russian Rat for sure!

They've got awesome personalities and they don't musk as much as garters do.

[greenmamba]

Thank you all for the fantastic info.

Just off the topic a bit, hot do the Russian Rat snake compare to the Grey Rat snake in terms of length, girth, temperament, etc.

As the Russian Rats are very curious, inquisitive, and interested to interact - do the Grey Rats do the same?

Cheers.

[Skiploder]

Thank you all for the fantastic info.

Just off the topic a bit, hot do the Russian Rat snake compare to the Grey Rat snake in terms of length, girth, temperament, etc.

As the Russian Rats are very curious, inquisitive, and interested to interact - do the Grey Rats do the same?

Cheers.

Gray rats will climb, and generally don't get as big as russian rats.

They are also not as personable.

If you have a line on a russian rat and have the space and the experience to properly care for it, go for it.