Jack the Russian Rat Snake/elaphe schrenckii (progression)

[Prognathodon]

So far though, he still only eats if I leave the prey item in his tub, but he eats it right away. He hasn't struck at the prey when I offered yet. I think I'm still too big and scary right now.

My husband’s VBB and King Rat are the same way for feeding, and both are big boys. May be an Old World ratsnake thing, or a Zerkle-snake thing.


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[redshepherd]

My husband’s VBB and King Rat are the same way for feeding, and both are big boys. May be an Old World ratsnake thing, or a Zerkle-snake thing.

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Interesting! I wonder if Zerkle leaves the prey in their enclosure, so that's what they're use to. LOL

So cute! I'm so jealous! Its crazy how you can already tell how inqusitive he is even at such a young age.

You say you've been holding him daily, is that typical to do to keep a colubrid tame? I'm only used to holding my BPs weekly but am for sure getting a old world colubrid soon hopefully (Although sadly not a Russian Rat) I would love to try and keep them tame as they get big as well.

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It depends on the colubrid species, just like it depends on python/boa species. Russian Rat Snakes are known to be naturally docile and inquisitive, especially as they get older, but I'm just holding daily for now since my tiny one was so shy... and testing to see if it helps haha, which it does appear to be. Many other old worlds are more defensive, and just can't become docile/tame like a BP or russian rat snake would because it's not in their nature. Many tend to be require more "advanced" handling skills.