My rats are literally 2 steps from my snake rack. I have no issues with "snappiness" from my snakes. They are conditioned with routines, they know when feeding day is. You DO have to be more vigilant about washing your hands after handling the rats, because it's very easy when working with the rats to look over at the rack and think "I need to clean that tub" and get forgetful (knock on wood, not yet for me! LOL).