Rat Snake Care Sheet

Scientific Name

Various genus

Average Size

120cm (48 inches)

Lifespan

20 years

Natural Distribution

Worldwide

Rat Snakes eat frozen mice. Defrost first to give your pet the perfect dinner.


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Wooden Vivariums are perfect for Rat Snakes, the heat is retained inside just how they like it.

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Rat Snakes need a hide or cave in order to feel safe, secure and stress free.


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Rat Snakes sometimes like to bath themselves in their water bowl. Just make sure it's big enough for them to fit in!

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We advise using wooden vivariums rather than glass as they retain heat better keeping your pet nice and warm. For a small rat snake a 60x37.5x30cm (24"x15"x12") vivarium is adequate. Adults and groups require at least 36"x18"x18".

Beech chip is a suitable substrate as it is dust and mite free, also aspen bedding and hemp bedding are suitable substrates. WARNING: Do not use any damp or wet substrates as these can harbour mites and cause scale rot. Plenty of hides should be provided throughout the vivarium so your rat snake can choose which temperature to hide at.

Night time heating is provided by a heat mat at the bottom of one end of the vivarium controlled by a thermostat, about 80oF is fine. During the day a small spot bulb is used to raise the temperature to about 85oF. The spot bulb will also provide a day and night cycle. Temperatures should always be checked by a reliable thermometer.

Day light is provided by the spot bulb used to raise the day temperate. Rat snakes do not require UV but a 2% UV tube can be used to increase the viewing lighting. (Please ensure you have the correct size starter unit).

As hatchlings, rat snakes should be fed weekly on defrosted pinky mice, as the snake grows the food size should be increased until the snake is taking large mice or even jumbos. Adult rat snakes can be fed once every two weeks as they can become overweight if fed weekly.
Fresh water should always be available for both drinking and bathing.

Rat Snakes make good first time pets. They are easy to handle, hatchlings can be very fast so just make sure you handle with care.

Rat snakes are fine to keep together but just remember males and females may breed. Always ask if you are ever unsure.

Regular spot cleaning of the vivarium should be performed to keep it hygienic for both the animal and the keeper. Change the substrate once a month or as required and clean the vivarium with a reptile disinfectant.

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