Questions about Russian Rat Snakes

[Obsidian_Dragon]

Soooo, I've been pondering my next snake, as you do. I was thinking about a Russian Rat snake, since they seem like lively, interesting snakes to keep.

I like snakes that are easy to keep, interesting to watch, and tolerant of regular handling (regular, in this case, means 1-2 times a week if that). They seem to meet those qualifications.

My question is about their housing. I know they enjoy climbing and need more vertical space, and I've scoped out what I'll get for an adult home for them already--I think the Constrictors Northwest 48x23x30 fits the bill for what I'd need. I wouldn't want to be hunting for a hatching around that size of an enclosure to start with, though.

What would be a good starting enclosure for these guys, and about how long would it be before I'd have to upgrade? Anyone have any suggestions?

Obviously with the weather cooling down this is nothing that's likely to happen until spring at the earliest, but I'm trying to set aside some money here and there for it.

[IW17]

I use tubs for all my young snakes. Their cheap and easy to set up. Then when it's time for an upgrade, I'll spend the money and buy or build an enclosure.

[Obsidian_Dragon]

Tubs do appear to be easy, but I have this thing where I want to seeee my snakes better. It is a valid thought though, and I might have to suck it up and deal in this case. It'll be easier to find a tub with good height, probably.

[Jim Smith]

What about locating a 20 or 29 gallon aquarium at your local Goodwill store? That should last you a while, at least long enough to where the snake grows into its new home. Typically I find aquariums that size to run in the $15 range at Goodwill. and another $15 for the locking screen top. Just a thought...

[Katt]

I second the suggestion of using a used tank with locking lid. Russians are lively guys that move around lots. Sure miss mine! best of luck finding one for yourself!

[Mikoh4792]

No need for a starting enclosure. I'd put it straight away into it's adult enclosure.

[Obsidian_Dragon]

While there are definite pros to starting them off in their adult enclosure, a con for me is always the sheer scope of playing the "where the hell is the hatchling" game. Especially when we're talking a 48x23x30 like I'm eyeballing for the Russian.

I like to be able to find them with relative ease. It spares me the panic attacks, plus makes some care easier. My king snake, for example, will not eat his food unless I find him and dangle it in front of his nose...and that was hard in the early weeks when he was buried who knows where.


I'll keep an eye out at Goodwill (we're there all the time anyway--my husband is in the arcade hobby and we grab old TVs for monitor tube swaps and such). It's usually the taller ones that turn up there, so that'll work...for the Russian.

[sharthun]

No need for a starting enclosure. I'd put it straight away into it's adult enclosure.

This is great advice!:)

[Sylphie]

I had my yearling russian in 20x20x30h and she was having some space to exploring while I did not have to look far for her. They really like to climb and burry, so the bigger cage the better :)

And yes, they really good pet's, although my russian at first was very shy and fearful, only recently she start to be more inquisitive and friendly (and she is around 1,5 years old).