Mandarin Rat Snake

[Derek1]

I used the search feature and didn't see a lot of discussion about them. I stopped by the Snake Farm on the way to San Antonio and they had one. Awesome looking snake. I haven't done much research on them yet. Figured I would ask y'alls insight first.

[charlesc84]

Great looking snakes, theres some really yellow ones out there that are incredible.

[Charis]

They are awesome snakes! We have two and are hoping to be breeding them next year. There doesn't seem to be a great deal of info out there on them though.

[Derek1]

They are awesome snakes! We have two and are hoping to be breeding them next year. There doesn't seem to be a great deal of info out there on them though.

Your post were the ones I was looking at the most. You took some really awesome pics! How is their temperament? Any special husbandry needs?

[Charis]

Temperament is pretty good. They are very aware snakes, which makes them a bit more fun but you have pay attention to them when you are handling them. They really insist on having a good grip on their handler and use their back quarter to wrap on tight to a hand or arm and then tend to keep the rest of their body in an arch, ready to strike or dodge fast. And that's actually when they are "relaxed," they flail around and won't settle unless they can get a good stable grip on you and can sit that way. After awhile out, they tend to calm down even more and will start to explore but they still like to keep a good grip on their handler as they move along.

We keep ours setup pretty much how the VMSHerp caresheet outlines, with a humid hide available at all times and that seems to be working well. About half the caresheets out there tell you to keep them that way and the other half say to keep them closer to the way one would an Oreocryptophis porphyraceus, which is nearly opposite advice. My guess is that if you look up their natural ranges, the areas they inhabit are huge and vary pretty widely in temps and humidity. Getting the fresh imports established was apparently very hard and as a result, these guys got the rep of being difficult to keep. I'm guessing that which methods worked best for individuals probably had a lot to do with what area their imports had come from and that is why the advice out there is so divided on how to set them up. So I'd suggest that you make sure to get a CB one and to ask how the breeder has them setup and make your own setup similar to what the snake is used to.

[BIGT FROM F.B.]

Almost bought one at Atlanta Repticon today. Like previous comments, not much info on them and expensive to boot. Never seen one before today.

[pet_snake_78]

I would just ask the breeder how he/she kept the adults. Chances are if they are long time breeders, the same would be a good baseline for you?

[Derek1]

Good info Charis! Thanks! I think it will be my next. I love that pattern and color.