What should my next snake be... Suggestions?

[awwalz01]

So it won't be anytime too soon, BUT as I am sure some of you know, it is hard to halt your brain. I want something a little different. I have one slot left in my rack that is set up for a hot spot of about 90 (currently set up for my carpet python until he gets too big for the rack). It is a 41q boaphile ball room rack. I want a snake that is suitable for those temps and would like it to stay small enough to be able to stay in a 41q rack for its entire life.

I know that is somewhat restrictive criteria, but what do you all have in mind?? Just trying to bounce ideas around in my head so I can decide what I want and do research on the species that I decide to go with.

So to recap:
1. 41q rack max size
2. 90 degreeish hot spot
3. Something somewhat different than the super common species
4. Do not care if it is a python, colubrid, boa

Thanks in advance!

[jossh27]

Male western hognose? Or is that too common?

[trailblazer295]

Childrens python?

[awwalz01]

Male western hognose? Or is that too common?

I was thinking about a hognose. For sure a possibility!


Childrens python?

I really like childrens pythons. I like spotted pythons a little more. The blonde spotted pythons are beautiful!

[sattva]

I'v been wanting a Vietnam Mandarin Rat Snake...

[RainbowBoa]

Brazillian Rainbow Boa :)

[awwalz01]

I'v been wanting a Vietnam Mandarin Rat Snake...


I love those, but I am pretty sure you have to keep them cooler than 90. Very pretty snakes though.

[awwalz01]

Brazillian Rainbow Boa :)

I REALLY thought about a BRB. They get a little large to be kept in a 41q tub though, don't they?

[TRD]

Why not one of the Asian species like Euprepiophis mandarinus, though it really doesn't appreciate 90 F at all. Not sure how much the 90 F is restricted, that's rather hot for many species. Otherwise maybe a Gopher or Glossy snake, they should tolerate those temps just fine, but may not appreciate the higher humidity.

Edit: Oh I didn't see those posts about people already naming this snake :D :D oops;..

[Andy_G]

Most of the asians rats will not do well with that hot spot. Another vote for hognose here.

[RainbowBoa]

I REALLY thought about a BRB. They get a little large to be kept in a 41q tub though, don't they?

They honestly dont get that big. 5-6 feet and are very slender.

[awwalz01]

Why not one of the Asian species like Euprepiophis mandarinus, though it really doesn't appreciate 90 F at all. Not sure how much the 90 F is restricted, that's rather hot for many species. Otherwise maybe a Gopher or Glossy snake, they should tolerate those temps just fine, but may not appreciate the higher humidity.

Edit: Oh I didn't see those posts about people already naming this snake :D :D oops;..

Yea I really like them like I said, and would LOVE to have one, but I do not think the species would thrive too well with this temp. I could rewire the heat tape for that slot in the rack, but I don' feel like going through all of that trouble again haha

Most of the asians rats will not do well with that hot spot. Another vote for hognose here.

Thanks for the suggestion! A hog is a possibility for sure!

[RAD House]

There are some lesser know rat snake species you could consider, like transpecos rats, Russian rats, or Baird's rats.

[awwalz01]

They honestly dont get that big. 5-6 feet and are very slender.


I will do some more research on the species. I have always loved BRB!

[awwalz01]

There are some lesser know rat snake species you could consider, like transpecos rats, Russian rats, or Baird's rats.


Do they thrive in 90 degree temps?

[SerpentineDream]

There are some lesser know rat snake species you could consider, like transpecos rats, Russian rats, or Baird's rats.

Russian rat snakes like it cool. Cool spot is at 71F, hot spot at 81F for mine.

Trans-Pecos rat snakes like it slightly warmer. It's 73F in the cool spot for mine, 83 - 84F hot spot.

90F would be too much for either.

Both species are remarkably pleasant to handle and very interesting, personable snakes. However both like to climb and have plenty of space to roam around. Russian rats are semi-arboreal and *need* climbing opportunities. They are diurnal and curious, making them much better suited to a large, tall display cage than a rack. Trans-Pecos are also active but in addition to that they need plenty of ventilation and low humidity. They are one of those species that does really well in a glass terrarium with a screen top. I have mine in 40-gallon breeders rather than PVC cages for that reason.

While I highly recommend both species in general, the setup you have won't work for Russian rats or Trans-Pecos rats.

[RAD House]

Do they thrive in 90 degree temps?

Both transpecos and Baird's are found in or around the texas area so they would definitely be fine, but it may be a little to hot for a Russian rat.

[RainbowBoa]

I will do some more research on the species. I have always loved BRB!

I have had one for the past two weeks and it has been amazing. It is a baby and has never been temperamental with me (well actually today it struck at me twice). But besides that, it has been puppy dog tame and very friendly.

[awwalz01]

Russian rat snakes like it cool. Cool spot is at 71F, hot spot at 81F for mine.

Trans-Pecos rat snakes like it slightly warmer. It's 73F in the cool spot for mine, 83 - 84F hot spot.

90F would be too much for either.

Both species are remarkably pleasant to handle and very interesting, personable snakes. However both like to climb and have plenty of space to roam around. Russian rats are semi-arboreal and *need* climbing opportunities. They are diurnal and curious, making them much better suited to a large, tall display cage than a rack. Trans-Pecos are also active but in addition to that they need plenty of ventilation and low humidity. They are one of those species that does really well in a glass terrarium with a screen top. I have mine in 40-gallon breeders rather than PVC cages for that reason.

While I highly recommend both species in general, the setup you have won't work for Russian rats or Trans-Pecos rats.

Thank you so much for the information. Like you said though, I do not think they would work out too well with my available space for my collection.

I have had one for the past two weeks and it has been amazing. It is a baby and has never been temperamental with me (well actually today it struck at me twice). But besides that, it has been puppy dog tame and very friendly.

Awesome! Glad to hear he/she isn't too temperamental!

[RAD House]

Russian rat snakes like it cool. Cool spot is at 71F, hot spot at 81F for mine.

Trans-Pecos rat snakes like it slightly warmer. It's 73F in the cool spot for mine, 83 - 84F hot spot.

90F would be too much for either.

Both species are remarkably pleasant to handle and very interesting, personable snakes. However both like to climb and have plenty of space to roam around. Russian rats are semi-arboreal and *need* climbing opportunities. They are diurnal and curious, making them much better suited to a large, tall display cage than a rack. Trans-Pecos are also active but in addition to that they need plenty of ventilation and low humidity. They are one of those species that does really well in a glass terrarium with a screen top. I have mine in 40-gallon breeders rather than PVC cages for that reason.

While I highly recommend both species in general, the setup you have won't work for Russian rats or Trans-Pecos rats.

That seems pretty low for a desert species. My garter snakes seem to do well at this low of temps, but neither of my rats do.

Also when you say 90 degree temps are you saying the ambient temps or the hot spot? If ambient is the case, what exactly are you trying to keep this hot?

[SerpentineDream]

That seems pretty low for a desert species. My garter snakes seem to do well at this low of temps, but neither of my rats do.

Russian rats are Old World rat snakes from a cool climate.

Trans-Pecos rats hail from a warm, arid climate but are strictly nocturnal and spend their days avoiding the heat in cool caves, crevices or burrows. They don't need as much warmth as some desert species do. I keep their hot spots at only 1 or 2 degrees above my corns and garters.

Another Trans-Pecos quirk: They have sensitive digestions and take prey smaller than you would think they should for their size. If you think they should be taking large adult mice, feed them medium instead.