Mandarin rat questions...

[Tigergenesis]

Is it true that males get larger than females? I'm wanting to get one of these guys for a 36x24x11 (or x18-haven't decided) but am not sure whether to go for male or female with this size tank.

Also, getting confused on whether or not they require a temp gradient and at what temps.

Finally, does anyone know if these guys like to climb?

Any info is greatly appreciated - having problems finding care sheets that answer my questions.

[lolaophidia]

Males don't get much larger than females, if at all. There is some range in size due to locallity. Your best bet is to buy a snake from a breeder and you can ask what size the parents were. Captive bred Mandarins will range from 250.00- 700.00 US but it's worth it to not have to worry so much about their health. Wild caught animals tend to have a rough time of it and most die rather than thrive, even with treatment for parasites. My Mandarins tend to be timid snakes and really like a moist hide box (I keep damp spagnum moss in a tupperware container with a hole cut in the lid). Humidity ranges from near 100% in the hide to 70% ambient in the rest of the cage. It really helps their sheds. Cool temps are preferable to warm. I've got 4 Mandarins (3 CB and one WC) and I keep them at room temp (70-73 degrees). No additional heat, so no heat gradient. The only time I've seen one of the Mandarins climb was when my WC male excaped and he was half way up a wall in the corner wedged against some wood trim. But then I keep them all in a rack system now, so no room for climbing...
I don't think you'll have any problem keeping an adult in the cage size you're talking about. I'd recommend a smaller cage for a juvenile though- easier to maintain and monitor.