tiger rats?

[Bartman]

Im looking to get a pair probably in a good 5 or 6 months from now. I fell in love with them when I saw how they flick their tounge, as it reminded me of rattlers.

I was just wondering, since I couldnt find any caresheets for "tiger rat snakes", if their care was exactly like any rat snake?

Thanks for the help, and does anyone happen to have pics of your rat snakes?

[ydnic]

they need 60% humidity between 85 and 90 for temp lots of room for climbing and stuff to climb on and they like to be misted from time to time other than that they like a spot light for basking
if given the proper set up with a good substrate they will tunnel which is cool to watch
they do have attitude and are protective of their area

[Bartman]

Yea I was working with a pair today at work..boy are they quick little things!!!

One of them was quite aggressive and the other wasnt bad at all, but still amazingly fast.

If I got a pair of babies, is it easy to calm them down or are they just known to be very aggressive?

[ydnic]

It is just their temperment -
But who`s to say that they can`t be 'tolerable' of you

[Simon Sansom]

Bartman,
One of our forum-mates, LDYDRGN, has extensive experience with Tigers, and she has produced two clutches of eggs this year - scroll down for her posts - AWESOME!

I currently keep a pair of CAPTIVE-BRED ones, and I love them. I would definitely say that they are not really like other "Rat Snakes". They can tend to be a bit "nervous"/defensive - "aggressive" is not a word I really like to use when talking about snakes.
Neither of mine have ever bitten me, although they occasionally will puff out their necks, gape, rattle the tail, and do the slow-tongue-flick warning display.

Apart from being extremely fast-moving and alert, they are no trouble to handle, although my female really doesn't like being handled at all - she just won't settle down when in hand, so I basically just leave her alone except for feedings and routine maintenance.

It's interesting to note that while my male has always fed happily and ravenously upon anything and everything, the female will only take live food for some reason. I did get her to take a couple of thawed rats a while back, but have since been unable to repeat that success. Tease-feeding doesn't work with this girl because she's totally shy and hides her head.
It's very unnerving to have to feed a snake live rodents - even though I keep the animal under strict observation while feeding.

They are very beautiful animals, however, and very rewarding to work with.

Here's a pic of one of mine...
http://image.inkfrog.com/pix/simonsansom/588695picture.jpg

Cheers!

[LdyDrgn]

aww, thanks Simon!

Bartman, here is my caresheet: Spilotes care (http://primareptilia.com/spp_care.htm)

They are an extremely rewarding species to work with. Their jet black and bright yellow is so eye-catching, they're gorgeous! They make the perfect snake for large display cages because they will cruise around them during the day climbing and exploring. They are very alert and see every movement. Nothing gets past these guys, LOL

Our adults are a bit nervous, but handleable once out of the cage. The babies aren't too flighty anymore since they get handled regularly, but they still move very fast. FUN snakes! I highly recommend them to anyone who has the patience and the room. ;)

If you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask!

[Beardonicus]

I have one of the baby Spilotes that LdyDrgn produced this year....she is an absolute sweetheart....much calmer than the Cornsnake I have lol. I think that in most cases if you handle them regularly as babies they will calm down easily.

[Simon Sansom]

David, congratulations on being able to obtain one of LdyDrgn's youngsters. I wish I was nearby - I'd grab a couple, myself.

[LdyDrgn]

The other 6 eggs have hatched over the weekend. 5 are out, 1 is still sitting comfy in his egg with his nose out, blowing bubbles, LOL.

I'm glad you are enjoying the lil girl, David. :)

*edit* HAH! Morti went in to check on it right after I posted this and it was out of the egg, slithering about.

[Bartman]

I wish you were up in Toronto!!

Im going to be looking for them at the next expo. I wont be able to buy them, I dont think, but ill deffinetly be looking :D

Got any pics of the babies ldydrgn?

[LdyDrgn]

Don't have any of the 6 that just hatched yet. We are waiting for their first shed before taking those. The ones from the first clutch are here (http://primareptilia.com/gallery/spilotes1) and here (http://primareptilia.com/gallery/avspilotes1)

[Bartman]

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing

[LdyDrgn]

Thank you, Bartman. :)