rescued rat snake listed

akane · 12-09-16, 09:27 AM

I came across this cl ad

Quote:

Adolescent rat snake for rehoming
Originally a rescue and took him or her in as a tiny baby when original owner realized they couldn't care for it. Now around 1.5-2years old and around 4.5' long it's a happy healthy snake. Currently still his adolescence tan color but should start changing into a gloss black adult within the next year or so. Comes with a couple months of food, a 10 gallon aquarium (an upgrade to a 20 long would be preferable but I don't have room) substrate, under tank heater and LED light. I also have two plants in the aquarium and he seems to like climbing on them and the rock.

Please to a good home only and asking $50 to cover some of my costs getting him back to a healthy state.

I was debating if it was worth the 2 hr drive and cost. I don't have a lot of money but just that setup comes out around that depending on size and quality of items and I can use it for something else. Also I'm not sure how well that all adds up. That's some fast growth in supposedly bad conditions and does a 4.5' snake fit in a 10g where it's capable of climbing around on plants and decor.....? I asked for pics so hopefully I can post and get a confirmed ID.

**Andy_G** · 12-09-16, 09:32 AM

If it's a black ratsnake, they can hit 6' as adults and a rebound to that size by 2 years old would be entirely possible. Definitely get more details.

akane · 12-09-16, 09:45 AM

How much height do black rat snakes use? Minimum height for a bin?

**Andy_G** · 12-09-16, 09:53 AM

I'd go with 14" minimum. They're an active species and enjoy climbing.

akane · 12-09-16, 10:12 AM

How about a 55gallon tank? I remembered I've got a very old one with an already warped center brace from a heat lamp but I'd have to make or buy a lid.

Bandit · 12-09-16, 10:12 AM

I'd go for it if you want it. The growth doesn't surprise me. They can grow pretty quickly and that one is probably still growing. It would definitely need a bigger tank asap. As Andy said, they're an active species, and they'll use as much space as you give them. At my old job we had all our rat snakes in huge enclosures that were 6' tall. They were pretty much always about 4' off the ground unless they were getting water or actively exploring. I know that size isn't practicable (or needed) for everyone, but I was just using it as an example that they will use the height if given the opportunity.

akane · 12-09-16, 10:22 AM

I was also planning a blood python after christmas and eventually some custom longer and however tall enclosures to accomodate that as well. I have a 90gallon but I was reserving it for the python and it needs a panel replaced (just using sealed wood) before use.

akane · 12-09-16, 10:26 AM

Another sudden idea... what bar spacing would contain one safely? I know solid sides or mesh wire are usually used for snakes but I also have modular cage systems in 2x2x3' long sections that I can stack or connect lengthwise but they are wire for small animals. Very sturdy. Solidly latching full front doors. I could easily put 2 together that I have upstairs and stack on an existing cage that is put together long instead of tall. That would be plenty big but I am unsure of the wire. They do have 2 or 3" deep metal floor pans.

Bandit · 12-09-16, 10:30 AM

I'd use the 55g if I were you. I'd be very cautious with using anything with openings when it comes to snakes, especially a species as active as rat snakes. You'd be surprised at the small spaces that snakes will squeeze through.

akane · 12-09-16, 10:35 AM

I was thinking of the best way to cover the sides but it's too ambitious of a project at this point in time. The 55 is the cheap option I could have ready tomorrow.

You guys make much better sounding boards than the iowa fb group who just basically went "why are you posting this?"

Bandit · 12-09-16, 10:40 AM

The 55 should be adequate. The snake would probably appreciate having some sturdy branches to climb on. With that being said, make sure you have the lid on securely because I can guarantee you that it will investigate and push up on the lid.

eminart · 12-16-16, 07:57 AM

Four and a half feet sounds a little large for it to still be "a tan color". I'm not an expert on black rats. We have gray ones here. But, that doesn't sound right to me. I could be wrong, and that doesn't mean it's not a great snake. I'm just questioning whether it's actually a "black" rat.

sattva · 12-16-16, 08:37 AM

Yea 3 out of 5 of my snakes where a two hour drive from my home... Two of those where to the bay area {San Francisco}with some stop and go traffic and turned into a 6 hour trip... So you got to factor in your gas... But 50 bucks! If it's a snake you want, then I don't think you can lose at that price...

akane · 12-16-16, 09:28 AM

I never got pics so I wasn't driving that far for mystery snake. After this one falling through and some corn snake attempts I am picking up a desert king this weekend.