Newbie - Russian Rat

hilabeans · 10-19-17, 11:36 AM

Hey everyone!

I am a new member here and to snakes all together. I have a 13 year old daughter who has been begging me for a snake for over a year now. I joined the Ball Python forum to get as much info as possible, thinking that was the quintessential newbie snake of choice. However, after a couple of months soaking in the intel, I am 90% sure a ball is not the snake for us. I don't want a pretty pet rock, I'd rather have a snake who seemed to like us as much as we did them and was full of personality. (While no disservice to balls, I think they are beautiful and personality can vary from snake to snake...)

I have instead been turned on to the Russian Rat Snake. I am keenly interested in them as both a display snake and one that actually seems to enjoy handling. And since we are new to snakes, we are also drawn to their reputation for a docile nature. I know all snakes can be defensive and bite, but we'd love to limit our exposure to this as much as possible.

There isn't a ton of information about them, no local breeders, and I can only find bits & pieces online and Youtube. But I know there are several members here with tons of experience with Russian rats. I hope to pick their brains over the next couple of months!

-Hilary

pet_snake_78 · 10-19-17, 10:22 PM

Good choice. I got bored of them before I ever owned one because they are just everywhere. I don't see how they are a better pet than dozens of other less ubiquitous species. Not saying they are a bad choice but most of the articles written saying they are the best are probably people trying to sell them... just sayin:P

hilabeans · 10-19-17, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pet_snake_78

Good choice. I got bored of them before I ever owned one because they are just everywhere. I don't see how they are a better pet than dozens of other less ubiquitous species. Not saying they are a bad choice but most of the articles written saying they are the best are probably people trying to sell them... just sayin:P

Really? I feel like they've been pretty rare to find. I've only found a couple of breeders in the states who work with them, and only a handful of videos and articles on them. Hmm...

Although most of the great stuff I hear about them come new from actual owners, not breeders, so I think their rep seems legit. But members of the forum can set me straight

**EL Ziggy** · 10-20-17, 09:02 AM

Welcome and best wishes Hilary. It's cool that you and your daughter can share such a fun and rewarding hobby together. I've heard great things about Russian Rat Snakes too but I don't keep them personally. I'm sure some of the folks who do keep them will chime in soon. In the interim you can do a forum search on them and you'll find lots of good information. Keep us posted on your progress.

Magdalen · 10-20-17, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hilabeans

Really? I feel like they've been pretty rare to find. I've only found a couple of breeders in the states who work with them, and only a handful of videos and articles on them. Hmm...

Although most of the great stuff I hear about them come new from actual owners, not breeders, so I think their rep seems legit. But members of the forum can set me straight

I believe pet_snake was talking about the Balls. Which I agree with. Some are very pretty, but I don't want to deal with feeding issues.

But man if I had the room I'd so get a Russian Rat. Hear great things about them.

hilabeans · 10-20-17, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magdalen

I believe pet_snake was talking about the Balls. Which I agree with. Some are very pretty, but I don't want to deal with feeding issues. But man if I had the room I'd so get a Russian Rat. Hear great things about them.

Lol - now that makes total sense! Thanks for setting me straight. 😊

Kenneywallace · 10-22-17, 10:22 PM

I acquired a Russian rat from someone who was moving and could not keep him, and By far he is my favorite snake i own. He is a very active interactive snake, with great eye sight and a superb feeding response (only once has refused a meal). The temperament on him is great, with the exception of him being slightly cage nippy, in your hands he is always exploring, and has not once tried to bit (once out of the cage).

He does seem to like to climb, so branches may be appreciated. He is hardy to most temputure ranges (power went out, must have dropped into the low 50s, didn't phase him much (besides him slowing a bit)).
Like all snakes he does like his water, and can swim.

With any snake, get to know your snakes temper, all snakes have their own personality, no two are the same (I have a large ball who is the definition of evil reincarnated)

They are relatively rare, so price may be elevated

(This is just my experience in no snake expert)