Questions about Russian Rat Snakes

[Obsidian_Dragon]

Soooo, I've been pondering my next snake, as you do. I was thinking about a Russian Rat snake, since they seem like lively, interesting snakes to keep.

I like snakes that are easy to keep, interesting to watch, and tolerant of regular handling (regular, in this case, means 1-2 times a week if that). They seem to meet those qualifications.

My question is about their housing. I know they enjoy climbing and need more vertical space, and I've scoped out what I'll get for an adult home for them already--I think the Constrictors Northwest 48x23x30 fits the bill for what I'd need. I wouldn't want to be hunting for a hatching around that size of an enclosure to start with, though.

What would be a good starting enclosure for these guys, and about how long would it be before I'd have to upgrade? Anyone have any suggestions?

Obviously with the weather cooling down this is nothing that's likely to happen until spring at the earliest, but I'm trying to set aside some money here and there for it.