Finding a Russian Rat Snake! Please help

Alesha · 01-07-18, 05:28 PM

Hello, I️ am looking to get my first snake and I want a Russian Rat Snake. They’re perfect for me in every way except the fact that they’re pretty hard to come by. Compared to a corn or ball that is. Ugh! Anywho, I️ could really use your guy’s help. Unless anyone here knows of a breeder who has them currently in stock, I’m pretty much left with two options. There’s a Repticon show in my area on the 20th and I️ thinking about going in hopes that they’ll have some there. If not, I️ have to be put on a wait list for a new clutch this summer. But honestly I️ don’t want to wait that long. I’ve been waiting so many years as is! Do you think Repticon would even have some Russian Rats? Should I️ just wait? Please help me out. Thanks in adavance 😁

jjhill001 · 01-09-18, 03:28 PM

Basically just have to wait it out and hope the timing is right.

DJC Reptiles · 01-09-18, 04:44 PM

Best time is late summer, early fall. Russian rats are not to common in the hobby, so I don't know where you could find one. Best chance is to go to reptile expos and shows.

Alesha · 01-09-18, 06:14 PM

Thanks, I️ think I’m going to Repticon and just hope for the best. If not, I’ll have to play the waiting game. By the way I’m sorry for the weird symbols in my text. For some reason whenever I️ type “I” on my phone it does that. Don’t know why -____-

jjhill001 · 01-09-18, 07:52 PM

Checking facebook or posting a want ad is a more aggressive option.

toddnbecka · 01-10-18, 02:04 AM

Check FB for Zerkle reptiles, they should have some hatchlings available later this year. You could also post a "wanted" ad on fauns classifieds.

Scubadiver59 · 01-10-18, 11:32 AM

ZERKLE REPTILE COMPANY - Zerkle Reptile Company

Quote:

Originally Posted by toddnbecka

Check FB for Zerkle reptiles, they should have some hatchlings available later this year. You could also post a "wanted" ad on fauns classifieds.

Alesha · 01-12-18, 11:16 AM

I got in contact with Zerkle reptiles, thank you for your suggestions

jjhill001 · 01-14-18, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alesha

I got in contact with Zerkle reptiles, thank you for your suggestions

Lol, they are a big vendor at the Cleveland Reptile show that I go to.

SerpentineDream · 01-14-18, 05:07 PM

Glad you found one. I did it the hard way... by relentlessly stalking FaunaClassifieds and Kingsnake.com for about 2 years because the only reliable sources I knew of were always sold out.

jjhill001 · 01-15-18, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SerpentineDream

Glad you found one. I did it the hard way... by relentlessly stalking FaunaClassifieds and Kingsnake.com for about 2 years because the only reliable sources I knew of were always sold out.

Anyone not willing to put me on a list isn't someone I wanna do business with lol.

SerpentineDream · 01-16-18, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjhill001

Anyone not willing to put me on a list isn't someone I wanna do business with lol.

That's what I thought!

IDvsEGO · 01-16-18, 04:09 AM

Zerkle reptile on eBay has a big selection of various rat snakes. I have never ordered from him and don't know anything other than he posts a lot of beautiful creatures but worth a look.

jjhill001 · 01-17-18, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SerpentineDream

That's what I thought!

Honestly the fact that more breeders don't have mailing lists is astonishing to me.

IDvsEGO · 01-18-18, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjhill001

Honestly the fact that more breeders don't have mailing lists is astonishing to me.

Its not just breeders. It is shocking the number of small business owners that dont do the little things that keep customers. I have had multiple family members start their own businesses to varying degrees of success and it was pretty clear what the little things can do to make or break you. It was also really clear that just because you are good at doing something doesnt mean you are good at running a business that does that thing. A good painter is not necessarily a good paint shop owner. An excellent breeder is not necessarily a good sales person or marketer. My sister and her husband are the best at it that I have seen. He is the specialty guy that does the service. She is the business person that runs the business. Its a great combo and they have been very successful. I dont see how one person can do it all really.