Rat Snake - Russian

Basic Info

Russian Ratsnakes have stocky, thick bodies and are very large, growing from six to eight feet in captivity. The heads are well defined and they have a divided anal plate. Juvenile Russian Ratsnakes are brown or tan with crossbands of a lighter shade of brown or gray. As adults, Russian Ratsnakes are generally black with yellow or cream stripes.

Health

Breeding The Russian Ratsnake generally breeds in the spring, after having hibernated for one to two months, and this will have to be simulated to encourage these snakes to breed in captivity. The procedure is similar to that used in breeding Kingsnakes. The Russian Ratsnake lays 6 to 14 eggs. After 40 to 60 days of incubation, the eggs will hatch and the young Russian Ratsnakes will grow very quickly.

Habitat

They prefer wetlands but are found in all sorts of habitats, from sparsely vegetated areas to farmland and even rocky areas or forests of shrubs.

Behavior

The Russian Ratsnake has often been called the friendliest of large snakes. Also known as the Korean or Amur Ratsnake, this snake is very curious and personable, and makes a great pet for those who love reptiles. Native to wetlands and farmlands where small rodents abound, the Russian Ratsnake is semi-arboreal, and this means that you should equip its terrarium with lots of sturdy branches and shelves so the large snake can amuse itself and exercise. This snake's large size also dictates a very large terrarium. A 30-gallon long tank will do quite nicely for an adult. Russian Ratsnakes love to soak, so be sure a bowl of water is present in the terrarium at all times. The Russian Ratsnake is native to a cold climate, with short springs and summers. In the wild, the Russian Ratsnake breeds in the spring and incubates the eggs for about two months. This means the Amur Ratsnake develops very quickly before hatching and grows quickly once out of the egg. Russian Ratsnakes hatch in the warm months, and if you wish to breed them you will need to hibernate them for a couple months. It has been noted that Russian Ratsnakes breed in a very similar fashion to Kingsnakes. The Russian Ratsnake likes smaller food, like pinkie or fuzzy mice and rats. They are diurnal and captive-bred specimens typically do not bite. All in all, the Russian Ratsnake is very easy to keep, and because of its amiable and curious nature, makes a very appealing pet.

Origin

Indo-Pacific

History

Russian Ratsnakes are native to Russia, especially in the areas around the River Amur, in addition to much of Korea, China, and Mongolia.

Common Foods

N/A