Texas Rat Snake, Pantherophis obsoletus lindheimeri

Enclosures must be long enough for the snake to stretch out fully and exercise. Texas rat snakes do not require vines and foliage, but will climb eagerly if they are provided. They are excellent climbers. Provide sturdy branches and an enclosure at least 2’ tall. Provide a hide at both hot and cool ends. Upgrade your snake’s enclosure any time they are no longer able to stretch out. An adult needs an enclosure of at least 4’ x 2’ x 2’. As humidity is not a substantial requirement for these animals, glass aquariums with screen tops are acceptable, though they are not our recommendation. House Texas rat snakes individually.

Aspen is ideal for Texas rat snakes. Coco chips or cypress are acceptable, though they may retain more humidity than needed. Texas rat snakes are generally tolerant of changes in humidity. When using aspen, remove any wet or mildewed substrate regularly. Scaleless Texas rat snakes should be kept on paper or another smooth substrate, with no rough or sharp decor.

A basking spot can be provided at one end of the enclosure regulated to 85 degrees. Ceramic heat emitters are preferable. When using heat emitters, a guard must be present and secure to avoid burns. Use a thermostat to regulate the temperature with the probe secured directly in the basking spot. Do not guess! Do not use only a thermometer. Overheating can be quickly fatal for your new pet. Basking spot may be cycled for day-night, with a constant ambient temp in the mid-70’s. Texas rat snakes do not require UV lights though they are beneficial in maintaining circadian rhythm. Brumation is not required for pet Texas rat snakes. A snake that can see daylight through a window may stop eating in winter. Putting your snake’s lights on a timer can help avoid this.

Humidity is not a substantial requirement for most Texas rat snakes outside of their shed cycle, although scaleless individuals may benefit from more humidity. A humid hide with damp sphagnum moss should be provided when the animal’s eyes and skin have a dusky or blue appearance. This is important for scaleless individuals in particular.

Provide your snake with a non-porous water bowl and change it frequently. Texas rat snakes may benefit from a bowl large enough to soak in. Snakes frequently defecate in their water bowl, so frequent disinfection is essential. We recommend F10 Veterinary Disinfectant, diluted according to the directions on the bottle.

Texas rat snakes should be handled frequently from the time they are young to help develop into docile, well-socialized adults. This takes minimal effort for most Texas rat snakes. Keep two hands on the snake at all times as they are extremely agile and can get away quickly. Use a firm but comfortable grip. Young snakes that are being socialized may bite. The best reaction is no reaction. Children should always be supervised when handling snakes. Do not handle them while they are in shed or right after meals.

Allow your new snake at least a week to adjust to its new habitat before feeding. Mortal Coil Serpentry supports feeding frozen feeders, and every animal we produce is already feeding on frozen thawed. Live feeding is not recommended. Warm frozen prey to a natural body temperature (~90 degrees). Do not feed your snake from your fingers. Present prey with tongs, holding it by the base of the tail, and wiggle gently in front of the snake.

Hatchlings to 2 years: 1 rodent the approximate girth of the snake once per week. Mice and African Soft Furs are superior to rats of equivalent size for nutritional value.

2+ years: 1 rodent the approximate girth of the snake once every 1-2 weeks. If the snake is refusing meals ~50% of the time, adjust the feeding schedule accordingly. Large adults will generally take small rats.

The correct body shape for a Texas rat snake is slender, with muscle tone visible.

Any new animal should be kept separate from the snakes you already own. A different room is best, but the opposite end of the house will do. Feed and clean your quarantined animal last, and wash your hands thoroughly before you handle anything else.

Ninety days is a reasonable minimum, and your new snake should be feeding consistently before you consider it out of quarantine. Watch for mites, wheezing, regurgitation, and abnormal stool during this period, and consult your veterinarian if you see any of them.