Re: Looking for General Care on Leopard Ratsnakes

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Posted by Ray Loraine on February 16, 2000 at 19:27:01:

In Reply to: Looking for General Care on Leopard Ratsnakes posted by BBM on February 14, 2000 at 22:10:54:

Although some suggest that situla are difficult to keep, with well started CB hatchlings the snakes are easy, growing fast and breeding like most temperate Elaphe. I've been breeding a group now for about six years. I keep mine in appropriate sized shoeboxes with water bowls & hide boxes. As Sacha has indicated, they head for the water bowls when temperatures get much over 80. I don't provide any supplemental heating. Most of my animals seem to prefer smaller sized prey items. I think more frequent small meals is better than oversized ones. Some hatchlings are initially difficult feeders but can be easily tease fed and come around to thawed or live pinks quickly.

Situla need to be cycled in the winter to maximize breeding success, but I've had clutches from adults with only marginal brumation (several weeks in the low to mid 60's & total darkness). Eight weeks plus in mid to low 50's is better. I've had my animals get into the low 40's for several days to a week or so with no ill effects.

Good luck - Situla are by far one of the most rewarding snakes to work with in my opinion.

Follow Ups:

Just a couple more questions? Sorry BBM 02/16/00 (3)
- Re: Blue Beauties Mike Humphrey 02/21/00 (0)
- Re: Just a couple more questions? Sorry Ray Loraine 02/17/00 (0)
- Re: Just a couple more questions? Sorry Sacha Korell 02/16/00 (0)

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: Although some suggest that situla are difficult to keep, with well started CB hatchlings the snakes are easy, growing fast and breeding like most temperate Elaphe. I've been breeding a group now for about six years. I keep mine in appropriate sized shoeboxes with water bowls & hide boxes. As Sacha has indicated, they head for the water bowls when temperatures get much over 80. I don't provide any supplemental heating. Most of my animals seem to prefer smaller sized prey items. I think more frequent small meals is better than oversized ones. Some hatchlings are initially difficult feeders but can be easily tease fed and come around to thawed or live pinks quickly. : Situla need to be cycled in the winter to maximize breeding success, but I've had clutches from adults with only marginal brumation (several weeks in the low to mid 60's & total darkness). Eight weeks plus in mid to low 50's is better. I've had my animals get into the low 40's for several days to a week or so with no ill effects. : Good luck - Situla are by far one of the most rewarding snakes to work with in my opinion.

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