Re: Russian rat snake housing?

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Posted by Terry/Ratsnake Haven on April 04, 2000 at 08:13:06:

In Reply to: Russian rat snake housing? posted by kris on April 01, 2000 at 23:05:09:

Hi Kris. There's a lot you can say about Russian rats, but I guess just some basics will probably cover your question.

Russians come from climates that are very cold in winter. They can tolerate fairly large drops in temp. I usually allow mine to get down to mid-sixties at night. Although their summers are somewhat sub-tropical, they don't tolerate temps over 82*F. very well. I emphasize this because I've seen so many shop owners, etc., trying to keep them at high eighties, or higher. That will stress these animals. I'm giving this info because you said you used bottom heating which I don't and because Russians like to bask and climb. They also benefit from some humidity. Remember, E. Asia is quite humid in the summertime.

Russians don't have to have climbing branches. Large specimens can be kept in 15 or 20 gallon terrariums. I use aspen bedding for a substrate. You can spray it occasionally, then let it dry out for a few days, so it doesn't get moldy. I make it several inches deep so it partially covers the hides and water jugs. The Russians appreciate large water containers they can soak in. I like using plastic gal. jugs because they're deep. I also use large plastic containers for hides because they can be filled with paper, so they are roomy, yet there's physical contact. The Russians like this and use the hides at night, or when it's cooler, but hardly ever when they're active. These are very active snakes at times and are not shy about being in the open. They are also very curious. You could probably write a book about the behaviors of E. s. schrencki. They are wonderful animals to observe and make fabulous pets for the right person, which I guess you already know.

Hope this helps, T. Cox.

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Re: Russian rat snake housing? Thanks! kris 04/04/00 (1)
- Re: Russian rat snake housing? Thanks! Terry 04/04/00 (0)

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: Hi Kris. There's a lot you can say about Russian rats, but I guess just some basics will probably cover your question. : Russians come from climates that are very cold in winter. They can tolerate fairly large drops in temp. I usually allow mine to get down to mid-sixties at night. Although their summers are somewhat sub-tropical, they don't tolerate temps over 82*F. very well. I emphasize this because I've seen so many shop owners, etc., trying to keep them at high eighties, or higher. That will stress these animals. I'm giving this info because you said you used bottom heating which I don't and because Russians like to bask and climb. They also benefit from some humidity. Remember, E. Asia is quite humid in the summertime. : Russians don't have to have climbing branches. Large specimens can be kept in 15 or 20 gallon terrariums. I use aspen bedding for a substrate. You can spray it occasionally, then let it dry out for a few days, so it doesn't get moldy. I make it several inches deep so it partially covers the hides and water jugs. The Russians appreciate large water containers they can soak in. I like using plastic gal. jugs because they're deep. I also use large plastic containers for hides because they can be filled with paper, so they are roomy, yet there's physical contact. The Russians like this and use the hides at night, or when it's cooler, but hardly ever when they're active. These are very active snakes at times and are not shy about being in the open. They are also very curious. You could probably write a book about the behaviors of E. s. schrencki. They are wonderful animals to observe and make fabulous pets for the right person, which I guess you already know. : Hope this helps, T. Cox.

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