Re: rufadorsata rats snakes

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Rat Snake Forum ] [ FAQ ]

Posted by Tom on September 06, 2000 at 12:39:09:

In Reply to: rufadorsata rats snakes posted by john on August 10, 2000 at 21:47:47:

: I have a trio or these guys and having hard time to get started on eating. If there is anybody with experience with guys far as proper housing, temps, food, ect. (they are about 1-3 yrs old.)please send some info Thank you very much for time!!!

I have one of these. As others have pointed out it is far more similar to the Thamnophis (Garter and Ribbon) snakes than Elaphe. I also have a Black Rat Snake...now there's a REAL rat snake! Anyway, it is true, that they are often called Chinese Garter Snakes (an inappropriate term since Thamnophis is limited to North America). However, their name, "Elaphe Rufordorsata" literally means, "Red-Backed Rat Snake."

As for diet, mine readily eats feeder goldfish and bait minnows. I offer the fish live in it's water dish. It will go right in after them. I have also had good success with cutting fish that are too large for it in pieces. It will eat the pieces with no hesitation. I offered it a small frog once and it ate the frog rather quickly.

Unlike Garter snakes, to which E. Rufodorsatas are often compared, they don't seem to be too fond of earthworms, at least mine isn't As for temperature, a Garter snake-type setup works well. I have a temperature gradient of 88 degrees in one end and 80 degrees in the other. Nighttime temps are about 76. My snake as shed once since I got it a couple of months ago and the shed was absolutely perfect. The entire skin came off in a single piece from lips to tail...quite nice.

Anyway, I hope this helps some.

Follow Ups:

Post a Followup

Name:
E-Mail:

Subject:

Comments:
: : : I have a trio or these guys and having hard time to get started on eating. If there is anybody with experience with guys far as proper housing, temps, food, ect. (they are about 1-3 yrs old.)please send some info Thank you very much for time!!! : I have one of these. As others have pointed out it is far more similar to the Thamnophis (Garter and Ribbon) snakes than Elaphe. I also have a Black Rat Snake...now there's a REAL rat snake! Anyway, it is true, that they are often called Chinese Garter Snakes (an inappropriate term since Thamnophis is limited to North America). However, their name, "Elaphe Rufordorsata" literally means, "Red-Backed Rat Snake." : As for diet, mine readily eats feeder goldfish and bait minnows. I offer the fish live in it's water dish. It will go right in after them. I have also had good success with cutting fish that are too large for it in pieces. It will eat the pieces with no hesitation. I offered it a small frog once and it ate the frog rather quickly. : Unlike Garter snakes, to which E. Rufodorsatas are often compared, they don't seem to be too fond of earthworms, at least mine isn't As for temperature, a Garter snake-type setup works well. I have a temperature gradient of 88 degrees in one end and 80 degrees in the other. Nighttime temps are about 76. My snake as shed once since I got it a couple of months ago and the shed was absolutely perfect. The entire skin came off in a single piece from lips to tail...quite nice. : Anyway, I hope this helps some.

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL:

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Rat Snake Forum ] [ FAQ ]