Re: Elaphe Rufodorsata and Black Rat together?

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Posted by Tracey Mitchell on September 08, 2000 at 08:14:41:

In Reply to: Elaphe Rufodorsata and Black Rat together? posted by Tom on September 08, 2000 at 06:44:56:

Tom, I've always been leary of housing snakes of different species together. In fact, I keep all my snakes singly unless they're breeding pairs. Health concerns aside, there are real differences in habitat preference, feeding needs, and personality between any two species, especially those two. If your rufodorsata is wild-caught (probably) then it could pose a real health risk for your black rat. The risk is mutual, of course, if they are both potential carriers. I'd keep them apart, and get them both checked by a vet.

: I have a question. Is it okay to house Elaphe Rufodorsata (Chinese Garter Snake or Red-Backed Rat Snake) with an Elaphe Obsoleta Obsoleta (Black Rat Snake). I currently have one of each together in the same enclosure. I'm not so concerned about the Black Rat eating the Rufo, even though it's nearly twice as large. So far, the black rat snake has left the Rufo alone and has been content to feed on the rodents I've offered it.

: My real concern is with health issues, etc. I had the Rufo for a month before I put the Black Rat Snake with it. It appears in very good health. It's active and alert, it feeds well, and it has shed once since I got it and the shed was flawless. The Black Rat displays signs of good health, as well. I guess since putting them together I've gotten to thinking that since they are literally from across the world from each other that there may be some health issues presented by putting them together. Does anyone have any thoughts, one way or the other?

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: Tom, I've always been leary of housing snakes of different species together. In fact, I keep all my snakes singly unless they're breeding pairs. Health concerns aside, there are real differences in habitat preference, feeding needs, and personality between any two species, especially those two. If your rufodorsata is wild-caught (probably) then it could pose a real health risk for your black rat. The risk is mutual, of course, if they are both potential carriers. I'd keep them apart, and get them both checked by a vet. : : : I have a question. Is it okay to house Elaphe Rufodorsata (Chinese Garter Snake or Red-Backed Rat Snake) with an Elaphe Obsoleta Obsoleta (Black Rat Snake). I currently have one of each together in the same enclosure. I'm not so concerned about the Black Rat eating the Rufo, even though it's nearly twice as large. So far, the black rat snake has left the Rufo alone and has been content to feed on the rodents I've offered it. : : My real concern is with health issues, etc. I had the Rufo for a month before I put the Black Rat Snake with it. It appears in very good health. It's active and alert, it feeds well, and it has shed once since I got it and the shed was flawless. The Black Rat displays signs of good health, as well. I guess since putting them together I've gotten to thinking that since they are literally from across the world from each other that there may be some health issues presented by putting them together. Does anyone have any thoughts, one way or the other?

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