What to Feed a Captive Black Rat Snake
Pantherophis obsoletus
Pantherophis obsoletus – also known as the western rat snake, black rat snake, pilot black snake, or simply black snake – is a non-venomous species of Colubridae found in central North America. No subspecies are currently recognized. Its color variations include the Texas ratsnake.
What does the black rat snake eat for food?
Some precautions you can take would be to:
- Make sure your lawn stays clean and cut to eliminate hiding spaces for snakes.
- Always clean up cat food that’s left outdoors.
- Use non-toxic snake repellent to help keep Black Snakes away.
- Sprinkle some vinegar around your yard or garden. ...
- Protect your yard or the area the cat roams in outdoors. ...
Do black snakes eat Copperheads?
Despite its common name, this snake may be all black or a gleaming dark indigo blue. The conclusion is yes, some black snakes eat copperheads, but not all of them. I just recently saw an image online showing a black snake swallowing a copperhead.
Do black snakes eat chickens?
While black snakes don’t typically go after chickens or their eggs, if given the opportunity, they will eat them. If you have a black snake in your area, it’s important to take steps to protect your chickens and their eggs. There are a few things you can do to keep snakes away from your chickens and their eggs.
Are black snakes dangerous?
The black snake is not venomous and most species aren't known to be aggressive, but if they feel threatened, they will bite. Rat snakes are excellent swimmers, so their first choice is to flee. Usually their size is the most intimidating feature, not their bite, as some can reach 8ft in length. Click to see full answer.
What do you feed a black snake?
Diet: Mostly eat rodents, lizards, birds and bird eggs.
How often should you feed a black rat snake?
Feeding a Black Rat Snake You should feed a juvenile an appropriately sized meal every 5-7 days. An appropriate size is a rodent that is slightly smaller than the girth of rhe snake, at the snake's largest point. As the snake starts to reach adult size, you can reduce feeding down to every 7-10 days.
What can I feed my rat snake?
Adult rat snakes may only eat a few times a month and shouldn't be overfed. Rat snakes should only be fed once a day or once every other day, depending on the age and size of your rat snake....However, they can be fed a variety of things, including:Feeder mice.Feeder rats.Worms.Fish.Frogs.Baby birds.Eggs of any type.
Can a black rat snake be a pet?
Their smaller size and less demanding temperature requirements compared to many other snakes make black rat snakes popular pets both among first-time snake owners and experienced handlers. They won't be the most cuddly pets, but they can learn to feel comfortable while being handled.
How long can rat snakes go without eating?
Can Snakes In the Wild Go Longer Without Eating Than Pet Snakes?Wild snake typesRegular feedingRat SnakeOnce in 7 to 10 daysWestern Diamondback RattlesnakeOnce in 2 to 3 weeksEastern Diamondback RattlesnakeOnce in 2 weeksWestern Diamondback RattlesnakeOnce in 2 to 3 weeks7 more rows
Does a black rat snake bite hurt?
Although the bite of a rat snake isn't fatal, it can be rather painful. Bites from rat snakes are also full of bacteria that can infect you. Even though they do not contain venom, these snakes can grow quite large.
What human food can snakes eat?
Snakes can consume human food like eggs, poultry, fish, pork, and beef when they are unprocessed. This means that the food should be given in its basic and raw form. You cannot give fried or saucy food to your snake as there are already other ingredients in the food that may make your snake sick.
Do rat snakes eat worms?
Their diet depends on the species. Some eat warm-blooded prey (e.g., rodents, rabbits, birds), while others eat insects, amphibians (frogs or toads), eggs, other reptiles, fish, earthworms, or slugs. Snakes swallow their food whole.
How much should I feed my rat snake?
Rat Snakes can generally eat 1 - 1.5x the widest part of there body. However if your feeding 1.5x it's girth it's recommended that you make your feedings less frequent.
Are black rat snakes good for beginners?
These snakes are hardy, docile and great for beginners! Then you have more intermediate species. Species like Everglades rat snakes, Texas rat snakes, black rat snakes, grey rat snakes, and green rat snakes all fall into this category.
How big do black rat snakes get?
Eastern rat snakes, formerly known as black rat snakes, are large non-venomous snakes between 3.5 and 7 feet (one and two meters) long. They have shiny black scales on their back and a light colored belly, and their throat and chin are white.
What happens if a rat snake bites you?
Most snake bites can cause pain and swelling around the bite. Those that are venomous may also cause fever, a headache, convulsions, and numbness. However, these symptoms can also occur due to intense fear following the bite. Bites can cause an allergic reaction in some people, which may include anaphylaxis.
How often does a rat snake feed?
every seven to ten daysAdult Snakes Rat snakes shift from eating lizards and frogs while young to eating birds and rodents as they mature. Adult rat snakes should be fed larger items, less frequently than young snakes. A schedule of one meal every seven to ten days will keep your adult rat snake healthy.
How often do snakes eat?
Smaller or younger snakes usually eat twice each week, while larger, more mature snakes typically eat once every week or two. Female snakes approaching breeding season can be fed more frequently. Your veterinarian can give you more specific advice about feeding based on your snake's individual requirements.
How big do black rat snakes get?
Eastern rat snakes, formerly known as black rat snakes, are large non-venomous snakes between 3.5 and 7 feet (one and two meters) long. They have shiny black scales on their back and a light colored belly, and their throat and chin are white.
What happens if a rat snake bites you?
Most snake bites can cause pain and swelling around the bite. Those that are venomous may also cause fever, a headache, convulsions, and numbness. However, these symptoms can also occur due to intense fear following the bite. Bites can cause an allergic reaction in some people, which may include anaphylaxis.
What to use to keep black rat snakes out of enclosure?
In the wild, black rat snakes spend most of their time in heavily wooded areas, so a substrate —the material on the bottom of the enclosure—that reflects this natural environment is recommended. The substrate will help to maintain humidity and satisfy the snake's natural burrowing instinct. Newspapers are an inexpensive and popular substrate material. A piece of reptile carpet also can be used. Plus, pine bark chips or aspen shavings are other materials that work well, and they can be scooped out when soiled (much like cat litter in a litter box).
How to keep a black rat snake in a cage?
Because rat snakes are good climbers, maintaining an extra secure enclosure is key to keeping your snake in its home. A solid latch is necessary to any black rat snake house, as well as some height to the cage to allow your snake climbing room. A 30- to 40-gallon tank is suitable, though the larger (and taller) the better. A water bowl large enough for your snake to fit in to allow a good soaking should be provided at all times.
What humidity do black rat snakes like?
Humidity. Black rat snakes prefer a moderate humidity level of around 35% to 60%. The humidity should be on the higher end during shedding. Monitor humidity with a hygrometer, and increase it with misting or a bowl of water if necessary.
Why do black rat snakes have a mouth?
It's imperative to treat mouth rot; an advanced infection can cause the snake's teeth to fall out. Black rat snakes also are susceptible to fungal and respiratory infections. If your snake is breathing with its mouth open or is wheezing, these are signs of a respiratory problem.
What is the most popular snake to have as a pet?
Rat snakes are among the most popular pet snakes. And after the corn snake, the black rat snake is the member of this snake family that you'll most often find as a pet. Black rat snakes are found in the central portion of North America, and in the wild they're sometimes mistaken for rattlesnakes. However, they are not venomous ...
How hot should a rat snake be at night?
But to stop them from hibernating you should keep their enclosure between 80 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with a minimum temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Special reptile heat lights should be used to maintain these temperatures.
Why is my black rat snake confused with a rattlesnake?
The black rat snake might be mistaken for a rattlesnake because it wrinkles up its body and freezes before striking its prey or when it feels threatened. This snake also might vibrate its tail like a rattlesnake when threatened. And it can emit a musky odor that's intended to deter a predator.
What do rat snakes eat?
As their name suggests, rat snakes feed on all sorts of rodents, starting with mice, rats, moles and hamsters . Rat snakes are known to be the best rodent predator, being a wonderful way to keep those rodents numbers down, especially those who have become quite a pest problem in farms.
How many mice do rat snakes eat?
A medium-sized rat snake can eat up to 9 pounds of rodents per year (that’s around 200 mice!) Both captive and wild rat snakes consume all types of mice. However, the major difference is that pet snakes should always be fed frozen mice. On a side note, hatchlings prefer baby mouse or pinkies (for pet reptiles).
How do rat snakes kill their prey?
Rat snakes kill their prey by constriction, meaning they coil around their chosen meal and squeeze them to death so they can swallow them whole afterwards; they do this thanks to their ligament-connected mandible that allows them to rotate and open wider than any other animal.
How long can a snake survive without food?
Ball pythons, rat snakes and diamondback rattlesnakes lower their metabolism rate up to 70% in order to survive weeks, months and even years without any food at all.
What color are rat snakes?
Yellow Rat snakes have a black tongue and a skin color that varies from North to South. Northern species have a greener color; central ones go from olive to orange; and the southern species are bright yellow. Hatchlings are dark-colored, but their skin tones also get lighter depending on their location.
What are the black and yellow snakes called?
Wild black, grey, yellow and Texas rat snakes are commonly found living amongst barns, and while they are most likely out for rodents, people call them chicken snakes; but this nickname is actually given because they usually hang around chicken coops searching for chicken eggs- which they love to eat.
What kind of frogs do snakes catch?
The yellow rat snake is famous for her fondness for the Cuban tree frog, a green-grayish kind of frog that is considered an invasive pest in Florida.
Housing
The first step when it comes to caring for any reptile is to create an enclosure that will meet all of the animal’s needs.
Feeding
All animals need to eat. In the wild, black rat snakes eat rodents, amphibians, lizards, and eggs.
Shedding
Shedding is how a snake grows. Unlike humans, snakes shed all their skin at once to make room for more growth. A hatchling may shed every month or so, but an adult may only shed 2 or 3 times a year.
Hibernation
North american rat snakes like the black rat snake go into a state known as brumation when the weather gets cold. The animal will spend most of its time asleep but will wake up occasionally to do things like drink water.
Handling
Handling is important to make sure your snake won’t fuss for basic care needs like cleaning the enclosure or taking it to the vet. You should let new snakes settle for at least a week before you try to handle them.
Common Issues
Texas rat snakes can stop eating for a number of reasons. One of these is simply that your snake isn’t hungry. If it hasn’t defecated yet then it won’t want to eat. If the snake is shedding it won’t eat, and many snakes naturally eat less during winter.
Conclusion
Now you should know how to keep your black rat snake happy and healthy. If you have any questions or comments, leave them below. We hope you enjoy your new companion.
What's a Black Rat Snake?
It’s not uncommon in some parts of the US for a farmer to stick their hand into a dark chicken nest box to collect eggs, only to feel them moving! It’s generally not the eggs themselves, but rat snakes. This species has a thing for chicken eggs and will not think twice before using their climbing abilities to reach the nest box.
Black Rat Snake Habitat
These snakes need room to move, but not too much, as this can make them feel insecure. A juvenile Rat will do well in a 10-gallon tank for a couple of years. At 3 years old, your snake will have more than doubled in length and will be sexually mature. At this point, a 20-30 gallon tank is advised.
Black Snake Diet
When you feed your snake depends on what times he/she is most active. Rats can switch back and forth from day to night, so you may need to observe his/her behavior and then decide the best time of day to feed.
Cleaning Schedule
Cleaning the habitat is fairly easy and should be done once a month. Spot cleaning should be done daily, but even then a monthly treatment is still recommended. Remove and dispose of all bedding. Place dish washer safe furniture in the dishwasher or a bleach bath. Remove everything, and spritz with bleach.
Health Concerns and Illnesses
Proper feeding and sanitation can help to prevent most common illnesses in Rats. For example, blister disease is associated with damp, filthy environments, and effects the bottom most scales, the scutes, that are in constant contact with the filth.
What Do Black Rat Snakes Eat
Black Rat Snakes are known to eat rodents, preferring rats, mice, moles, and chipmunks. Black Rat Snakes also enjoy eating birds, lizards, frogs, and chicken eggs.
Black Racer Snakes
The Black Racer Snake is just one subspecies of Racer Snakes living throughout North America. The Black Racer performs its hunting in the day in grassy areas.
Black Mamba Snakes
Black Mamba Snakes are arboreal snakes that are strictly carnivorous, but they’re not picky about their meat. Mambas find lots of birds and bats to eat up in treetops and their prey’s shared micro-habitats.
Black Kingsnakes
The word “king” in the Black Kingsnake’s name refers to the fact that they are known for eating other snakes.
Black Red Belly Snakes
Black Red-Bellied Snakes are venomous carnivores commonly found in Australia. It enjoys eating meat of many kinds – and it even eats snakes of its species!
Black Swamp Snakes
The aquatic Black Swamp Snake enjoys hunting amongst underwater vegetation, and often finds their favorite meals to eat there like tadpoles, frogs, and small fish.
What do Baby Black Snakes Eat?
Baby Black Snakes must regularly eat food that appropriately fits in their mouths.
What do snakes eat?
The adults usually consume rodents. Mice, chipmunks, voles, shrews, even full grown squirrels have been reported in its diet. These snakes probably prey on birds and bird’s eggs most heavily of all snakes because of their climbing ability and time spent in trees. The young will feed on frogs, especially treefrogs, lizards and young mice.
What are some interesting facts about black rat snakes?
10 Interesting Facts About Black Rat Snakes. >> Black rat snakes, when cornered or threatened, will often coil in a defensive posture, hiss, and strike repeatedly. They also rapidly shake or vibrate the tail. This results in many people mistaking this dangerous-looking snake for a rattlesnake or even a copperhead due to its bold behavior ...
Why is the black rat snake called the pilot snake?
>> Old-timers sometimes refer to the black rat snake as the “pilot snake” in the mistaken belief that this snake pilots or guides the venomous rattlesnake to safe denning areas in the forest.
What color are juvenile rat snakes?
Light areas are often apparent between scales, and the scales on the back are weakly keeled. A juvenile rat snake is gray with light spots running down the middle of the back, and has white eyes. This pattern darkens with age and is generally undetectable once the snake reaches a length of three feet.
How big is a black rat snake?
The black rat snake can reach a length of eight feet, but is usually much smaller. The adult snake is black with a white or creamy yellow chin and throat. In contrast to the black racer, the belly of a rat snake is a mixture of light and dark, giving a somewhat mottled appearance.
When do black rat snakes hibernate in Georgia?
They are the largest snake found in Georgia. >> Black rat snakes emerge from their rocky crevice retreats in late April or early May. They hibernate with other rat snakes and/or with many other snake species, most notably timber rattlesnakes, racers, and bull snakes.
Do black rat snakes eat mice?
>> Black rat snakes are extremely beneficial since they eat large amounts of rats, mice, and other pest animals.
What do Eastern Rat Snakes use their body for?
Eastern rat snakes are constrictor snakes and will use their body to suffocate their prey. Behavior.
Where do Eastern Rat Snakes live?
Eastern rat snakes live in fields, woodlands, farmlands, and around suburban communities from Connecticut to South Carolina and west to the middle of Kansas and Oklahoma. Predators include hawks and other snakes. Diet. Eastern rat snakes are excellent swimmers and climbers.
What is the name of the snake with black scales on its back?
Pantherophis alleghaniensis. Status: Not Listed. Classification: Reptile. Description. Eastern rat snakes, formerly known as black rat snakes, are large non-venomous snakes between 3.5 and 7 feet (one and two meters) long. They have shiny black scales on their back and a light colored belly, and their throat and chin are white.
How long does it take for a snake to lay eggs?
A female will lay between six and two dozen eggs, usually in late July. The eggs may take between five and seven weeks to develop and hatch. Hatchlings will stay near their hatching site for up to two years.
Housing
Shedding
- Shedding is how a snake grows. Unlike humans, snakes shed all their skin at once to make room for more growth. A hatchling may shed every month or so, but an adult may only shed 2 or 3 times a year. Your snake will have a duller look and cloudy eyes while they prepare to shed. This is a fluid buildup that separates the old skin from the new skin. Texas rat snakes are typically grump…
Hibernation
- North american rat snakes like the black rat snake go into a state known as brumation when the weather gets cold. The animal will spend most of its time asleep but will wake up occasionally to do things like drink water. This is caused by dropping temperatures and lower light levels. Similar to corn snakes, you do not need to induce brumation unless you will be breeding pet snakes. Yo…
Handling
- Handling is important to make sure your snake won’t fuss for basic care needs like cleaning the enclosure or taking it to the vet. You should let new snakes settle for at least a week before you try to handle them. You should also not handle your snake for 2 days after a meal. Once you are ready, make sure your snake is awake and aware of you. Make sure the animal isn’t scared or try…
Common Issues
- My Black Rat Snake Isn’t Eating
Texas rat snakes can stop eating for a number of reasons. One of these is simply that your snake isn’t hungry. If it hasn’t defecated yet then it won’t want to eat. If the snake is shedding it won’t eat, and many snakes naturally eat less during winter. Captive snakes can also be picky. If the prey i… - Regurgitated Food
If your snake is regurgitating its meals, this is a bad sign. Regurgitation can kill a weak snake. Make sure you don’t handle your snake after a meal and be certain the snake is getting the right size of prey. Snakes will regurgitate a meal if it is too large. If it happens more than once, head t…
Conclusion
- Now you should know how to keep your black rat snake happy and healthy. If you have any questions or comments, leave them below. We hope you enjoy your new companion.
Sources
- The Ratsnake Mess for Dummies – Herpetology Unit(make sense of rat snake species)
- Ratsnakes facts – livescience
- Pantherophis obsoletus– Wikipedia
- Rat Snake (Elaphe [Pantherophis] obsoleta)– Savannah River Ecology laboratory