How long do rat snakes live as pets?

Eastern Rat snake Behavior and Humans Their lifespan of 10 to 15 years is a good range for a pet snake, and their diet is easy to accommodate since they mostly eat rats and other rodents.

Are black rat snakes friendly?

And while black rat snakes don’t actually eat venomous snakes, they can out compete them for food, helping to keep the copperheads and rattlesnakes out of your yard. Not only are these beautiful creatures great at guarding and protecting us, they are also a very docile species.

How old is a 5 foot black snake?

But with proper feeding, a captive 12-inch hatchling generally takes about four years to become a 5-foot adult. Some black rat snakes may exceed 7 feet, but reaching such sizes takes a lifetime, as growth declines after maturation.

Are black rat snakes aggressive?

Black rat snakes are eager to avoid contact with humans and are not naturally aggressive, but people who encounter them and are not knowledgeable about them tend to be frightened nonetheless because of their large size.

How long can a black snake live without food?

Generally speaking, snakes can go a long time without being fed or eating. Nearly all snakes can last a few weeks, no problem. Similarly, most snakes can even last a few months. After the two-month mark, certain snakes will begin to starve.

Do rat snakes need water?

A water bowl large enough for your snake to fit in to allow a good soaking should be provided at all times. Rat snakes are hardy snakes and don’t require much maintenance once their cage is set up. Cleaning their cage as needed and keeping their water bowl fresh will be your main duties besides feeding.

Do black snakes travel in pairs?

Contrary to popular belief, snakes usually don’t travel in pairs or groups and don’t “nest” together. The only time in southeast Texas you might see more than one snake in one place is during spring mating season or under old boards and pieces of metal, where they can thermoregulate.

How can you tell the age of a black snake?

How to tell the age of a snake?

  1. Length. This first method is the most common characteristic taken into consideration when guessing the snake’s age.
  2. Weight. Another tell-tale characteristic that can help us deduce a snake’s age is the weight.
  3. Head size.
  4. Color and pattern changes.
  5. Presence of injuries.

Can you relocate a black snake?

Snake relocation is most effective after you modify habitat and place exclusions, like fences. Relocating snakes may not work if good habitat remains. The snakes may return, or new snakes may move in.

How many babies do black snakes have?

After black rat snakes mate in the spring, the female lays between five and 30 eggs in early summer. The female usually lays her eggs in a pile of rotting vegetation or manure or in a rotting log. After a period of around 60 days, baby black snakes measuring around 12 inches in length hatch from the eggs.