How to Care for a Red Rat Snake

Red rat snakes, sometimes referred to as corn snakes, feature brownish-gray or peach bodies with thick, red rings. Average red rat snakes reach about five feet in length while some may attain eight feet in length. Red rat snake bites do not pose a threat to humans, which makes them an ideal selection for a house pet if one likes snakes. Although these snakes appear like invincible predators in the wild, they require particular care in feeding and housing. They are prone to serious health problems if the owner neglects to make proper living arrangements.

Things You'll Need

  • Cage or container with holes
  • Live animal food
  • Warm room temperatures
  • Water dish
  • Heat lamp or tank heat source
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Instructions

    • 1

      Feed red rat snakes according to maturity. Growing snakes need more food than adult snakes. Feed young snakes once every five to seven days and adult snakes once every one to two weeks. Since snakes eat only other animals, give them frozen mice or rats to eat. They can handle live prey, but if the snake is not hungry and the prey is, the prey may turn on the snake in the cage and harm it.

    • 2

      Keep red rat snakes in a roomy cage. Clear plastic containers with holes for air make ideal cages for these snakes, but they should be long enough for them to stretch out a little and not have to remain curled up. Cage sizes will vary depending on the size of the snake. Petco recommends adding a climbing branch or shelf to the cage to entertain the snake and give it a different place to lay.

    • 3

      Maintain warm, humid temperatures near the cage. You can install an undertank heat source or place a heating lamp over one side of the cage. Keep temperatures above 75 F but below 85 F. Humidity in the area should remain around 50%.

    • 4

      Replace the snake's water daily with fresh water in a large dish. The snake should be able to drink out of the dish as well as take a dip if it desires to cool off.

    • 5

      Clean out feces and skin sheddings before they start to pile up in the cage. Leaving feces in the cage makes the snake susceptible to various diseases.

    • 6

      Check the snake's overall health daily. Petco recommends checking that the eyes are clear and translucent whenever the snake is not shedding, that its mouth and nostrils are unhindered with objects, that its body feels full and that its skin looks healthy.