Yellow rat snakes (Elaphe obsolete quadrivittata) make great pets, especially if you’re prepared to handle a snake that can and might bite. Regularly colored yellow rat snakes are generally affordable and can be found at local pet stores, with prices ranging from $10 for a hatchling to $45 for an adult. Albino and other color variants, typically bred in captivity, are usually available in early summer after the eggs hatch. These special color morphs tend to be more expensive, ranging from $75 to over $125 each.
Origin and Life Span
The yellow rat snake is the southeastern cousin of the black rat snake, found naturally from southeastern South Carolina to the southern tip of Florida. In captivity, yellow rat snakes can live for 17 to 20 years.
Appearance
Yellow rat snakes are striking creatures with a range of colorations and noticeable age-related color changes. In the wild, they are adept constrictors, easily subduing rodents and occasionally birds. These snakes typically grow between 4.5 to 5.5 feet long, though some individuals can reach over 7 feet.
Their base color varies depending on their location, ranging from dark greenish-yellow in the northern parts of their range to a bright yellow in southern Florida. Hatchlings start out with a dark gray base color and about 40 prominent dorsal blotches running from their neck to their tail. As they mature, yellow rat snakes lose these blotches and develop stripes. The stripe coloration also varies: central specimens have olive-brown to nearly black stripes, northern ones have poorly defined, dark stripes, and southern ones have narrower, lighter stripes. Their scales are weakly keeled, and their belly often mirrors the back color with some dark smudging.
Housing
For captive yellow rat snakes, a 20-gallon terrarium is essential. The setup should include climbing branches, a hide box, and a sunning area. These snakes enjoy elevated perches and will seek shelter in substrate-level hiding spots, such as curved cork bark or commercial hide boxes, and may even coil up in their water dish.
Starting as small, foot-long babies, yellow rat snakes can grow up to 6 feet within their first two years. They need ample space, climbing opportunities, and a heating element with a basking lamp to maintain the proper temperature.
Yellow rat snakes are proficient climbers but also spend a lot of time on the ground. Include sturdy cage furniture like large branches and cork bark. Ensure these items are stable to prevent injury. The terrarium should have a secure, locked top to prevent escapes. For substrate, options include newspaper, packing corrugate, paper towels, dry leaves, or mulch.
While these snakes may hide often, they might emerge on cooler days to bask under a heat lamp. Avoid using bare bulbs or ceramic heaters that could burn them, and consider under-tank heating pads. Maintain a temperature gradient with nighttime temps between 72 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and daytime temps between 82 and 88 degrees. Always provide a shallow dish of fresh water for hydration.
Feeding
Feeding a yellow rat snake is relatively simple. As their name suggests, adult yellow rat snakes primarily eat rats, other rodents, and chicks. Young snakes might start with treefrogs and lizards, but captive-hatched babies are often willing to take thawed pinky mice.
Despite their ability to consume large prey, yellow rat snakes may regurgitate if they experience temperature changes or stress. To avoid this, make sure the prey is no larger than the diameter of the snake’s head.
Feeding time can sometimes trigger defensive bites, so handle your snake with care. While some hobbyists prefer to feed live prey, this can be risky as live rodents can injure or even kill your snake. For safety, it’s best to offer deceased prey.
Handling
Handling a yellow rat snake requires patience and care to avoid getting bitten. Snakes often react defensively to quick movements but are more tolerant of slow, deliberate actions. They tend to shy away from motions above them but are less concerned with movements from the side.
When handling your snake, avoid grasping it by the neck. Instead, place one hand about a third of the way back from the head and the other hand a quarter of the way forward from the tail tip. Support the snake loosely and lift it slowly, keeping it away from your face.
After feeding, wait a few days before handling your snake to prevent it from regurgitating its meal. With regular, gentle handling—once or twice a day—you can help your snake become more comfortable with being handled. If it does strike, let it calm down and try again later.
Behavior
Yellow rat snakes are often active at dusk and after dark, though they may also be seen during the day. Their temperament can vary widely: hatchlings tend to be more bite-prone than adults, and wild-caught specimens are generally more defensive than those bred in captivity. Even well-adjusted, captive-bred yellow rat snakes might bite during feeding time, so it’s important to handle them with care.
Common Diseases and Disorders
Yellow rat snakes can live up to 20 years with proper care, but they are susceptible to various health issues and injuries.
Thermal burns can result from malfunctioning heat sources, such as hot rocks or poorly shielded bulbs. Rodent bites are another serious risk; never leave a live rodent unattended in the snake’s enclosure. Mouth rot, or infectious stomatitis, can develop from broken teeth, mouth injuries, or bites from prey while being constricted. Respiratory problems may arise from sudden temperature changes, especially if humidity is high or the enclosure is damp. Additionally, blister disease can occur in excessively wet or dirty cages.
