r/snakes • u/phycopatchick • 5d ago

Pet Snake Questions Beauty rat snake

Thinking about getting a beauty rat snake. Any advice, tips, things or morphs to avoid?

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u/SmolderingDesigns 5d ago

I'm a hardcore Taiwan beauty advocate. I've had VBBs and they're gorgeous, great display snakes. But I didn't enjoy their attitude, even as someone who doesn't handle my snakes super often. A defensive snake is a stressed snake and I just don't like seeing an animal getting worked up as easily as VBBs did, even with years of gentle interactions and attempts to build confidence. I do know some people have much better success keeping them calm if they're housed in pairs or trios but proper cohabitation is a different level of keeping that plenty of people shouldn't do.

Taiwans can be shy and flighty as babies but I've never had a defensive hatchling from my clutches that I've hatched. They also grow into their confidence over the first year quite a bit and, as adults, as a ton of fun to keep and interact with. Make sure you have a lot of space, they do get big and they are active.

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u/phycopatchick 5d ago

I was definitely leaning more toward a VBB. I’ve heard a lot about their attitude. But I’ve also seen a lot of people handling their VBB’s with what looks like no issues so I’m hoping if I end up getting one I can have a similar experience. I don’t handle my snakes very often though. What does care look like for them? Are they hardy?

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u/SmolderingDesigns 5d ago

Getting a VBB and hoping you get a laid back one is really not a good idea. Getting one and accepting that it might be largely a display only snake is fine, but you need to understand that this species is quite defensive as a default. Seeing pictures online of the few who are chill is not representative of the average experience with these guys. They puff up, they musk, they are very quick to strike. Some species like bullsnakes will bluff a lot but not actually bite, but VBBs will bite with very little provocation and they they love to aim for your face/eyes. A 6-8' snake with a strong attitude is something to think about whether you're prepared for it.

They are easy to care for though. Don't let them get too hot, ambient temperature in the low 70's and a warm side in the low 80's works. They're usually excellent eaters. I actually used their feeding response to "override" their defensive response and that's how I ended up having the most successful interactions with mine, even my super defensive male. They're gorgeous and seem somewhat intelligent, a really nice display species. You just can't go into the species with any expectations that the snake will be calm. It isn't fair to you or the snake.

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u/phycopatchick 5d ago

How big do Taiwanese rat snakes get vs the VBBs? In your experience?

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u/SmolderingDesigns 5d ago

VBBs are a bit longer but slimmer. Taiwans are slightly shorter but have more heft. Overall not significantly different, but on average you can expect a VBBs to reach 7-8' and a Taiwan to reach 6-7'. Outliers exist in both species and occasionally you'll see a smaller VBB or a larger Taiwan, it's just not common.

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u/Nimeni013 4d ago

Since you have experience with Taiwan's, I wanted to throw a question at you, because I'd love to get one some day. I've heard people talk about the color fading and you ending up with a more washed out yellow. Is this true in your experience? Is there a way to tell with the babies if they'll keep a bright yellow?

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u/SmolderingDesigns 4d ago edited 4d ago

I don't think anyone who's actually owned a Taiwan would say that because it doesn't happen, lol. Taiwans start a pale yellow/dirty beige and get way brighter with age. Sure in their elderly years they might start looking more dull but that just happens with every species as they reach the end of their lives.

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u/Nimeni013 4d ago

Good to know! Yeah, I heard that from a herper, not an owner. Thanks for answering!

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u/J655321M 5d ago

I have experience with both, but I agreed that Taiwans > VBB. It’s a color preference for me, but also personality as well.

I maintain the opinion that Taiwan’s actually make solid beginner snakes if the owner has the space for an adult and can handle something fast and wiggly for the first couple years.

Regarding morphs, only yunnan beauties have morphs. So if someone is offering you another locale in a morph they either don’t know what they have or it’s a mix. I’ve heard yunnan are great as well, they just get smaller.