Leucistic Texas Rat Snake

[ziggybond_007]

I've been looking up information on the Brooks Kingsnake and the Leucistic Texas Ratsnake, because I can't decide if I want my next snake to be a bloodred corn, or one of the two above. While I was reading about the ratsnake, I saw that since they are so inbred, that some of the hatchlings have bubble eyes. I would rather give a hatchling with this deformity a good home than take a healthy, "breedable" hatchling, as I have absolutely no plans to breed any of the snakes I hope to have in the future. How common is the deformity, and does it cause the snakes a great deal of discomfort? Thank you for any information!

 

[The_Thunderer]

There are a lot of "bug-eyed" Leucistic Texas Rats out there. I may be wrong, but I think "Worm" at this link:

http://http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72543

was bug-eyed, but he looks absolutely MARVELOUS now (no doubt thanks to his mommy JennRose!). I had one that was NOT bug-eyed, but had feeding problems for over a year.

I don't think the "bug-eyes" cause any discomfort, but couldn't tell you from first hand experience. I guess we should get JennRose to answer that Q. My guess would be that it doesn't.

They truly are remarkable snakes. You'll love them if you get one.

Brooks and Corns are great too!

 

[Nanci]

Chris (tyfllier) has an amazing brooksi for sale...And I love my two Florida Kings!

I'd rather buy a leucistic rat that was selectively bred _not_ to have the bug eyes, if I was going to buy one.

 

[snakemom1961]

I agree with Nanci, If I were to buy any snake I'd want one bred to be without deformities, even though I'm not going to breed any of mine in the future. Good luck in which ever way you choose to go.

 

[Kokopelli]

I own a Leucistic Ratsnake... and I think he has an amazing personality.
To be honest I did not know about said deformity only until -after- I bred him... and out of 13 hatchlings, only one turned out to be "bug-eyed". Also, his "bug eyeness" is extremely minor and adds a deal of personality to him...

I for one am not a big fan of kingsnakes generally- aside from the Mexicana complex, they are possibly my favorite colubrids.

So to me the Texas seems like the best option...
to show how much of a personality a little "bug-eyeness" adds:

as a youngling:

oooers, I iz on cam:

I iz pissy:

All in all, a lovely and unique snake. His deformity is a very very mild case and it does not prevent him from enjoying life to the fullest. I see no reason why not to keep them.
More serious cases are a different case however.

One can go on for ages in regards to debating whether or not to breed them further- there are valid points at either end. As far as I am concerned, I won't be bringing a female to breed him with.

 

[ziggybond_007]

Oh goodness, he's adorable! He reminds me of my koi, Phoenix. I'm hoping to get a new snake some time next year, so I just wanted to get my research done so I'm well prepared. The eyes definitely do add quite the physical personality, but how are the personalities all around? I know many people have very sweet tempered ones, and some have hatelings. I'm sure it's like that with corns and kings as well, and that handling would help quite a bit...

I really appreciate all of the input you guys are giving me.

 

[Kokopelli]

if you handle them, they generally calm down... mine... heck, I was only bitten once. These days he rattles his tail in general disdain if I do something he doesn't like... if he's surprised...
but he is -extremely- docile... to the point where people were stunned to see such a calm Texas Ratsnake... it's like he is constantly sedated.
He is also quite curious and lively... I adore him... I think these are -great- snakes!

 

[ziggybond_007]

I think my mind's been made up, and I've got you and Worm to thank for that. Are they usually pretty active during the day as well? And are they any breeders on this site?

 

[Kokopelli]

I bred my male but as I am in Israel I won't be of much help to you in regards to shipping.

As for being active, I found him to be more active during the day than night...

 

[tricksterpup]

I do not have a bugged one but they are great snakes. I recommend them.
Sweet Leucy.. Valentine my Leucistic Texas Rat.

 

[ziggybond_007]

She's gorgeous!

 

[tricksterpup]

She's gorgeous!

He is a boy. But thanks.

 

[ziggybond_007]

He is a boy. But thanks.

So sorry, the name threw me. HE'S gorgeous!