Eastern Rat Snake

Species: Eastern Rat Snake
Scientific Name: Pantherophis quadrivittatus
Origin: United States east of the Apalachicola River in Florida, east of the Chattahoochee River in Georgia, east of the Appalachian Mountains, north to southeastern New York and western Vermont, eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, south to the Florida Keys.

Lifespan: 15+ Years
Size: 84”
Enclosure Type: Eastern rat snakes can be active and will utilize more space if provided.

Enclosure Size: An adult eastern rat snake can live comfortably in a 36” x 18” x 18” enclosure.
Substrate: Many substrates can be used such as aspen, cypress, newspaper, and peat moss.
Décor: Provide your animal with hides on both the warm and cool side of the enclosure.

Water: Eastern rat snakes need access to a large bowl or tub of fresh, clean water that's large enough for them to soak in, and the water should be changed frequently. 
Temperature: Eastern rat snakes do best with a temperature gradient in their habitat. A warm side/basking area of 80-82 degrees and a cooler side of 70-72 degrees will give your eastern rat snake options and choice to thermoregulate based on their comfort and needs. If temperatures are too high, the snake will become agitated, often stay in its water, be constantly moving, and can cause organ failure. On the other hand, if a warm spot is not provided, your eastern rat snake will have difficulty fully digesting meals as well as having a compromised immune system.
Humidity: Eastern rat snakes do great in a humidity of 40%-60% which is fairly mild and common in much of the US.
Lighting: While an eastern rat snake can survive and even thrive without UVB lighting, it will benefit from a low-level UV light (6% or less) as well as a day and night cycle. This gives the animal a much more natural light cycle and happier life.
Type Of Diet: Carnivorous
Types Of Food: Mice, chicks, quail, rats, and lizards.

Feeding Schedule: Every 7-10 days
Supplements: Eastern rat Snakes do not regularly need any type of supplements.