Full Grown Leucistic Texas Rat Snake: Size, Lifespan, Price & More
Leucistic Texas rat snakes make fascinating pets once they reach their full grown size. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about caring for a fully mature leucistic Texas rat snake, including size, weight, appearance, personality, pricing, feeding, lifespan, health, and more.
Size at Full Growth
On average, a fully grown leucistic Texas rat snake will reach 4-5 feet in length. However, some particularly large males may stretch to over 6 feet long from head to tail tip. In terms of height, most full size leucistics will be between 1-2 inches thick.
Weight at Full Growth
At maturity, the typical weight range for a leucistic Texas rat snake is 1-2 pounds. Females tend to be slightly larger and heavier than males of the same length. The record weight for this species is around 3 pounds for an exceptionally large female specimen.
Appearance at Full Growth
Visually, the defining characteristic of a full grown leucistic Texas rat snake is its lack of pigmentation. While normal color forms have gray/brown scales with black flecks, a mature leucistic will be pure white with pink/red eyes. Their scales remain very smooth and glossy into adulthood.
Personality at Full Growth
Personality-wise, adult leucistic Texas rat snakes tend to be more confident and assertive than juveniles. However, with frequent gentle handling they can still become very tame. Provide plenty of hiding spaces and they'll often be out exploring during the day rather than remaining hidden. Regular socialization is still important for taming an older snake.
Price
Expect to pay $100-300 for a fully grown captive-bred leucistic Texas rat snake, depending on size, gender and overall health/condition. Specimens over 5 feet long or with unique color/pattern morphs may command higher prices.
Food/Feeding
Mature leucistic Texas rat snakes consume small adult rodents 1-2 times per week. Appropriate prey includes adult mice up to the lower end of the size range and smaller adult rats. Ensure prey is no wider than the widest part of the snake to avoid potential impaction. Thaw frozen/refrigerated rodents before feeding.
Lifespan
With excellent care, leucistic Texas rat snakes can live 10-15 years in captivity. Good husbandry including a varied, nutrient-rich diet; optimal temperatures and humidity; large comfortable enclosures; and preventative healthcare all help maximize their lifespan potential.
Health at Full Growth
Common health issues to watch for in adult leucistics include mild occasional shedding problems, mild constipation, and strain injuries from constricting large prey items. Maintaining proper husbandry helps prevent such issues. Annual veterinary wellness exams are also recommended to screen for any developing problems.
Care and Nutritional Needs
Maintain temperatures of 80-85°F on the warm side with a temperature gradient, along with a humid hide box between 60-70%. Provide a large secure enclosure no smaller than a 20 gallon long tank for a single adult. Spot clean urine and feces regularly. A varied diet including whole frozen/thawed rodents plus calcium and vitamin supplements every 2-3 months prevents nutritional deficiencies.
Costing
expect to budget $300-600 per year for food, equipment upgrades/repairs, and minor veterinary expenses for a full grown leucistic Texas rat snake. This factors in twice weekly rodent feedings plus supplements, electricity to power heat sources and pumps, annual wellness exams, and occasional substrate/decor changes. A 10% unexpected expense fund is also recommended.
Possible Behavioral Changes
Snakes become more set in their ways as adults, so some behavioral adjustments may be noticed. Threat displays may increase toward very young children handling the snake, so older kids or adults are safer. Exploration drives tend to decrease as well. Overall though, mature leucistics that have been handled regularly remain calm, relaxed animals.
Notable Characteristics
Aside from their size, bright white coloration and red eyes, other notable attributes of full grown leucistic Texas rat snakes include their smooth scales, stocky muscular bodies, prehensile tails, forked tongues, and keen eyesight/senses. Their intelligence also grows with maturity and experience with their habitat.
