Cave dwelling rat snakes

Moved my pair of Orthriophis taeniurus ridleyi (cave dwelling rat snakes) into a new set-up and figured that's a good time to snap some quick pics. Lucy and Ricky.

One of these days I'll get some good photos.. one of these days.

what's that over there?


Fresh water


Close-up


Run, back into the cave


thanks for looking
-April

Those are very neat!

thank you! They were on my wish list for a very long time.

These snakes have the most intense feeding response I've ever seen, I'll try to get a video of it.

D'awww Lucy and Ricky, how cute! Cave dwelling rats are just the coolest thing, love those tails! <3 They're on my wishlist too, but I can't realistically see myself getting some for a few years. Someday though~

I hear a lot about their feeding response, so that sounds like fun! Feeding moments aside, how is their temperament? Also if I can ask - how large/old is your pair? *nosy*
I've actually never seen that species in person... never at a show or anything, and I don't even see too much of them online either. Bit of a bummer, I really wish there was more out there on them. So thank you so much for sharing since I can't get enough of those guys!
The new set ups look awesome too, so I'm sure they're happy! The rock walls are especially neat!

thanks! I told myself Someday for a while too, they're worth the wait!

Originally Posted by ~Just Curious~

Feeding moments aside, how is their temperament? Also if I can ask - how large/old is your pair?

They are '08s and unrelated CBB. I was lucky to buy them last year from
another hobbyist. So they were already adults and had been worked with a
lot. They can be huffy and strikey when in the cage but usually once out
I can handle them fine. They are pretty much constantly on the move, like
big giant corn snakes haha. The strike though is surprisingly strong! I mean,
they hit harder than my big boa constrictors do and it's over and over -
*wham*wham*wham* like a firecracker.

I haven't measured them but they are over 6' in length or close to it. I'll
make sure to get some vids up soon. I've only seen them at shows a couple
of times. They can be hard to find, it took me a while to find these two and I
pretty much just got lucky.

Lucky you!!! They sound awesome!
"Big giant corn snake" LOL That's perfect, makes 'em fun to watch! They're so pretty, it'd be a right shame if they were shy~
Their strikes sound like it'd be something to see too. Well never a boring moment right? I imagine it keeps you on your toes during feeding times.

Thanks for the answers though, it's great learning more about these guys!

couple more pics, took these last night

fresh shed:


closer:


This shows how they love to trash their enclosure and make a big ol mess, and everytime I'm in the snake room, they always watch what is going on.

I'm SO jealous, April, I think these are the most elegant snakes ever. Please keep sharing photos.

One day, if I ever hit the Real World..............

Do you handle them much? How do they tolerate it?

Awesome!!!
Thanks so much for sharing, they look gorgeous! The shiny, new skin makes their colors even more vibrant! <3 I love that golden orange, it's actually nicer than a lot of others I've seen who are more olive in color, plus it really contrasts with the skunk tail. I remember the first time I ever saw a picture of this species, my first thought was that it was two different snakes coiled up together. "Where's the stripey one's head?"

Originally Posted by AbsoluteApril

This shows how they love to trash their enclosure and make a big ol mess, and everytime I'm in the snake room, they always watch what is going on.

How funny! I love a snake with personality!
Kinda reminds me of my gophers, I redid their enclosure last weekend which immediatly encouraged them to -trash it- do some radical redecorating of their own. lol This is why I can't have pretty things.

Ones like that may be more of a handful, but they're just so entertaining~
So I too am curious to see what the babies will be like in regards to personality! I apologize if you mentioned this earlier and I didn't catch it, but are you breeding Lucy and Ricky this year?

thank you both!

Sorry I missed your question earlier -

Originally Posted by ~Just Curious~

I remember the first time I ever saw a picture of this species, my first thought was that it was two different snakes coiled up together. "Where's the stripey one's head?"

too funny! That is exactly what I thought first time I saw a photo as well! They do look like a patchwork of two snakes franken-morphed together.

Originally Posted by ~Just Curious~

are you breeding Lucy and Ricky this year?

I am going to try, probably put them together this weekend (they both ate last night). I may be a little late in the season but the weather has been so weird, you never know! I'll post an update if anything looks promising.