Bamboo rat snakes are somewhat known in the hobby but are often overlooked for species like corn snakes and other North American rat snakes. This Asian old world rat snake species is incredibly easy to keep and hardy as long as their husbandry parameters are met. They have beautifully saturated colors and while babies can be wiggly, when worked with adults are remarkably handleable. We work with broad banded bamboo rat snakes - Oreocryptophis porphyraceus laticinctus. 

 

Broad banded bamboo rat snakes can be flighty as babies but are easy to work with as they grow. They are curious snakes that enjoy being out and about in their enclosures. Babies start off red and orange/red and yellow and mature into beautifully deep red adults. Their care is very different than many other snakes but is remarkably simple (check out our care guide for specifics). Though some bamboo rat snakes are more "ornamental" pets, we find our laticintus easy and fun to handle and watch. If you've never thought to give his species a try, don't take our word for it - come see one at a show!