Currently, I have one female Desert Striped whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus taeniatus), and it is an awesome captive. Originally, I had purchased a pair, but my male unfortunately escaped under the care of another while I was away on vacation. I am still in search of another male.
Whipsnakes seem to be completely underappreciated in my opinion, as in my experience they are beautiful and fascinating in the terrarium. Though they are nervous when held, they become accustomed to people outside of the enclosure and will not flee when approached. Even without being able to comfortably hold them, I have discovered that they are still more enjoyable than other colubrid species which are less active and lack the intelligence of Masticophis. I hope to eventually locate a pair each of schotti, ruthveni, and also bilineatus.
Does anyone else keep these snakes? What have your experiences been keeping them?

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Roy Blodgett
Green Man Herpetoculture
royreptile@yahoo.com

1.1 Drymarchon corais
1.1 Pseustes sulphureus
1.1 Masticophis taeniatus taeniatus
0.0.1 Coluber mormon
1.1 Lampropeltis getula californiae (desert phase)
1.0 Boiga dendrophila dendrophila
2.3 Pogona vitticeps (snow and red/gold)
1.0 Iguana iguana

“All men lie enveloped in whale-lines. All are born with halters round their necks; but it is only when caught in the swift, sudden turn of death, that mortals realize the silent, subtle, ever-present perils of life.”- Herman Melville

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