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RE: Questions about keeping Cobras ...

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Posted by: Chance at Tue Jun 3 14:31:06 2003  [ Report Abuse ] [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by Chance ]  
   

Though I haven't kept a huge number of Naja, I have kept some and plan on possibly specializing in them in the nearish future. So I'll answer what I can. I'm sure you'll get more responces, which will probably fill in any holes I leave and elaborate on what I speak of.

>>* Do all of the Cobras (Naja, Aspidelaps, etc.) show marked tissue necrosis from envenomation? Do some species exhibit less sloughing than others? Please note ... I do not PLAN to be bitten and will be handling them very rarely. Just curious.

I know that most of the Asian Naja certainly show lots of necrosis. I'd imagine that the African species do as well. I believe Naja nivea is consider one of the, if not the most, neurotoxic Naja species, so it's local physical effects might be a bit less than others. Due to the nature of their venom's usage, I'd have to speculate that the spitters, no matter what continent, probably have the most damaging local effects.

>>* Do the spitters (Black and Red) eventually stop spitting, or does it depend on the temperment of the snake? The Reds are GORGEOUS ... but I am cautious about the spitting because of the screened top.

I must agree about the red spitters A bright red pallida is, IMO, one of the most beautiful snakes on the planet. As to their captive behavior, I currently maintain 1.1 juvenile nigricollis. I've had these snakes since last October. When I first got them, they were very quick to hood and spit. And dead on accurate too! You could check the glass when the snak spit and just bet that it was a perfect spray right where your eyes would have been. They were around 12" or so at that time. Now, they are around 22 to 25" and have practically stopped hooding or spitting all together. It takes something to surprise one before it will even partially flare a hood, and neither have spit in the last few months. So I'd have to imagine that by the time they are fully grown adults....they will be pretty boring snakes, lol. I've never kept pallida but have spoken with a number of people who have, and each person said that babies raised to adulthood and usually even ltc specimens calm down greatly. If you're worried about the snake spitting, I would either get an ltc adult that has had plenty of time to adjust to captivity, or get some babies and raise them. I can only imagine what a w.c. adult black necked spitter, over 6', would be like trying to handle it. Regardless of whether you think the snake has stopped spitting or not, goggles or a face-shield are a must.

>>* Does the Coral Cobra generally have a pretty even temperment? I know each specimen is different, but every Cape Cobra I've ever seen was a very nervous and nasty snake. What about the Red Spitters? Laid back demeanor, generally?

I'd imagine all this is on a case-by-case basis. The people I've spoken with that have had coral cobras said that they vary, some being very calm while some are psycho. Still though, even if they are a little crazy they aren't too very dangerous. Same with red spitters, I've personally seem some that would just lay still all day and not move around much at all. These were display animals though, so were used to seeing lots of people. My advice would just be to hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.

Anyway, I hope so of this was of assistance.
-Chance


   

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  • You Are HereRE: Questions about keeping Cobras ... - Chance, Tue Jun 3 14:31:06 2003

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