Posted by:
Kelly_Haller
at Fri Aug 1 19:28:54 2003 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by Kelly_Haller ]
Shane,
I totally agree with the majority of your post but I need to disagree with the maintenance issue. I have been keeping large constrictors since the mid-70's and in my experience, green anacondas are no more maintenance intensive than any of the other large constrictors. I cage them in the same manner as the larger python species, even to the point of using only a water bowl instead of a large pool. The only exceptions I make are a slightly higher humidity and a substrate temperature that is a little lower than one would use with a reticulated or burmese python, (except for a small basking area). I know it is contrary to common thought, but they do not appear stressed by the absence of a large pool and they have even reproduced for us without access to one. While on the maintenance issue, I have noticed that size for size, green anacondas on a dry substrate produce the least amount of fecal material than any of the other large python species. Also, I have never noticed it to be any more malodorous. The anaconda you referenced could possibly have an intestinal bacterial imbalance.
The green anacondas I have are all docile snakes, but an excellent point you made was the respect you must show a large green. They have at least twice the strength of an equal sized python of any species and care must be taken at all times when working with them. Thanks,
Kelly
[ Hide Replies ]
|
RE: hmmm, hold that thought. - Kelly_Haller, Fri Aug 1 19:28:54 2003