I always wanted an ETB... always. You are right, they are absolutely beautiful.



But I did not rush into it. I waited till I felt I had enough experience and knowledge before I bought one of my own (Her name is Madeline, she was my 20-something snake). Assuming your a regular-Joe like me who cannot afford an Amazon Basin ETB and instead going for a Northern ETB, I do not want to tell you to not get one "because it is not the snake for you," as I was told so many times when I asked questions concerning their temperament. I will tell you to use your better judgment before investing in one, because they are more aggressive snakes by nature. Be honest with yourself when you ask yourself if you can handle it.



Madeline is my most vicious snake, and I own an array of snakes from cobras to boas to burms (her teeth are so long, she bit the back of my hand once and got stuck -- it was a ten minute project trying to pry her out without breaking teeth). However, I don't want this to discourage you, because I do not regret her. I was told by many that neonates, they are much nippier, and it isn't till about when they're a year-old that you can really start working with them. I have no evidence to prove this is true, but I do believe it. I got Madeline when she was pure red as I want to experience her color change, as many people do.



Now she is about half red/half green and still vicious, but I feel my efforts have impacted her. Maybe its because I am able predict her better... maybe its not necessarily a temperament change. However, I do think any snake/ETB is tamable with the right amount of time (not too much, not too little), with a lot of patience, no fear but respect, while being smart/responsible about it. I expect Madeline will never really be my little necklace-snake because I think that is just her personality. I've seen incredibly mean ETBs, but I have also seen incredible friendly ETBs. I think it is a mix of what is integrated as them (what makes them an individual) and their human-interaction experience that decides this. My snake is not one of the friendly ones, and I think you should be prepared for this.



If you do decide to go for it, get a CBB -- you'll be way better off that way, and start young. Don't give up, cuz like I said it might take a year or more for them to loose some of their aggression, or at least for you to get used to it. I started off with a hook as a baby, that way she could get used to be handled more with less blood, LoL. Keep the interactions short. Eventually you'll work up to using just your hands. Just make sure you truely believe you're making a smart decision in getting your ETB and make sure you feel ready.



Cuz I agree with Ike: "their beauty makes it easily worth dealing with their agression and temper they sometimes have."



ALL MY OPINION. PLEASE DON'T BASH ME. I am no expert and I recognize this.
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Cheers!

• Chelsea Lynn Gardiner

(and Frank M. Wood)

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