I have kept Atropoides mexicanus and Porthidium nasutum. Both were exceptionally gratifying taxa to work with. I kept both taxa in good-sized semi-naturalistic set-ups, trying for bioactive substrates etc etc. Both would be easy in lab-type set-ups but they're both great candidates for gorgeous display terraria.



I guess you might say they're both a little dangerous because they get so mellow (one could easily become complacent with them, which in my opinion is the most dangerous thing in venomous herpetoculture). A curious fact about both is they're both "grab-and-hold" strikers, with food. Perhaps with hands???



The jumpers come from a little higher up so I kept mine on the moderate-temp side (ambient DTH ~ 78-82 F with a warmer basking spot). The nasutum I kept about 5 degrees warmer. All my snakes always get a night drop to the mid-upper 70s.



I've never maintained Cerrophidion but someone whose abilities I respect told me wild-caught godman's are a nightmare. "They just die." He said CB are fine (except babies are tiny...), just don't keep them too warm. I was always attracted to the godmani but never acquired any. Now I probably never will be able to, due to where I live.



Good luck. I think Atropoides are seriously under-rated. I also think they're a pretty good candidate as entry-level material, aside from the "exotic antivenom" factor. Small, easily-handled, great feeders, sturdy, pretty low toxicity and yield, etc. I think the same holds true for all the Porthidium, except the babies can be a hassle (tiny, frog & lizard feeders, whereas neonate Atropoides are decent-sized & will take rodents just fine). Both are available CBB.



Cheers,

Jimi

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