Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a new West African green mamba. I have handled everything from Large king cobras, to large W/C Blk. Necked spitting cobras. to most all rattle snakes, Rhinos, gabbys. Ect. This snake is very fast. And more toxic than any named. "But When I do decide to handle this snake" can anyone (THAT HAS HANDLED THE GREEN MAMBAS) Please tell me how they may handle compared to the others I have handled. (I know all Snakes handle diffrent) "BUT" Thanks Elapid keeper

Are you talking baout free handling? You should never free handle a venomous snake. Is it a venomoid?

No, Not free handling....(Hook/tail) I do not free handle any venomous snakes. I am asking anyone that has been around green mambas for some time, for advice on handling of them. TAIL/HOOK ONLY. Thanks

You should try the elapid forum... the people here are handling vine snakes and false water cobras ... I know there are several people with mamba experience in the main venomous forum too. I personally have viper experience but wouldn't want to think about handling a mamba... I think I'd use tongs though.

I have been told that they do not like to feel enclosed, personally have only handled them with grabs so far, but do find they struggle more when you close the grab on them than if you just use the grab like a hook, by the way elapid62 I have sent you a reply to your e-mail.

Cheers

Mike.

I would never try to handle Dendroaspis with tongs. The flailing and open-mouthed thrashing would be something that would have to be experienced to be believed, especially with a large specimen. Tail/hook or light-reversal transfer boxes only.