Speaking of non-Drymarchons that are also large impressive snakes worth discussing on this forum, there is an importer on kingsnake offering various species of Boiga today. Does anyone know about these species regarding husbandry, legal issues, etc ? Which of the species are supposed to be the hardiest captives ?
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Boiga....
simias
Feb 22, 2006 12:18 PM
Replies (1)
epidemic
Feb 22, 2006 02:53 PM
The only member of the Boiga genus amended to CITES appendices, that I am aware of, is Boiga guanxiensis, so once an importer has the required USF&W wildlife import permits, the only legal issues I can see would be local ordinances regarding the genus, especially B. irregularis, as many communities have ordinances banning Boiga spp., Little Rock, AR being one of them. Checking your local and state ordinances, before acquiring one, would be my suggestion.
The captive husbandry for most of the Boiga I see listed is straight forward. Provide them with a large, well ventilated enclosure with plenty of cover and climbing opportunities, an ambient temperature in the mid to upper 70’s and basking area of 80-85 and a relative humidity of 70-80%. Most will readily accept rodents, though a few WC specimens tend to prefer chicks and quail, but scenting rodents with quail will usually get stubborn feeders switched over quickly.
Unfortunately, the primary problem I have seen, regarding imported Boiga, has to do with the condition in which they arrive, as they are hydrophilic and, much like Drys, extremely vulnerable to the effects of dehydration. If you can find a specimen that has been well hydrated prior to export and well hydrated again, immediately upon arrival, the better your chances are of acquiring a specimen that will survive past one month.
Personally, I believe the add sounds like a very good deal for anyone willing to devote the time and resources into acclimating them, but I do suspect a large majority will not survive to become future breeders, but such is to be expected for anyone wishing to undertake such a venture…
Good luck,
Jeff
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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947
