Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a couple of quick questions about my C. c. cercobombus:

1. My gravid sidewinder I think is due pretty soon; as a matter of fact, any day. I have noticed that each day she increasingly ticks her rattle in short spurts. Does this happen because she is ready to give birth (the babies are moving around inside her?)?

2. This will be my first time with neonate C. c. cercobombus. I've read all about them backwards and forwards. I have read many techniques about how to feed them, when, and that neonates might need to be taught how to drink. Does anyone recommend any techniques or know any tricks of the trade? Any good resources that I should look at?

3. I want to release some of the juveniles back into the wild. Is this okay? Should I feed them first? Should I release them right away or wait a month or two?

I guess I'm asking a lot of questions because I really want to give these animals the best care.

Thanks for the info and advice in advance:
Dustin

Where do you live?

I'v read that a drop of water on the head of the snake every other day is recommended.

n/t

Although it is a noble thing to do and you are "well meaning", by releasing some babies back into the wild, it is not a wise thing to do. Captive animals are exposed to other animals (usually exotics) in our collections... risks of disease transmissions (through husbandry techniques, handling tools, etc.), although very small, are still there.... REMEMBER THE CALIFORNIA GOPHER TORTISE... it was an exotic disease that spread through the wild population through the release of a captive animal that almost wipped them all out.

Maybe by giving/trading/etc. the extra babies to others in your area who are into venomous, you could help the wild population somewhat... The people who want sidewinders could get quality animals from you and do NOT have to go out and collect their own... so in the long run you are stopping the collection of a few wild animals and so native populations are not impacted so much.... Kinda the whole theory (other than knowledge) of captive breeding programs...

These are just my ideas...I could be totally wrong.... It is clear that you truely care about the animals & native habitats/populations/etc.

Good luck and congrats!

Happy herping... Graham

I understand what you mean. I haven't heard about the tortoise disease (I'm not really into tortoises, that's probably why) until you mentioned it. If I can't find anyone to take them, what can I do with them? I know I'm legally able to gift venomous to people in other states as Arizona has some strict laws. Well, I mean I can't really afford more snakes to feed. I do have other snakes, but they are all native. C. tigris, L. g. californiae and C. c. cercobombus so I don't really see a threat. I also sterilize my tools, hands and water dishes before entering the cages (I'm learning how to become a breeder in the future and I want to have a name like "Bob Clark" or "Applegate" so I need to learn to do what's right). Maybe it sounds contradicting that I want to become a breeder and I'm releasing my babies, but I really can't afford them right now.

Thanks for the advice,
Dustin

From a legal stand point... If you are releasing, DON"T GET CAUGHT! Game and Fish has some pretty serious laws against it in AZ. Unless you can get written permission from G&F (good luck), you could get hit with some pretty hefty fines. In the future have you considered pre-selling/gifting babies so you won't have extras left over. I think I am in your area, but am already getting 2 sidewinders from a breeder/friend who had her babies on the 28th. Watch for aggressiveness in your babies. I've actually had two sidewinder babies kill each other in the past. One was very aggressive and tried to eat the other who retaliated in kind. Good luck with the new additions!

I hate to post like this but I can't afford to feed the babies and I'm not so sure if I want to release them. Some might say "You can't afford pinkies, come on man." Well, I can't. I mean, I'm sure we've all seen those people into reptiles and can't believe our eyes (long hair, tattoos, piercings, trailers, heh you get the idea) not saying that's me, but you know (and in no way any offense to any of them; some of them are the coolest people you could ever imagine).

Anyway, send an e-mail to: viridix@cox.net :and I will try to work something out.

Dustin

Try posting on www.venomousreptiles.org Their classified section is FREE and a lot of hot keepers post on there. www.[bleep].com also has a FREE VENOMOUS classified section. Just place an add listing free captive born sidewinders to responsible adults with venomous experience. Someone will take them from you.... Good luck...