Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I work in a Dental office,in Arizona, and most of our patients know I love reptiles. Well, a family brought in a tiny little snake that had been chased out of a neighbors yard with a weed wacker. His tail was partly severed, but otherwise looked okay. I removed about 1.5 inches of tail, the snake didn't even try to bite me. Took him home last night and set him up in a 10 gallon tank on paper towels and cork bark hide, water bowl. I thought it might be a Gopher or Glossy snake (excited!), but now realize it is probably a Coachwhip (Oh, my!!)This morning before work I offered him a FT pinky, which he ate sometime while I was at work. So, I was thinking of keeping him (I have 14 other snakes), and the question is, will he likely thrive in captivity, or is he better off released? I don't handle my snakes much, I prefer to set up naturalistic habitats for them. At the same time, I don't know if I want a vicious snake. From what I've read, they can be really nasty.
Any input?
Thanks,
Beth

Cute little thing! Note the short tail. But must be a good sign that he ate so readily, not?

If it is eating then the chances are good for it's continued survival as a captive. As for the temperment, coaches often calm in captivity.

Frank
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"The luxury of not getting involved departed with the last lifeboat Skipper..."

read my post below for specs...