Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Truthfully, this is a project I'm considering in a year or 2 but I want to get some basic information on some of the species... New world and Old world.

My first question: Is there a species of Vine Snake, similar to Oxybelis fulgidus, that remains under 5 ft? All estimates I've seen say most O. fulgidus get an average of 6ft. I'm looking for something a bit smaller perhaps. I have no practical experience with true hots since I know Hognose snakes aren't considered truly venemous but I do keep 3 species of them. If anyone has a list of vine snake species that I could do some looking for in terms of research, It would be much appreciated. My other question is this. With most species of vine snake, how truly dangerous is the venom? Are they similar to say the Malagascar hognose snakes in that area or are they more likely to have a bad effect? I'm just curious right now and have no wish to get an animal that I don't have the skills to deal with but I do plan on learning those skilles with time. I'm inquiring now so I can weigh what the consequences of a bit would be with any of the species of vine snakes. If thick gloves are enough in terms of dealing with them or if hooks are required for handling? Practical stuff to ask before I even consider my plans for an enclosure. I'm basically working on a Bioactive enclosure right now and the vine snakes would be an amazing showcase for natural camoflauge. But, I'm not willing to jump in over my head and there's a lot of conflicting information on the various species of vine snake, including Ahaetulla prasina, and O. fulgidus. If anyone has anymore information on the various species that would be available to a keeper and the skills that are necessary for working with them, I would appreciate the information. Like I said, I do plan on finding a mentor once I move in 2 years to help me learn to work with "hotter" reptiles than vine snakes when I end up down in Florida..but I wanted to know about these guys beforehand and I have done some research but there are too many conflicting reports out there to take away anything more useful than care information....

Thanks again
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Mel Goodrich
RavenCrest Reptiles: Sale and Rescue
drune@charter.net

~Updated animal list coming soon~

Most vine snakes will reach ~6 feet in length. Their venom is not potent, unless you are talking about african vine snakes (twig snake), which can cause a fatal bite. Most of the time they will bluff and strike. They have many, needle like teeth, but nothing to worry about. I handled mine ( a. prasina ) with bare hands. It would bluff, but never actually bite. There may be the possibility of anaphylaxis, but I've never heard of it, and have never heard of any reactions to bites. They are awesome snakes, but eat mainly lizards, so switch feeding to mice can be very difficult, but it has occurred. Most vine snakes on the market are wild-caught, so if you acquire one, you'll want to treat it for parasites, which it will most likey have. I kept mine in a mesh enclosure at ~70~75 degrees with an incandescent light, for a warm area, with many branches and trees. I misted twice a day and it worked well.

Thanks for the info.. I may still go with it even with the length since I know they're light snakes for the most part. I also know a good supplier for feeder lizards plus I have breeding leopard geckos so... I may still work with it and try to search out some captive breds.. if not.. thats going to be a pet project.. getting a pair or two and attempting to breed them. If I don't worry about the size factor I'm going to go with A. prasina or O. fulgidus since they seem to be the most common of the species on the market and most well known. So far the only thing we know I'm allergic to is spiders and thats only because of lingering effects of a Brown Recluse bite.. my hognose have bitten me several times (The Giant Madagascans) and I've only had very mild itching and tingling from it but I keep Epi-pens and Benedryl around on a constant basis anyway..just in case.. I think its a pretty good start to going into working with true venemous.. to get the basic safety precautions and handling down before you even try dealing with anything potentially life threatening.
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Mel Goodrich
RavenCrest Reptiles: Sale and Rescue
drune@charter.net

~Updated animal list coming soon~