Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello
I'm new to the forum.I'm from Nottingham in England where unfortunately we don't get Coachwhips in the wild.
Today I bought a lovely 4 foot brownish/grey male from a dealer
near to my city.He is suprisingly quite tame,he does try to get away when held,but does'nt seem at all aggressive...which is fine by me,as he is my first in this genus.I am fairly experianced with many of the commonly kept colubrids here in the U.K.,but I love the racer/whipsnake family,so it will be great to chat with you more experianced guys.
I'm wondering if the lad has lost his spirit a bit having been kept in probably o.k. ,but not IDEAL conditions for a long time??..or he may be well tamed from a captive neonate???..any idea's guys???
I'm not sure who the main exporters from the U.S.A. to Europe
are??..but would be nice to get a little of his background.

Kind regards
Paul

Hey Paul,

I find it interesting everytime I hear of Coachwhips being purchased in other countries. I guess I overlook the fact that america exports to other countries as well!!! As most WC coachwhips come out of Texas, I would imagine he is from Texas. The likely-hood of him being captive born or raised is highly unlikely! It is certainly possible, but not likely. I have owned quite a few Coachwhips that were more docile than kingsnakes! They were WC... Some of the older individuals seem to have a better temperment, as apposed to the young. Sometimes Coachwhips will act really docile until they are in a hot inclosure for a few days, then they come to life! At any rate, make sure you feed him often! I can't stress that enough! Coachwhips need to eat every 4-5 days because of their high motabolism. They need a "roomy" inclosure, but not too roomy. Some never eat if their inclosure is too large. They need a UV light 12 hours a day. They need a hide, water bowl at all times. Even mist them once or twice a day. Well I hope I have helped in some small way! I love coachwhips and have owned lots of different kinds and phases! If all goes well you will enjoy him very much, they really have a bad name man. They are gorgeous agile snakes!!!
Best Regards from America!
William C. Huntsman

William
Thank you very much for that information.It has helped me to understand Coachwhips alot more.I have also just read a book entitled "Racers,whipsnakes and Indigo's" by W.P.Mara.So my
knowledge is increasing.
What you have said is true...He has been kept a little warmer with me,although its only 5 days now,and he is certainly starting to act more like I would expect.He is quite ferocious over his food,pulling it from the tongues with full vigour!!!
I have really taken to the guy...he's like no snake I ever owned.I'll keep you posted on his progress.If you can offer me any more information or stories about Coachwhips (captive or wild) I would love to hear them.
Many thanks again ... Paul