Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Forgive my relative ignorance on snakes, but I have a question that I have been pondering. I was going to get some eyelash vipers for a big display vivarium in my new apartment, but after consulting with the stringent laws of Delaware, that will not be an option. I'm looking for a small arboreal snake (boa) that would be a relative replacement for the eyelash viper tank. I don't have a ton of money, but I do have some set aside for such a purchase. Does anyone have suggestions?
Best,
Justin

This isn't the ONLY answer, but the easy and obvious answer is an Amazon Tree Boa. They don't get too big, they stay slender so they can maneuver around an arboreal setup nicely, they are common and are bred all over so they are easy to find, they come in TONS of different colors and patterns so you could get one that you find especially attractive, and they are quite inexpensive. Many, many of them can be found for less than $100. And you will have your choice of adults or babies.

Question: why in the world would you want an eyelash viper? If because of the colors, then an Amazon is even more a good choice. If it's because you think that keeping something deadly and venomous in your home is "cool" and would be great to show all your buddies, then you're a fool.

Thanks for the advice, that was one of them I was looking into. Are you able to keep more than one in the same vivarium granted it is of suitable size (and what would that be)? As for the eyelash vipers, I lived in Costa Rica for the better part of the past year and saw them regularly. I am not one of those people you eluded to, I am one to sit and look at them. I find their colors beautiful and enjoy the snakes very much. They are fairly common in the field, so while looking for the dart frogs I study, I would come across them. Living back in the states I find myself wanting to surround myself with fond memories (orchids, Norops, and maybe even a snake). Thanks again for your reply.

>>This isn't the ONLY answer, but the easy and obvious answer is an Amazon Tree Boa. They don't get too big...

Eyelash Vipers get to about 36" in length (maximum), whereas Amazons can grow to 72" feet in length.

>>Question: why in the world would you want an eyelash viper?

I could go on forever, but for starters, they're beautiful and fairly low maintenance (for qualified keepers).

>>If because of the colors, then an Amazon is even more a good choice.

And this is based on what? Have you ever even seen a solid yellow (or even a yellow & red) Eyelash Viper in person? I keep both species and I love my Amazons, but the Eyelash Viper wins the color contest. Just compare a solid yellow Eyelash to a solid yellow ATB in person, and then tell me which one is more intense.

>>If it's because you think that keeping something deadly and venomous in your home is "cool" and would be great to show all your buddies, then you're a fool.

Considering that whole speel was based on an ill-conceived assumption, was it really called for? Would you be so rude as to say that to him in person? Doubtful. Of course, this kind of thing runs rampant on kingsnake forums, so I'm not the least bit surprised.
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Anthony Caponetto
http://reptiles.drivennewmedia.com

Thanks a bunch for insulting all the venomous keepers on the forum. You go.

Justin,

I'm not sure what size your viv is, so it's hard to say. All of the more commonly kept Tree Boas (Sanzinia, C. caninus, and C. hortulanus) get considerably larger than B. schlegelli. In fact, I wouldn't say that there is such a thing as a small Tree Boa. Length-wise, they're all about the same (5-7 feet), but considering diameter, the Amazon is the smallest.

I have an Amazon Tree Boa and an Amazon Basin Emerald, both born last December. They are both approximately 18-20" in length, yet the Emerald is a little more than the diameter of a nickel, whereas the Amazon is no more than the diameter of a pencil.

I have no first hand experience with the Madagascar Tree Boa, but I know that they attain lengths of 5-6 feet as well, and are more comparable in girth to an Emerald.

In all reality though, I don't know that an adult Madagascar Tree Boa or Emerald Tree Boa would really require any more cage space than an adult Amazon, so it's really dependant on your preference and budget. If you're thinking about Emeralds, don't forget Chondros...I keep those too, and to be honest, I think they're a little easier to maintain than Emeralds.

Just my .02

>>Forgive my relative ignorance on snakes, but I have a question that I have been pondering. I was going to get some eyelash vipers for a big display vivarium in my new apartment, but after consulting with the stringent laws of Delaware, that will not be an option. I'm looking for a small arboreal snake (boa) that would be a relative replacement for the eyelash viper tank. I don't have a ton of money, but I do have some set aside for such a purchase. Does anyone have suggestions?
>>Best,
>>Justin
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Anthony Caponetto
http://reptiles.drivennewmedia.com

Thanks for your reply. I had been leaning strongly towards Amazon tree boas, but after reading more about their temperment, I started to shy a bit. My roommate will have to take over care at least two long periods of time while I finish up some work in the field (Costa Rica and Panama), so I don't think he's up for dodging small teeth. Barring the price, what really would be the advantages (disadvantages) of Emerald trees/green trees versus Amazons? I have never fully understood the big price difference between the emeralds and green trees. I am still not even remotely decided, but I do like the emeralds. I will be building a large glass terrarium for them for the living room, and perhaps even put in some of my childhood favorites, Brazilian rainbow boas in it like a display cage we had at Reptiland (where I worked as a zookeeper one summer). The tank will be sufficiently large enough to keep them all together if that would occur, no worries. Thanks again for all the replies. I feel badly asking such ignorant questions.
Best,
Justin

At least with the amazon a bite will only make you bleed a little (as opposed to eyelash vipers)
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-audri
Webpage/Pics

What about the arboreal candoia? I know there are smaller forms that would fare well in a small enclosure. I have never kept them and I do know that they don't compare in color but they are quite cryptic and different looking. If it were me, I would go with the eyelashes or get a bigger tank to house other larger, colorful snakes like ATB's, emeralds or chondros.

I actually met with a breeder in the area and saw some ATB's. I think they would easily be something that could work. He also had some R. lechianus which I am now very interested in.
Best,
Justin