Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have the opportunity to adopt one of these from a local Reptile Rescue for $45.

I know they're beautiful and would like to know more about their general temperment overall. The one I'm looking into getting is about 6 or 7' so I assume is an adult. How long do they live (generally)? What type of setup is needed? Humidity levels? Etc.

Any feedback will be appreciated.

Marcus

I'm no expert, but I tell you a bit about my experience with them. What you are looking at is an adult (breeding size) animal probably around 3-4 yrs old. My male Nam was an adult when I got him and has always been easy to manage. He seems to like contact and unlike my male Taiwan (the Squirm-meister), he stays put when I place him on my shoulders. Nam babies settle down with consistent handling and have a rather even temperment once they achieve some size. However, expect to be bitten repeatedly when they're little and insecure. Once they realize you're a harmless piece of warm furniture, they're fine.

Most people will tell you to keep them mid 70s to low 80s and I agree. I keep mine outdoors once the weather begins to warm in late Spring and leave them out until Fall when the nights begin to drop into the mid 50s. I do bring them inside in Summer when it gets above 88F. They don't seem to care for heat above that temp. Regarding humidity, they like it - mist the cage daily but watch out for dampness which can cause infection.

Feeding is easy, but I have noticed that mine like several smaller items as opposed to a large but size-appropriate item. Maybe this is a quirk that I somehow "programmed" into my animals but I don't think so.

In closing, some pointers:

1) Locate a vet in your area who treats reptiles.
2) Handle the snake first to see how it reacts to you.
3) If you get it, set it up in its cage and don't handle it for a week.
4) Take its first fecal discharge to a vet for a parasite test.
5) Enjoy!

Oh and one final thing - I mentioned above that the snake is breeder sized. DO NOT use that phrase while you are at the Rescue Center. They may refuse to sell you the snake because this happened to me with a center in Colorado.

Good luck!
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Who is like Set...

1.1 Vietnamese Blue Beauties
2.0 Taiwan Beauties
0.2 Cave Beauties
0.1 Bull Snake
1.0.0 Argentine Blk & Wht Tegu