Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Im thinking of adding a green emerald tree boa to my reptile collection ( Austrailian Frilled Dragon, American alligator African Gaboon Viper.) I think it would be a colorful addition, but Im not sure what care/space/experiance is needed?? And, are they solitary animals? Do they make hardy pets. My gaboon doesnt get to be taken out too much as you would imagine. But I want a snake I CAN hold without the chance of it killing me. That is why I am leaning twards Boas, and the green emerald tree boa definetly caught my eye!!

What do you guys think?

Emeralds are not really good canidates for a "Handling" snake. They will tolerate some level of handling but they really don't like it. Plus the fact that although they may not be able to kill you with a bite, even a 3-5 foot animal can inflict some serious damage if they decided to bite. The front teeth, both upper and lower are quite long and just as able to penetrate as a vipers fangs. We have measured shed teeth from a 5' female in our collection which were 3/4" long.
CraigC

Personally I think Bitis gabonica is a far more advanced animal to keep in captivity than an ETB. I'm sure you're careful but it just struck me as kinda odd that you're asking questions about a commonly kept arboreal species but keep a Gaboon in your collection. Forgive me if it sounds like I'm questioning your experience or overall knowledge, I'm not...I just get concerned considering where we are at in the hobby and after recently loosing an experienced hot keeper in my area to a Rhino bite, I tend to question some less experienced hobbiest decisions to keep hots for whatever reason. Don't get me wrong, they are amazing animals, and a very rewarding species to maintain but IMHO we as keeper's should have advanced knowledge with all non-venomous ophidia before diving into the world of hots. Again, this is not directed towards you personally...I do not know you or your level of experience, it's only meant for those who may considering jumping the gun. There's a ton of rewarding, colorful species that are every bit as rewarding to hobbiest and to me, a far better choice for most.

A phrase I've heard ALOT by many hot keepers in my 15 years in the hobby is "it's not if you get hit...it's when" and I must clarify again to all of those I may have offended...I am NOT against keeping venomous - only concerned for the less experienced keeper that chooses to do so.

Best of luck with your decision!!
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