Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey all, the title really sounds bad, but I diden't know what alse to use. I have been keeping snakes for about 4 years now, and have been breeding for 2. I have worked with 7 copperheads in the wild this year, and currently I am breeding amazon tree boas, which I treat like a hot so I can learn. I know I may need a little more time, but I would really like to go ahead and get a rearfanged hot. I was looking at the Asian vine snakes, but have also found that FWC seem to have a low venom toxinty, and the same for mangrove snakes. Also do FWC hood like a cobra? (I have done no research what so ever on them). What would be the best snake? I don't want to go to the hospitle if I get bit. I have been stung by many bees and never had a alergic reacten. Any advice would be greatly helpfull.
Thanks,
Philip

You really don't have a lot to worry about with any of the 3 species you mentioned. In fact, of them all, I'd worry about mangroves the most, as far as reaction goes. I always recommend FWCs as a beginner rear-fang because of their willingness and usual eagerness in eating. Mangroves can be awful to get to eat, vine snakes almost always only eat lizards, but FWCs will usually chow down rodents like they are going out of style. Neither FWCs, mangroves, or vines have good delivery systems so unless you let the thing sit there and chew on you for a while, and you are reasonably healthy with no past severe allergies, I really would not worry. Obviously you should always be prepared for the worst incase it indeed happens. But a hospital trip will hardly ever be called for. As far as the way FWCs hood, think of it more like a hognose "hooding" than a cobra. They don't rear up, but rather just flatten out their necks and stay horizontal. Not too very exciting, but neat nontheless. Anyway, good luck on your choice.
-Chance

All right thanks for your advice, it really helped.
Well thanks,
Philip

If you already have 4 years experience with snakes and know the warning signs to know when a bite may be forthcoming, then you have nothing to worry about. FWCs are very smart and with just a little secure and proper handling, they are very mellow.

I don't have any experience with the other snakes you mentioned but I have 5 FWC's and the only time I have been bitten was during a probing session...so, it really was my fault for not handling her a little differently. I do have severe allergies and am allergic to bees...however, I had no reaction whatsoever to being bitten by her.

Obviously, I'm a little biased in my love for these animals but I have to say go for it...get one!! You'll love it!!