Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all,

i am getting myself a FWC later on this year and I would like to ask a few questions first.

1. I have a 2 ft viv lined up for it on first arrival for quarantine purposes and to also establish a feeding pattern, what would be the ideal sized viv for it when its adult?

2. I know this is probably asked a lot but is the venom considered dangerous or could it be said that it is comparable to that of a western hognose?

3. how often should they be fed? to my way of thinking most non venomous snakes get fed every 5-7 days but if they are venomous does this not aid digestion meaning, that they would be looking for food sooner than say pythons for example?

I thank you in advance for your input and if anyone has any other points that they wish to contribute then please do!

Cheers

Phil
-----
1 Varanus Exanthematicus, 1 Morelia Spilota Cheynei

FWC's can be a really cool addition to your collection. You do not say how large a specimen you are planning on for your first WFC. I use aquariums a lot so, for a 5-6' specimen, no smaller thn a 55gl tank. After that start building. These guys need ground room, so I would aim for at least the length of the snake x half that. Height is not as important.

I have been bitten by both (It really took talent to be bit by a western hognose). The FWC definitly has more going for it, though I found symptoms were very minor in my case. Others have reported more severe reactions than mine, but I think it safe to say we are far from having a seriously venomous snake here. What is serious is the way they can strike when hungry or defensive. It is VERY HARD AND FAST. When moving a FWC the hook and tail grab method is best especially when removing one from it's tank. Once out, free handling is usually accepted.

I feed all my snakes on a two week schedule (except for lizard and fish eaters) My 3" FWC eats 1-2 Rat fuzzies per feeding, being most inclinded to feed when temps are 78-85*F.

Frank
-----
"The luxury of not getting involved departed with the last lifeboat Skipper..."

I've made it a rule to never feed live. This way, the snake does not associate warmth and movement with food.

I've only been "charged" at once or twice shortly after acquiring a new FWC and after several feedings, he no longer does that.

I don't use a snake hook. I just reach in the tank and pick mine up when I want to...or they climb out to see me. They're really friendly snakes.

As far as tank size goes, just use your best judgement like any other snake but offer them a good sized water dish. They love to swim.

Hi Phil,

1. I have a 2 ft viv lined up for it on first arrival for quarantine purposes and to also establish a feeding pattern, what would be the ideal sized viv for it when its adult?

Juvenile Hydrodynastes gigas do well in relatively small enclosures, which they quickly outgrow, however. Their growth rates are impressive, and only to be overshadowed by their feeding response. The ideal size of enclosure for a single adult specimen would be 6'x 3'x 2' (LxDxH), in which you could also keep a pair. The absolut minimum should be a 4'x 2'x 2' enclosure.

2. I know this is probably asked a lot but is the venom considered dangerous or could it be said that it is comparable to that of a western hognose?

The venom is relatively toxic, however, their venom yield is very small. In general, they can be regarded as mildly venomous, but not truly dangerous to man. That being said, you may not want to test that hypothesis on adult specimens.

3. how often should they be fed? to my way of thinking most non venomous snakes get fed every 5-7 days but if they are venomous does this not aid digestion meaning, that they would be looking for food sooner than say pythons for example?

Hydrodynastes gigas are very active snakes, and have a proportionally high metabolism. Especially young specimens will often rip the prey out of the hemostats and swallow it within seconds. You can feed hatchlings and juveniles every 5 days, and subadults and adults every 7-10 days. Mature H.gigas usually shut down for the winter from late October to January, during which they will not feed.

Hope this helps.

~TE