Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Following my recent death of a juvi male Cerastes cerastes... I am now entertaiing the idea of getting me another hot....but im kinda stuck at a crossroads and would appreciate some advice....
I have been entertaining the idea of getting one of the following for my next specie..

blacktail rattlesnake
Crotalus_molossus

Speckled rattlesnake
Crotalus mitchellii

Hairy Bush Viper
Atheris hispidus

Western Pygmy Rattlesnake
Sistrurus m. streckeri

Southern Copperhead
Agkistroden contortrix mokasen

CANEBRAKE RATTLESNAKE
Crotalus h. atricaudatus

White lip tree viper
Trimeresurus albolabris

Mottled Rock Rattlesnake
Crotalus l. lepidus

I do have some qualms however... I have already set up a 40 gallon long breeder and would like to use that as the cage/housing..without needed to upgrade to a bigger house as the animal gets bigger so I relize some of the species listed are somewhat out of this league...

My main problem with my baby Cerastes was feeding... It didnt want to... thus led to me to worry and axiety but I coped... I would like a generally healthy eater as far as specie goes (I know all snakes are different) I wouldnt ind any on the list but oh do I love that rattle...never the less I will take all responces into consideration... I will do more research in the meantime and possibly find one best suited to me bvut would most definately appreciate suggestions

Thanx to all
PatrickR

Sorry to hear about your cerastes. I would recommend a hardier species like a southern copperhead (one of my favorites) or a rock rattlesnake (I love mine)....both are very hardy, undemanding animals. Some of the others you listed like A. hispida are extremely difficult to acclimate and you will be headed for more headaches. Tri. albolabris are beautiful animals but need lots of humidity and they are prone to dehydration which can lead to impaction. I would go with a copperhead or a rock rattler. Good luck. Rob

What would the difference be in captivity of say these three species?

blacktail rattlesnake
Crotalus_molossus

Western Pygmy Rattlesnake
Sistrurus m. streckeri

Mottled Rock Rattlesnake
Crotalus l. lepidus

Hardy? Appetite? Requirements? Attitude?

I'm starting to really like the idea of one of these three... both from my understanding stay under 4 foot which is fine by me, all have resonably accesable AV (not around me unfortunately tho since neither is native.. but neither was my cerastes so I shouldnt be overly concerned

Thanx