Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all,

I really need some info from people with 1st hand experience. I absolutely love the Brazilian Rainbows. Especially the really dark red ones. They really take my breath away. Now, I have never owned a snake before but I have owned a savanah monitor and an iguana. I have done lots of research on rainbows from books and caresheets on the net. Some say they are very snappy and some say with frequent handling they tame quite nice. What have your experiences been? Would this be an ok snake for a first snake or should I just go with a 'red tail'? I would really appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks,
Mike

Mine is not snappy at all, in fact she's dog tame. The others I've handled as babies also have been quite tame. However, I have read that they can be nippy.

As for a BRB for a first snake...well, who knows. They take a little more work and aren't as "forgiving" of mistakes as some snakes. However, I find my BRB to be quite easy to keep. Just keep the humidity high enough and fairly constant, the temp in the correct range and keep the cage clean (it can mold w/all that dampness) and you'll be fine--especially since you've been researching them already.

Mike,
If you set your enclosure up correctly you shouldn't have any trouble with a brb as a first snake. Babies are nippy but by the time you don't react to their striking/biting a dozen or so times they will stop that behavior. If you pay attention to the husbandry on a daily basis they will do fine for you. If you are wanting a snake to hang around your neck for an hour, a brb may not be the best choice. They are nocturnal and you may only rarely see them during daylight hours. I know only a little about what is involved in raising a healthy iguana and I think a rainbow would be much less demanding.

Linda
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"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance- that principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer

Thanks all. Your general consensus confirms my gut feeling about BRBs. Now all I have to do is replace the clutch in my wifes Geo(about $600) and then I can start getting my tank setup for a BRB. I hope I can do it before the season is over. Until then I shall continue to enjoy the posts and pics here.

Mike
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"I thought I was wrong once...but I was mistaken"

If you took good care of your savanna then you will do fine..savannas have the reputation in the lizard world that BRB's have in the snake world. Just do research and care for them..if you love them they will love you back no matter what.
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0.1 Leos
1.1 Corn snakes (1 Lav & 1 Ghost)
0.1 Banan California King
0.0.1 Childrens python
1.1 Brazilian Rainbow boa
1.0 Rat (as pet not food)
1.2 Ball pythons (1pastel 2 normals)
"whats with you and all those dang reptiles?"