Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Im looking into getting my first Crotalid, not my first hot! and was wanting some input on both of these snakes camparatively with respects to
Caging
Captive care ease?
Venom Toxicity... Have heard Atrox reported most NA bites and most fatalities but lost that reference and dont know the source of that information as far as time lines go... and Canebrakes are not used in Crofab which might prove a problem as well as being reported as hot as Eastern Diamondbacks.. any input?
Temperment/attitude... I know atrox is known for their perticularly nasty disposition but havent heard anything about canebrakes
General/Typical length... All I can gather is far stretched "record breakers" I want real numbers.. to me a 3 foot window isnt acceptable unless you break it down into males and females

Thank you for your time
Sincerly
PAtrickR

All I can say is this: I wouldnt get an atrox first. They get large and can be nasty, and they do kill a lot of people. Im not real familiar with canebrakes but as far as I know crofab has been effective against all north american viper species, so I wouldnt worry about that. My suggestion would be a sidewinder or speckled rattler. Ive also heard rubers can be placid. Once again, Im not familiar with canebrakes, but I would think that that would be a better choice than an atrox.

Well, if you're looking for two larger crotes, these are good choices....As far as caging, both can be kept in simple, lockable enclosures outfitted with a hidespot, water bowl and the right temps. The canebrake may require slightly higher humidity, but other than that, they are pretty similar in terms of caging.

As far as size, both of these animals can reach impressive lengths and girths in captivity. While an "average" adult length is somewhere in the 3.5-4 foot range, both of these animals can reach nearly 6 feet, and at this length are truly impressive...In fact, the record length for an atrox is a shade under 7 ft.....

In regards to toxicity, either of these creatures can inflict a nasty, potentially life-threatening bite. Certain populations of canebrakes have powerful neurotoxic components in their venom, making them extremely virulent. Atrox's venom isn't particularly potent (LD50 of about 5mg per kg) but when you consider the enormous yield they can expend in a bite, they are truly a dangerous animal. I'd put the toxicity of horridus above atrox, but atrox has a larger yield, so I guess it's pretty much a wash...Long story made short....Don't get hit by EITHER of 'em!

Temperment....well like everything else it can vary...As a rule, atrox are much more "nervous" than horridus, but this isn't always the case. In my experience, atrox is much more prone to "sounding off" and adopting defensive behaviors than is horridus. However, I have seen quite a few atrox that were relatively laid-back....

Both species are relatively easy to keep and CB examples of both are often voracious feeders on pre-killed rodents. I'd recommend a CB neonate or juvenile to begin with....that way, you can learn about the particular snakes' quirks BEFORE it acquires a large strike range! In summary, both species can be easy to handle, provided you know what you're doing. Good luck with whichever species you choose...

-Kris

I must say that if you must choose between the two, I would go with the Canebrake. I have been keeping both species for many years now. They both do great in captivity, especially CB specimens.
Temperment:
Atrox: can be very nervous and quick to sound off and even quicker to strike multiple times. But, like with any other animals, there are some placid ones out there. I have a nearly 5' female I have had for four years and has never struck at anything other than food. But I would say 9 out of ten are going to try to get ya.
Canebrake: Not generally as nervous as atrox, but can be at times. I have noticed with canebrakes, that they like to observe everything. None of mine ever rattle, but they will "huff" like a Gaboon, but not move into a defense posture. I rarely have a canebrake try to get me.
Size:
Atrox: They can get to impressive sizes. The average atrox female is around 3 - 3 1/2' and males around 4 - 5' BUT they can get much bigger than that, up to 7' They are heavy bodied, which makes them difficult to deal with if they do get up and over 5'
Canebrake: They also can get up to an impressive size. The average size is around 3 1/2' - 4' for female and 4 - 4 1/2' for males. They can reach lengths 6' & more. They do get pretty heavy bodied, but I would say not as heavy as the atrox.
Enclosures:
Both species require about the same type of enclosure. They don't require a huge cage, but you don't wanna cramp them either. Give them a hide box that is just big enough for them to fit in and a water bowl. The canebrake usually requires a little higher humidity than the atrox. Atrox like it DRY.
Food:
Both species will generally take rats or mice depending on size, that is if they are CB. WC canebrakes, especially adults, tend to prefer chipmunks or squirrels and can be rather difficult to swith over without having a supply of chips or squirrels.
So, to sum it up, if you will be getting CB animals, I would have to say go with the Canebrake. But if you have to get WC, then the better way may be to go with the atrox. Because Canes can be VERY hard to get to eat and I have to stress that.
This is just based off of my personal experience, but I hope it helps.
Bobby