Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello. I do not yet own an emerald, but am seriously thinking about it. A friend of mine has a gorgious female he got as an adult. She would bite you as soon as look at you. I have worked and cared for large boas and pythons for a few years now, so I have plenty of experience. I know that emeralds are notorious for having nasty tempers. A few people I have talked to say that they have heard of (but never met) hand tamed emeralds. How difficult is it to tame a young/juvinile? I know that even the most tamed snake is still a wild and dangerous animal, and that if I decide to get one it's not a question of if I get bit, it's when I get bit. Any suggestions?
Does anyone have, or know a hand tame Emerald?
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Alone, alone, all, all alone. Alone on a wide, wide sea.
-Rime of the ancient Mariner

A tame emerald is not undeard of, the only problem is that a bite from an adult carries some big consequences, they usually remain hidden' behind the snake's gums.

Although they vary on an individual basis,emeralds are not horrible, and they don't deserve the rep they have. Most of my adult animals are of WC origin and with the exception of one animal currently in my collection (Thanks Matt, sheesh)all are calm enough where I can reach into their ages int he daytime while they're sleeping and work in ther without getting bit. The second I touch them and wake them up or get them defensive in any way, all bets are off and I clean later. When I need to move the animals they are all on removeable perches so I rarely handle them at all. I do have one emerald which is the antichrist, but that's another story.

I think that's the problem, there's no question that there are tame emeralds out there, handleable ones are a different story. Emeralds only feel secure when they are holdiong on a to a "branch". When you try to get them off this branch they get defensive and will bite. Most of my emeralds are fine as long as we keep the physical contact down to a minimum. Remember that these guys have evolved for millions of years now up in the canopy where getting grabbed only means one thing...

So my longwinded answer to your question...If you want an animal that presents a challenge, a very rewarding challenge but are worried about getting bit...don't worry. If you're patient with the animal you will soon gain an understanding of eachother's limitations. A young animal is best for this. In time, you will be able to admire your snake up close with no problems as long as you respect it.

If you're looking for a snake that you can tame down and HANDLE, then I recommend you not choose an emerald. I generally don't think emeralds need to be handled for anything other than necessary medical proceedures, it's very stressful and they don't cope with stress very well.

Good luck.
Danny

Tame Huh, Well I have several emeralds and all would bite me if they had a chance except a few.
Emeralds like there keepers have moods, good, bad, anger....The key is not to let them bite you, watch body language.
Also every emmy is different, you must understand that they react with instinct not reasoning.
As far as aquiring a tame emerald, Basin emeralds have been known to calm down and become quite tame after years of captivity.
all in all, Any heathy specimen will do, just be aware that it is not that you will get bit, but when and how big. ouch....
If you ask me the bite is worth it, working with animals this amazing certinly has it rewards.

Good luck
joe

Well, I do not think I can talk with much experience when it comes to Northerns, but I think I can when it comes to Basins.

I can tell that generally speaking I take each one of my animals out about once every 2 months or so.

It is strickly done so they can get some exercise, which I think is always good thing.

At this point, I never have any problems removing any of my animals whatsoever, however, I do feel some just rather be left alone while others seem to enjoy getting out and exploring a bit.

Basins certainly seem to have a better reputation than Northens. I think if you are very concerned with that aspect of temperment, then perhaps a Basin at an reasonable price might be a better choice for you.

I understand that generally speaking people relate a much different price tag when it comes to Basins and Northerns. But, there are some Basins available for a $1000 dollars or so, which isn't really much more than an top end Northern.

Either way I think you will find an animal you will be quite happy with.

Anyway, I just thought I would throw in my 2 cents.

Best of luck, whatever you decide to do!

Rolo
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www.AmazonBasinBoas.com

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www.AmazonBasinBoas.com

I only have 5 Northern Emeralds but all of them are tame. Four are captive born so this might of helped out their tempermant's. I only really handle them about twice a month each though and never had any problems.
Tim Rash

www.nocturnal-creations.com