Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Does any one know of breeders that are working with Afrocks and breeding for docility, such as the amazing job Kelly Haller has done with green anacondas? I am determined to raise/keep a tame Afrock. All the ones I work with keep getting worse. The more gentle/unrestrained handling, the more they bite. Suggestions are greatly welcomed-Bill.

IF you find one share with us. Having kept and worked with quite a few rocks throughout the years, most displayed a true propensity to strike (even more so than green anacondas...and you are right, Kelly is a great guy doing some great stuff with that species so there is hope for others like rocks). Most rocks have a true jekyl and hyde personality; always exercise extreme caution when working with them as adults. Rob

Rob,

Thank you very much for your reply. Each rock I try is getting worse than the previous one! I have one of Kelly Haller's male green anacondas. Out of my 32 constrictors he is the tamest by far-the only one I take out with no hook. Take care-Bill.

I would talk to Bob Clark,he breeds Rocks,and has always been straightforward with any questions I've asked him.I had the pleasure of working with a docile Rock,at a reptile exhibit.The staff there were terrified of her,and swore that she was "evil".This girl was over 15',and since no one else vollunteered,I said I would handle the snake...to make a long story short:I opened the door to her cage,she slowly came out to meet me( I had observed beforehand,that the snake was not breathing heavy and showed no interest in my presence)she smelled me a little,I gently picked her up and from then on we were best friends!LOL! I later found out that the staff at this place had always grabbed her behind the head when moving her.I never had any problems with her,but she continued her aggresion towards others who tried to handle her.I've also heard from other people,that Rocks usually calm down the bigger they get?
This is just my experience with one,but maybe this will give you some hope towards finding a tame Rock!

I havent worked with a big african rock. But i do have a small one around 3 1/2' or so, i can hold him without a problem, hes a nice snake...BUT they do get TICKED off easily, dont help them with their shed or anything like that, lol, thats when he will bite.

Yeah,they remind me of WC Retics...If you gain their trust,they're good.But,there is deffinately a limit to how much they will take!LOL!!

My small female Afrock has been a pleasure to work with. I've held her for 2 hours at times and havnt gotten the slightest nibble. Although at times(shedding, after a feed) she has struck, none of them seemed to be a full out strike, more of a warning that she's pist off. I can say that she is the most Active/nervous snake that I own, but by far not the most aggresive. Like chainsaw posted I believe how you treat them, effects the way they react towards you. I do things like take them out of their cages while they are cold, and hold them next to a heater just so they know I'm trying to help them and be friendly.