Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hi ive been keeping colubrids and the ocasional boa or python for almost my whole life and want to start keeping a few of the rearfang species of colubrid.what is a good choice for me.would any of these be ok
green catsnake(boiga cyanea)
madagascan hognose
parrot snake
lyre snake

i would appreciate any advice i could get.thanks for your time
nick

Nick,

Out of the four candidates you've mentioned, I'd go with one of the three Madagascar hognose (Leioheterodon). I kept an adult male giant (Leioheterodon madagascariensis) a while back. He was a great snake, very docile and easy maintenance. I kept him in a rubbermade of about 30 gallons with aspen shavings and he did great. He was always eager to eat thawed mice every week.

While he was super easy for me to take care of I have heard reports that recent imports can be a pain to get feeding. Just be sure if you pick one up that they have been feeding on something to avoid the hassle.

Lastly, bear in mind that these are in no way related to the American hognose of the genus Heterodon and I don't believe a whole lot is known about their venom composition or potency. I was quite shocked myself to see the size of the fangs in the back of my hoggie. Definitely something to be wary of. Better safe than sorry.

Regards,
Wes

thanks for the reply and ill check into the hogs.
nick