Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I saw on snakegetters that getting a suitable non venemous snake is the best way to get used to handling a venemous snake. I am really interested in getting some eyelash vipers I would settle for a copperhead first though just to get the experience. What I was wondering is what non venemous snake would most act like an eyelash viper or a copperhead. Also I don't have a room that I can lock the snake in. I can lock the cages Is this suitable or is a locked room a must have.

For an eyelash viper I would say you closest non venomous snake to work with would be an amazon tree boa. I would say the emerald TB because they are less nippy in general and you would always want to be on your toes for the "surprises" but they are a much larger snake and use a bit less strinking range off a branch in general. The wirey amazons keep you watching. But you need to treat them like you cannot get bitten. The emerald has a much worse bite to deal with over the amazon if you do get bitten but you need to assume you cant get bitten at all so that isnt an issue I would say. The amazons will allow you to set up a smaller arborial display almost identical to a schlegelii and use the same tools. The will both be similar on the hook and will bite at your face. You can use a front opening enclosure with a single piece substrate so you can do all maintaining (water changes and substrate changes) with long tongs. If you have a branch set into the sides and not touching the floor you can do everything while the snake is perched and never need to even move it with a hook. Also, the amazons will go one the ground as well so you will need to make the choice whether to move it with a hook and try to get it somewhere else...or wait until it moves itself depending on how urgent you need to go in there. Sorry for the long post but I honestly think this would be the best snake to start with and the best setup to do it so I am giving all the reasons why. And if you really want to make it harder for yourself get a wild caught so you have a better chance at problem feeder experience. Oh sorry, the only disadvantage would be the amazons being so tough to mess up with you will not need to have as demanding conditions to maintain (like the less tolerant ETB)

with the aboreal boids... both amazon tree boas and green tree pythons would work. It is also important to stick with what really interests you. Skip the copperhead. Also choose a "practice snake" that you will continue to enjoy even after you have moved into hots. This is an occasion where an intermediate step is needed, but avoiding disposable herps is always beneficial.