Reptile & Amphibian Forums

After doing a search on these snakes, they all are rather drab brown or green. Has anyone seen the boomslang pic in the kingsnake gallery (search boomslang, it's the only pic!)? This snake is just amazing, bright green scales on a black background. Is this a juvie or just an awesome pheno? The gent is from south africa and has no contact info so I leave my questions up to this forum

This is a male color morph called "Kivuensis" Phase.
This Typ of Boomslangs exist in Areas around of
Arusha.

Here's one, enjoying a small snack.

Wow, I've never seen this colouration either! Are those red eyes a camera artifact? I think I may need to get some boomers to represent every colouration, they are all so neat

Yes, that's because of the camera. The eyes are actually black, which gives it a sinister look.
They are incredible snakes. I currently keep 2.2, and I have been considering getting some more in the future...

I'm still a ways from obtaining my zoo permit, but while on the topic of boomslangs, I would like to inquire how hard it was for you to obtain the antivenom? I've heard many people don't keep this species because there is problems either obtain the antivenom or affording it.

Well, that's right... I know there's AV as close as in Sweden, and it costs 1200€ per vial (~1500 USD), but it's also hard to get. A lot of red tape etc.

So, as you can gather, I do not possess AV for Boomers. Naturally I don't support the thought of getting venomous snakes without the AV, but like you said it's expensive and difficult to get. Honestly speaking, I don't have AV for any venomous snake I keep.
But I also believe in the individual's right to choose. The only one at risk -so to speak- is me, I have taken precautions that no-one else will be at risk.

I believe there are people out there who'd like to lecture me on this one, but I have thought this through a lot of times before I ever got my first hot.
Besides, unless I'm completely wrong, in the case of a Boomslang bite, a blood transfusion may be required even with the use of AV. (Somebody wiser please correct me if I'm making things up here.)
Which is not to say that I'd put my faith in something like that. I do my best to not get bitten.

Having said that, I have to say once again, that Boomslangs are one of the most interesting snakes I've ever had the chance to work with. Save for one, all of my other individuals are quite easy-going.

All the best.