Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I do keep other venemous just dont have any elapids...always wanted them just wasn't sure which species to get first.
Thanks,
B-Turner

I had a nice long message all typed up and ready to go on this, and wouldn't you know I hit the backspace key and lost it all...grrr. Anyway, I'll give a briefer version of what I said.

The following is my opinion. It is only my opinion, and should be taken as such.

First off, I just can't leave this one alone, it's venomous, not "venemous." Now, assuming you do have experience with some other venomous snakes, in my opinion, formosa cobras would be a decent first elapid. Formosas are just a color variant of Naja kaouthia, the monocled cobra. These are the most common privately kept cobra, so that has to say something about their ease of care. Monocleds don't reach extremely large sizes like some of the Africans, and they tend to be somewhat handleable. I don't mean you can freehandle them!! (despite what you may see on certain ads in the classifieds) I just mean that they aren't usually as nutty as say, an aggro forest can be. I've kept 4 monocleds long term, and only one, an albino male, was at all difficult to deal with. He was like that from the start though, so I knew what to expect.

That brings me to my next point. I believe it's very important, when dealing with any new animal, especially a venomous snake, to get a baby or juvenile to start with. Like the old cliche goes, that way you can "grow" with the snake. Working with the animal daily from the time it's 10 or so inches, rather than from the time it's 4 or so feet, will enable you to much more accurately judge its moods and current particular dispositions, and how it will likely react to certain situations. Although this is of course never a guaranteed, that you can always predict what they will do, you'll certainly have a better idea. Just be sure to get a well-started animal, as trust me, having to assist feed your first baby Naja is no fun at all...

Monocled care is about as straightforward as venomous snake husbandry comes. A good substrate that can't easily be injested when they feed, a hide or two, and a water bowl. Nothing too fancy with humidity or temperature. They make fairly undemanding captives, and you'll rarely encounter one that is picky about its food. In fact, they're usually quite the opposite, which means that feeding time = time to watch yourself! My albino male would literally fly up out of his enclosure if he detected the slight scent of mice/rats. He'd do that anyway even if there wasn't food, but then at least he'd be hooding and his mouth would usually be closed. If he smelled food in the air, he was snapping all over the place. As you can imagine, this makes for a very dangerous situation. With most venomous snakes, the most dangerous times to deal with them are feeding and medicating. These are the situations that most often lead to bites to keepers.

Anyway, if you just use a bit of logic and common sense in dealing with the animal, realize that it is just a snake and there's nothing mystical about it, but it's also a very deadly snake and may want nothing more than to cover you with 6' of dirt, you should be fine. Don't handle unless absolutely, ABSOLUTELY necessary. Use a trap/shift box for ease of cleaning. Have a good pair of tongs (I recommend Midwest Gentle Giants for adults, Genesis Mighty Midgets for youngsters) and a sturdy hook on hand at all times. A set of long (18" ) hemostats will come in very handy for feeding and sometimes cage furniture removal. Have a set of tubes handy for any medication needs. Otherwise, just never take any risks and use secure housing, and you should be okay. Good luck with whatever you choose to do.
-Chance
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Chance Duncan
1.1 Olive Pythons
1.1 Woma Pythons
1.1 Ball Pythons (Het Albino)
http://www.rivervalleysnakes.com

Know where the appropriate AV is available (preferably NOT a zoo!)...if you're in or near FL this shouldn't be a problem, but if not, you'll want to find a quickly accessible and reliable source, and make sure they know you're counting on them (common courtesy). Stocking your own is the best thing to do though.

Well, I suppose I was speaking from a husbandry standpoint. AV is very important when dealing with venomous snakes, especially exotics. Keeping your own or knowing where the closest source is is paramount in your own safety. Again, good luck, and stay safe.
-Chance
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Chance Duncan
1.1 Olive Pythons
1.1 Woma Pythons
1.1 Ball Pythons (Het Albino)
http://www.rivervalleysnakes.com