Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i am thinking of getting a mangrove and was wondering what dimensions an adult would need for a cage

I have my four footer in a 55 gallon aquarium. She's wild caught and it's taken her about three weeks or so to really get comfortable. She is my first Mangrove so I'm sure more experienced keepers will chime in but they seem to be a bit aloof. She has recently become more active however, and I just bought a 4'x4'x2.5 melamine cage that will house her forever most likely. I have an 8' JCP in an identical cage and she does quite well. They are extremely arboreal and 100% nocturnal so they do require some room. Again, I'm not an expert, just going by my experience with other species of snakes. I've only had her for about a month I guess and want to make sure that she is handleable to some extent before putting her into the larger cage as it is impossible to keep them on a stick and I don't want to take a hit on the face reaching in for her. She hasn't struck yet, hissed a little, and she gives me that look out of the corner of her eye that says "enough". Sorry for the rambling, good luck-

It kinda just depends on how big it grows....they can reach 8ft and i have seen a pic of a large one that would require a larger than 4ft cage. I dont recomend handling them except when necessary..they stress easy and are venomous so shouldnt really be played with..again just my opinion. I have found that using the hook and tail method works better than just grabbing it...but thats just my preferance...gloves are fine also..its just tough to get a grip on the snake.
Height is a must with plenty of branches and stuff to climb on. a couple hides are also good..i have one on the floor and one up higher....mine seems to prefer the elevated one.
Mine is in a 4x2x2 which i feel is a good size cage for the size of the snake...They are pretty easy to care for..make sure you treat it for parisites and give it flagyl if your getting a fresh wc. Good luck..post some pics if you end up getting one.
Here's and older pic of mine..its grown quite a bit since.

I have 1.2 of these creatures. Great animals and do well once they have aclimated. My male is close to 6 feet and my two girls are 4 and 5 foot respectively.

I have yet to SEE them eat. They eat f/t rat pups off an elevated perch I lay it on. They are so placid I could never tease mine into striking at a prey offered off tongs. But hey, whatever works right? LOL They eat like clock work and are healthy and happy.

Mine will only eat in the dark also...Have you bred your trio?

Not yet, they are slated to begin my breeding trials later this summer. It will be my first attempt since they are finaly of size and weight to try. I am only going to try with the larger of the 2.

There isn't a lot of information floating around on breeding and cycling so if anyone has any I would greatfully appreciate it. I did "hear" at one time they are much like cycling emeralds so I am going to try that routine and see what sparks the mood.

Any thoughts on multiple males?

There are a couple articles online about breeding..not many though. Good luck..post pics if it works out