Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi guys!
I was in the reptile store, browsing around, not really looking for any new additions - until I came across the red tailed green rat snake. Most beautiful snake I have ever seen for under a thousand dollars! I've never seen these guys before, so I went home and did some research....
Does anyone have any experience with these guys? Everything says only for ADVANCED (big flashing red letters) keepers, but as far as I can tell, it's only because of the unpredictable nature, ie: I might (read: will) get bitten. I've got a ball python right now, have owned a corn in the past, and have worked w other larger snakes professionally (including a large albino rat snake). I've got a good deal of experience, and have read body language well enough in the past that I've only been tagged by the little whippy baby corns.
So, is this a good snake at my level of experience, or am I missing some critical info which might make me change my mind?
Thanks for any help!
Amanda
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Proud caretaker to:
1.0.0. African grey parrot
1.0.0. Ball Python
0.2.0. doggies

Truth is...you never really know what you're capable of unless you try. But a word of caution with the species, and the true reason for the "Advanced Keepers Only!" labeling, is that a lot of the specimens you see are fresh(or worse, not so fresh) imports that need nearly immediate treatment for parasites, though in proper levels, because they can be touchy about treatment if not yet acclimated. A lot, and I mean a lot, of the imports don't make it. Generally judged in the top three hardest imports to acclimate to a healthy captive status.
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Conrad
Too Fast Reptiles
www.toofastreptiles.bravehost.com

Thanks for the advice. I do believe these guys are wc - they look like they've had a rough life, scars and such... and the reptile store owner isn't being upfront about where they came from. That alone is enough to make me pass I think.
I will definitly be looking into a cb specimen of these guys, if I can find one!
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Proud caretaker to:
1.0.0. African grey parrot
1.0.0. Ball Python
0.2.0. doggies

Well, if I get really uneven ratios from my hatchlings, I may part with a couple. But currently I've only got one clutch incubating and don't intend on parting with any, unless I get a second good clutch from my other female, but I don't think she took.

Good call on the Gonys. It's sad the fortune these snakes will more than likely see, but if they're already in that condition, it wouldn't be a wise investment on you're part...unless you're getting a good deal and are confident in your ability to recover these snakes.
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Conrad
Too Fast Reptiles
www.toofastreptiles.bravehost.com

>>Does anyone have any experience with these guys?

I have purchased dozens of imports over the last few years. Generally, I consider my success rate to be a bit better than 50%. In other words, if I buy two imports I expect one of them will be with me a year later.

>>Everything says only for ADVANCED (big flashing red letters) keepers, but as far as I can tell, it's only because of the unpredictable nature, ie: I might (read: will) get bitten.

If you handle them, you will probably be bitten. No big deal. I consider them to be advanced from a handling standpoint only because they can be hard to control. If the thought of having a very fast snake take off and you and disapear into your couch concerns you, there are probably better snakes. That worried me A LOT more than a bite.

From an difficulty of keeping alive standpoint, I don't consider them to be that difficult. However, many specimens do seem doomed from the start. Honestly, the specimens of mine that did great for a year or more did not require much work. The ones that perished fairly quickly seemed to do so despite my better efforts.

>>So, is this a good snake at my level of experience, or am I missing some critical info which might make me change my mind?

I believe you should have a bit more experience. The need to be able to "read" a snake is pretty important. You have to develop a feel for them.

One snake that I highly recommend is Rhino Ratsnakes. I have 2.2 of them and find them very easy to keep save for a tendency to soak and develop mild blister disease. They are a calmer, slower, ratsnake that appeals to my for the same reasons Gonyosoma do. They are readily available as captive bred and born specimens.

But I still prefer Gonyosoma. I could not design a more perfect snake if I tried. Of course, I like their spastic, aggressive attitude.
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Current snakes:

1.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

2.2 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

4.3 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

I have worked exclusevely with W/C through the years. C/B is definitly the best choice-lack of parasites and less feeding problems.

The W/C can be very difficult to get to feed and that in it's self is reason to back off.

When you do get one I find that a high cage with branches is a big plus and daily mistings are enjoyed.

To my experience these are sight hunters and prefer movement in their food so a long set of tongs, or placing a living mouse in the tank works best.

Temps seem to be less of an issue as I have kept them anywhere from the High seventies to the low ninties without problems.

They are definitly a very under appreciated snake.

Good luck,

Frank
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"The luxury of not getting involved departed with the last lifeboat Skipper..."

Why do we love these crazy snakes?

I have never kept anything like them.

They are easy to house, easy to feed. But the WC ones have an unhappy habit of suddently dying for no apparent reason. Even after being treated and eating and shedding for months.

If we want to keep these, we just need to buy many, bury half, and hope the survivors breed.

They are hardy, at least the survivors are. Why do they die like this?

I just got a second clutch. It can be done.

Sam