Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm planning to buy the new Exo-Terra cage with dimensions = 18" X 18" X 24" high. I was thinking of getting a Flying snake (C. ornata ) to inhabit the vivarium. I would set it up with branches, live plants an a functioning waterfall to keep humidity up. I would appreciate any feedback on either the snake or the setup. I primarily wanted the setup and my research has indicated the flying snake to be a good candidate. We had some in the pet store where I work and they ate rodents nicely. I don't want to be feeding lizards for ever. Thanks.

I'm not all to familiar with C. ornata but that enclosure seems a bit minimal in size for an aboreal snake; and one that's most likely wild-caught. Ask Dan or (Oxyrhopus) his opinion as I'm sure he has or has kept this species before:
Ian)

Thanks, I was looking for a small snake that I could display in the Exo-terra. My thought was one of the arboreal rear-fanged snakes since they are not excessively long nor bulky. I also wanted a rodent eater. I have several Hognose snakes from Madagascar that are great eaters, but are ground dwelling. I also have 2 green tree pythons but don't want to display them to the public when I do reptile education presentations. Any sugestions would be welcome. The vivaria would be set up as a rainforest habitat with waterfall, plants, etc.

I keep a pair in a 30 gallon high tank and they seem fine which perhaps has similar dimensions of the cage you mentioned. Too much space often causes them to roam and rub their nose. A nice nicely tropical pictured backing helps keep them settled as shown in the picture. I suggest to put a timer on that waterfall and permit it to go off in the evening and the day for several hours as I think the unfamiliar vibration makes snakes stress a bit and this is an already nervous species. Actually the live plants and lighting should create a high humidity level. And they have such good eyesight mine can snatch a mouse in mid air. I open the cage and toss it and the snake catches it. An interesting game to play with a reptile. There is another species that is rarely available, the paradise tree snake which has reddish blotches. I kept two of these but they seem more nervous than the ornata and roamed the cage constantly unless stuffed with lizards. And they did not seem to grow as large as ornata and did not take to rodents either. My pair bred and laid a few eggs.

Dan

I have kept single specimens of ornata (up to 2') and the other two flying snakes comfortably in a ten gallon aquarium. The secret to these is a good loose mulch as they love to hide, especially C. pelias.

IMO your habitat should support one adult C.o nicely.

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