Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello, I have two agkistrodon contortrix. They are very very nervous, aggressive and fast. I covered them with cloth in oder to not cause stress when I go in front of their cages. I think if I remove the cloth, they can accustom oneself to see me, but they are difficult to eat and I´m afraid of refusing the preys. what do you think? will they calm if I make they usually see me? Regards.

So what else is new?

Do they have a hidebox or something to make them feel secure? Copperheads are not really suppose to be too active this time of year anyway. Where are they from? Tell us more about your caging and animals ,so we can steer you in the right direction.

Al
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Confidence is what you feel before you comprehend the situation.

They are juvenile specimens, and I got them from a friend of Sevilla. Now, they are eating well, but, when they came here, they sometimes refused the preys. I keep them in plastic cages with pieces of wood as substratum and a water container. In the beginning, I provided them hiding-places, but they didn´t use it, they always stood outside, and then I removed it from the cages. Since I bought them, their behavior is the same: very very aggresive and nervous, always being on the alert. it´s very hard for me to handling them with hook. I will try to send you a pic of their cages. Thank u, regards.

Hi:

Agkistrodons as a Genus are just as you describe them, very alert, nervous and defensive. I would not use aggressive when discussing their traits. I think defensive is a better word for them. If you want aggressive, there are plenty out there that fits that description. Juvs by nature are even more snappy and nervous. They will adjust over time and be easier to work when they get to adult size. I really can't stress making the enclosure as comfortable for them as possible without compromising your safety. Give them more than one option when it comes to hiding spots. I usually have one on the hot side of the cage and one on the cooler side and let them pick the temperature they want.

Good Luck,

Al

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Confidence is what you feel before you comprehend the situation.

The hide box is a good idea. My Copper (a southern) is CB. He is alert but quite content to come out and watch me as I work, showing no sign of aggitation when I open his cage. others I have had have displayed a much less calm nature.

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

I have a CBB laticintus. Very very alert. Not snappy at all rides the hook well.He has a hide ,sometimes he uses it but he's more prone to lay outside.