Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey All,I have a couple questions about keeping anacondas. I am finding it a little difficult to find the information I am after regarding captive bred male anacondas as "pets"? I am curious of the length a male generally reaches in captivity. I VERY aware theses are large snakes, however I already own a retic and there will be more to come. I have also heard a lot of people say that their anacondas are very calm and docile. I consider myself a collector/handler I handle my snakes almost daily (of course not when it is not safe, feeding, shedding etc..) That being said I like to comfortable enough with my snakes to "hang out" with them (sitting on the couch, laying in the grass, etc..) is that achievable with condas? I always have someone around when I am with my "big snakes" typically 8' plus.

Thanks for the info!

Can someone maybe just tell me a breeder they could recommend?

thanks

I would suggest browsing through the many previous posts on this forum. You will probably find most of your questions answered repeatedly here thoughout the various discussions. There are many anaconda breeders contributing here, including myself, who would then be happy to answer further questions if you have them. You may contact me directly at awesomeanacondas@earthlink.net if you would like.

Thanks for the reply. I have already read through most of the posts, and the various links that have been supplied. Most of my questions are more specific to me working with the animal. I will be shooting you an email soon.

thanks,

Adult male greens in the wild tend to run between 7 to 9 feet, and rarely over 35 lbs. I have noticed that with the better diets in captivity, adult male greens tend to run 8 to 10 feet, with some individuals getting up to 11 feet and in the 50 pound range.

Dirksen says he has measured about 100 males in the wild with the largest being about 10 feet. The largest field study was conducted in Venezuela and was undertaken by Rivas. He collected several hundred males over a seven year period. He found that the average adult male green in his study area was between 7.5 and 9 feet. The largest male captured during the study period was 11 feet, 2 inches and weighed about 40 pounds. It must also be noted that these were all from the Llanos habitat of Venezuela and from the northern, or Orinoco basin population. There is some reason to believe that individuals from this population and habitat are slightly smaller than those from the southern, Amazon basin population and riverine habitats. Large Amazon basin males have reportedly been seen in the wild in the 12 foot range. There are several people that claim to have seen or own males well over 13 feet, but solid evidence as never been provided. I am personally not aware of any male green, captive or wild caught, that has actually been accurately taped at over 13 feet.

The outstanding male that Jud McClanahan owns that has been used for most of our successful breedings, is a classic example of a mature, large adult male green, and is the largest male green that I am aware of anyplace in captivity. This male is almost 19 years old and is right at about 13 feet, and 70 to 80 pounds. He has not been overfed and is solid, but not overweight. There is no way to prove it, but going by his head coloration, I would guess that one or both of his parents were of Amazon basin origins. I currently have one of his sons that is 8 years old and about 11 feet. He also has never been powerfed, but has been fed consistently. At this age and above, males are growing at an extremely slow rate, an inch or two a year at most. Hopefully this answered a few of your question.

Kelly

Very good post Kelly. I feel obligated to bring up again the male at the Milwaukee County Zoo that is well over the 11ft mark. I would be very interested to know where that animal was obtained.

I spoke with Shaun at the Milwaukee County Zoo a couple of years ago and he told me that they acquired this male from the Bronx Zoo (New York Zoological Park) years ago when he was about 5 to 6 feet. The Bronx Zoo and their anaconda expert William Holmstrom have produced more greens than any zoo in the world. Unfortunately Shaun's records did not show an acquisition date, so he was not sure of the age. He said that the male was then between 11.5 and 12 feet if I remember correctly. Definitely a very large male, and probably a few inches over 12 feet by now. Thanks,

Kelly

It is true that most males are generally smaller, but mine is right at 13 feet and averages between 72-80 lbs, this is measured with him lying across the floor with a tape measure. the snake turns 12 years old

I've had large constrictors for over 10 years. I don't think I've ever heard anyone ask if "hanging out" was something they could "achieve" with a large constrictor.

So, I really wouldn't suggest getting a large constrictor for "hanging out" purposes.

There's been far too much bad press for snakes. The media just loves to sensationalize when a snake is involved. Then they love to repeat the "mis-information" they spewed the first time.... over and over and over.

If you want an Anaconda and plan on being a "responsible owner" then go for it.

It you're just looking for a large animal to "hang out" with. Get a dog. They're more socially acceptable for hanging out purposes.

Ed emailed me and we had a nice back and forth about anacondas. He asked many pertinent questions which I answered truthfully to the best of my ability. He was interested in anacondas and before buying one, wanted more info since he didn't know much about them. He thought about what he wanted from a pet snake and has decided to hold off on getting an anaconda for while. I wish everyone would ask the questions Ed did before buying any reptile. Our rescues would probably be a lot less crowded.

Thanks Deron! I do try really hard to do my homework for both me and the animal. I am not new to snakes, but yes I will agree I am a little out there with the request the "hang out" with a large constrictor. I kind of collect snakes. I have about 6 right now and what I was after with a conda just wasn't going to happen. I have much experience with Boas and recently stepped up to my first retic! (FYI Awesome snake!). I spend a LOT of time with my snakes when I am home they are usually either on my shoulder, or near by. My retic , and all my boas have no problem coming out and finding a warm spot next to me on the couch for a few hours. That being said I have never been biten outside of the cage.. Who hasn't made a feeding mistake once or twice.. lol.

So Deron and I decided it was best for me to hold off on the condas for a few more years until we are able to calm them down a little more through the generations of captive breeding, or I decide to buy a green beauty and just cant enjoy the relaxed handling I do now with my boas and tic.

Thanks all!

SNAKES RULE!

Hey all, I have a couple more questions. I was at the herp world expo today and had a great time. Dont worry, I didnt buy a green.. LOL. While I was there my main points of interest was in retics and learning more about greens. I spoke with 4 different vendors about both wild caught and captive bred greens. I spoke with one vendor in specific, he had three different captive breed greens. Two females and a male. He said he has raised his male green from a baby, he is now about 9 or 10 feet, and never once been biten. I held the captive bred male for about an hour while I talked to him and had no problem what so ever. I realize this could have been for many reasons, but I was able to hold him without him being my center of my focus.

My question is are the temperment in greens on a case by case scenario? Is it possible I might be able to seek out a male with an excelent temperment? I am hoping to be able to handle this snake with a similar amount of confidence as my retics. I am new to the large boids but have done my research on tics, hadled the big boys (both angery and tame) etc. So yes I am new but not ill informed or worse yet, not informed.. LOL! The guy I spoke with said that he personally trusted greens more than retics, and owns both.

One thing I want to make clear is that I am not worried about putting in the amount of work. I hold my snakes daily, work with them, and get to know each of them. I can tell if they are having a bad generally and so on. What I am concerned with is more about predictability. I dont want a snake that I hold regularly, put the work into and still get bit regularly. I want to be able to build the confidence that in time, whe he is a big boy, im not still getting drilled regularly.

Lets hear is all!

Thanks everyone!

While there are several calm bloodlines of captive born greens in the U.S., there is never a guarantee that any certain green will grow into a calm animal. The bloodline genetics will definitely greatly improve the odds of this by magnitudes however, and it is probably the main important factor to look for. Just like any other snake species, behavior will vary from individual to individual specimen. Interaction helps as well, and frequent handling when the green is young probably has a lot to do with how well it interacts as it gets larger. Although age plays a big role as well, as greens typically become calmer as they get older.

I believe the perception many people have about the unpredictability of green anaconda behavior is based mainly on the misunderstanding of the general demeanor of this animal. These snakes have evolved in most likely the most formidable environment of any boid species alive today. They have therefore developed an inherent caution with regards to their surroundings that is not seen with the other large boa and python species. Greens are an inherently shy and nervous species due to this evolutionary background, and this behavior needs to be taken into account when working with them in captivity. While many greens, especially captive born animals, can become very calm captives, there are many wild caught young greens that simply will not adapt to being handled. Selective breeding over the last 10 to 15 years or so has definitely lead to more manageable greens being produced in captivity.

I currently have 4 large adults and a number of younger greens that can all be handled with no problem, but there are certain things that still need to be considered with handling them. They all, mine at least, have exceptional feeding responses, and hit and constrict f/t prey with much more force and power than any python species. Once they realize food is not being offered, they can be removed from the unit without any problems. The main issue however is the slight shyness and nervousness that you can still see beneath the surface within even the calmest greens (except Jud's male), and this needs to be addressed when working with them. They are easily surprised and startled, especially at night, so you just need to make sure they realize you are there and that you are about to interact with them. Also, being careful not to put them in a situation where they can be startled while handling them as well. Once that is done, I have never had biting or other behavioral issues with any of my greens, and they have been easy to interact with. Their behavior and physiology is much different than any other boid, and just this simple understanding of certain aspects of their behavior can go a long way in making them extremely interesting snakes to work with.

Kelly

Kelly Thanks so much for your reply! I have heard a lot about you and your experiences with greens.I think I am just about ready to take on one of these giants. I definitely plan on going with a male green, and CERTAINLY captive bred. The feeding response is understandable and completely on me to exercise safe feeding and handling to avoid getting drilled!

Can you tell me how I would avoid surprising the animal once out. If he is on the couch with me and I dont touch him for 5 minutes, is it likely he may tag me? Can I avoid this by constantly touching him? I mean, hes gotta know im still there. Im no silent ninja.. LOL.

Thanks everyone!

Over the years i have come into contact with probably well over 100 wc neonate anacondas from guyana and i have yet to see one that didnt turn into a very tractable animal very quickly.From my experience these young anacondas do not like being grabbed or pulled about-if you handle them roughly you can almost guarantee they will bite, If however you handle them gently i have found they dont tend to bite at all. Interestingly i have found that this tendancy does not seem to change throught their lives,i have and have had many ltc greens that have all been very placid and great to handle but all will bite if you are rough with them-the only time i ever get bitten is if i decide to handle them after ive been drinking!However this gentle handling does not seem to work with wc neonate yellows which tend to be significantly more nervous and bite without the slightest provocation.

Awesome to hear! This is the info I am after! I still plan on sticking with a CB specimen.

Thanks!

Kelly, I would love to talk to you. Can you shoot me an email or a PM? email is edschmittou@yahoo.com

Thanks,
Ed