Reptile & Amphibian Forums

It looks like I might get an Olive in a trade deal. "It" is an '08. I say "it" because which sex hasn't been ironed out yet and at this time I'm not really picky since I'm mostly looking to diversify my collection and not really looking to breed (yet). In the future I may look for a mate for this one and possibly give breeding a try.

I know I can "Google" for more specific care requirements, but that has been given me some pretty mixed results in the past. Can any of you direct me to a trusted source or two for some more information on Olives? I read through a few sites (can't remember exactly which ones) and have picked up most of the basics, but I'd like to know that what I've read is "good" info.

Also, one other question - Apparently, the Olives this person has available are from 2008 and have a bit of an attitude. Most of you that have Olives and have posted about them haven't said anything about them having bad attitudes. I know that younger animals can be nippy and defensive as a general rule. How easy are these to "tame down"? Is it unusual for Olives of this age to still be this defensive?

I have experience with defensive species as well as experience with some of the larger snake species (Bci, Bcc, Burms). So I'm not too worried about taking on an animal that has a bit of an attitude, I'm just curious about some of the experiences some of you might be able to share.

Thanks a head of time for whatever information you can provide!
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Stay United!

"...I say 'apparently' because despite all our progress she is not at all a tame or handle-able snake and gettting her from that cage would re-start a war.. and we've had a good armistice for several months now."-Gus Rentfro - I love this quote!

I have a pair of 09 Olives and they are very snappy. Strike at anything. I have friends that have owned Olives also and had the same experience. The good new is they drastically mellow out with age and become very docile. I'm also in the process of aquiring 2.2 adult barroni's.

I'm glad to hear that they calm down. Is this something that just happens with time or is it more of a question of handling and interaction?
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Stay United!

"...I say 'apparently' because despite all our progress she is not at all a tame or handle-able snake and gettting her from that cage would re-start a war.. and we've had a good armistice for several months now."-Gus Rentfro - I love this quote!

Time. Most, if not all olives are snippy as babies.

most, but not all. I have a pair of 08's I have had since before their first meal. Neither has ever struck at me... both have huge feeding responses, other then that, are just curious and gentle...

my 09 is a terror though...

I'd say both. They are going to calm down considerably even without handling but handling them will acclimate them to humans much more. My buddy has a 12 ft wild caught barroni that is fine once you get it out of the tank but can be quite snappy when you first go in. Handling the snakes will def make them more managable. Adult olives are well known for their docile nature so don't let aggressive youngsters scare you away.

Ditto here.

My '05 male was a psycho for the first 6 months or so, but is now my most trustworthy snake. (especially around kids)

//Todd

I have a male & female. My male is the best. He never strikes. he is very inquisitive, when I go to the cage he perks right up. I open the cage he comes right out. Just as sweet as can be. Great temperment. Even better than my dumerils & with more energy.