Reptile & Amphibian Forums

A few years ago, I kept a L. madagascarensis (giant Hognose). It died from old age I assume. I want another rear fang snake that is realitively calm and not dangerous. Any sugestions? I would like something thet is easy to get and preferably captive bred or at least hatched. Something that has pretty markings would be a plus. Some of the Boiga group look nice, but I hear they're pretty feisty. Thanks.
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Terry Norris, Keeper of the household Zoo

www.rear-fanged.com

Telescopus spec. are great snakes, but they can bite quickly.
Boiga cynaea is good to start into the genus Boiga.
Philodryas psammophidea are nice, when they feeding on rodent

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www.rear-fanged.com

The only Boiga I have are primarily Dendrophila (17) and one Cynodon. ALL my Mangroves have turned very nasty upon maturity..most were quite docile when younger/smaller. That being said, every bite I've received has been a defensive bite w/no serious effects. I had to tube feed some young imports for awhile before they started feeding voluntarily and I have yet to even see their rear-fangs. The one recent serious envenomation someone posted a pictorial on resulted from the handler allowing the snake to "chew" on his hand for quite some time as he was worried about damaging the snake if he quickly tried to disengage it!

Most of the time they're easy to work with in the daytime...if given a suitable hide box one can simply remove it and clean, etc. At night when they're out....no way.

I've only had the Cynodon for 2 weeks and my first impression is that its a much shyer snake...but that could change as it acclimates.

Bill

Thanks, my short list includes Boiga d.d. the Hydrodynastes gigas, Leioheterodon madagascariensis, and the Lystrophis pulcher
. These choices were based on cost, availability and venom strength. I have had a giant hognosed before and it was a sweetheart. I had it for 5 years when it died. I think it was probably old age, since it was an adult and probably wild-caught when I got it.

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Terry Norris, Keeper of the household Zoo

Have you considered Philodryas baroni? They are becoming more available in captivity as this species is very easy to maintain and breed. Some species in the genus Philodryas have caused fatalities, however P. baroni is very reluctant to bite and will just try to get away when threatened. Like with any other opisthoglyphous snake, I would use the same amount of caution when keeping and handling them. Philodryas.com has a lot of great information on the genus.

Hydrodynastes gigas is a great species as well, but I feel are a lot more work in regards to husbandry. I use caution with my male because his feeding response is unlike any other snake I have seen and he is very, very fast. I have seen tame individuals, but personally I would treat this species with more respect than some of the other mellower opisthoglyphous snakes you mentioned. Good luck!

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"El Respeto al Derecho Ajeno es la Paz" - Benito Juarez, 15 de julio de 1867