false water cobra

[ngav3]

So, these have been a dream snake for me gor the longest time, and i am finally getting a hatchling next week. I know all the proper requirements for them, and have done my research across the board. I just want to know if there's any tips/advice on them before i get my falsie.

Thanks
Nick

[Nightflight99]

Congrats on the new acquisition! I used to start my offspring out on fish, and then switched them onto rodents after a few weeks. They're ferocious feeders with a fast metabolism, so watch your fingers. :)

[Andy_G]

I would advise you to get a hook to help your hands vs. the crazy feeding response. These guys are quick!

[psychocircus]

I have never owned one, but from what I've read, they can often be similiar to cribos and indigos in terms of metabolism, speed, feeding response, activity level ect.
All very interesting snakes.

What are your plans for enclosure setups?

[ngav3]

For now, since its a neonate, it will go into a 6 quart tub in one of my racks. As it grows i will increase tub size (my rack allows for me to do that) and when it is too big for the biggest tub in the system i will keep it in a 4x2. Considering they are such active snakes i want it to have as much room as possible

[IW17]

Are you buying a male or female? Males will. Most likely do fine in a 4x2, but a large female might need bigger. A hook is a must in my opinion, as they get very food oriented quickly. My girl loves her water bowl. The only snake I own that regularly soaks. Very inquisitive, and usually out in the enclosure being nosey if there is any movement around her enclosure. She's easy to handle, just flighty at first. Hoods every time I mess with her but has never struck. You'll enjoy yours, they're a great species.

[ngav3]

Are you buying a male or female? Males will. Most likely do fine in a 4x2, but a large female might need bigger. A hook is a must in my opinion, as they get very food oriented quickly. My girl loves her water bowl. The only snake I own that regularly soaks. Very inquisitive, and usually out in the enclosure being nosey if there is any movement around her enclosure. She's easy to handle, just flighty at first. Hoods every time I mess with her but has never struck. You'll enjoy yours, they're a great species.

Male. Would it be wise to feed outside of the cage? Like in a feeding box? I never do with my other snakes but thats because i condition them by tapping them on the head with a snake hook to let them know that theyre going to be handled, not fed.

[Andy_G]

This conditioning will work with fwcs as well, but they may forget sometimes. IMO using a separate container for feeding will actually increase the chances of being bit.

[Minkness]

How big do falsies actually get? 4x2 sounds like alot of space (to me anyway)

[Andy_G]

Potentially 8 feet. Most are around 6 feet and some change, but they are quite active.

[ngav3]

The more research ive been doing, the more varied results i get with temperament. Many say that they are very calm, while others say that they are very flighty and nervous. Any insight on that?

[Minkness]

Oh wow...8 feet is NOT a small snake! Have fun with it!

[IW17]

Flighty and nervous is a pretty good description. Once out and in hand the seem to calm down pretty quickly. Obviously each animal will be different but this is how all the falsies I've handled have been.

[Akuma223]

If they get up to 8ft then 4 by 2 is way too small imo. If you're getting such an active and intelligent snake you should give him a proper enclosure he can really move around in and act natural.

[Bandit]

I agree with Akuma. If it has the potential to get that big, then you should prepare yourself to have something bigger than a 4x2. Honestly if they are that active, I would have something bigger even if it only hits 6 feet.

[Akuma223]

I agree with Akuma. If it has the potential to get that big, then you should prepare yourself to have something bigger than a 4x2. Honestly if they are that active, I would have something bigger even if it only hits 6 feet.

Yeah, imho any animal should be able to stretch itself out fully in their enclosure and then some. The more room the better.

[ngav3]

Im not limiting the cage to a 4x2, i just figured that would be a good benchmark. Obviously if the snake outgrows it i will get him another enclosure, most likely build it myself.