Looking for Hardy Display Snake Options.

Thorny · 07-06-14, 12:51 AM

After many years after getting out of snake husbandry I feel comfortable getting snakes again. I primarily prefer watching my snakes vs. holding them so I am looking primarily for display snakes. I got a baron's racer a few months ago and have been very happy with him. So here is what I am looking for:

1. I want something tolerant of temperature mishaps and specifically is not heat sensitive. My ambient temperature is normally around 77 to 79 so I am looking for something that wants a slightly higher range of temps. This has effectively eliminated almost all of the Asian rat snakes, Madagascan hognose snakes, Drymarchon, and black milk snakes.

2. I prefer arid species and keeping the humidity high enough is not something I want to worry about since I live in the desert. Desert snakes also seem more tolerant of temperature issues. This is negotiable though.

3. I am looking for a snake that will nicely fill a 4x2x2, maybe something semi arboreal so I it can use all of the tank.

4. The more obscure the better though I would not mind being able to hold it once in awhile

5. Since I already have a baron's racer I think I have slender green semi-arborial snakes covered.

Snakes I don't really want that fit my criteria: I don't get the love for carpet pythons. I know they are known to be a good hardy display snake but they do not speak to me. Gopher/Bull snakes aren't high on my list either.

Snakes that I am sort of considering at the moment: Beaked snakes are awesome assuming captive bred ever hits the market. I like the luistic texas/american rat snakes. Woma pythons are supposed to be very active but the fact they are nocturnal makes me wonder if I will ever get to see them. I am a sucker for the smaller boa constrictors...but I think they are slightly to high maintenance for what I am looking for.

Any ideas?

Comments on my Baron's Racer since I do not see that much on them.

Housing: He seems to want an 80 to 86 temp range and it is pretty easy to figure out what he wants temp wise as he will only cruise parts of the tank where the temps are to his liking. I have yet to see him sit and bask and he is very fond of climbing. He shows no interest in digging and is not interested in using caves or hides that lay flush on the ground.

Venom: While exactly how dangerous a rear-fanged snake is always controversial I have found the argument that their venom cannot stun a pinky mouse to be true. At 24 inches mine also can't kill fuzzies by construction despite no lack of effort on his part. He gives up and just ends up swallowing them live so I only give him f/t now. (Beaked Snakes are on the sobering end).

Temperament: Never has shown a sign of being aggressive but still not a big fan of being held. Very squirmy and while he does not musk he is really big into pooping on me. Normally freezes whenever he sees me but he does not slink away to the nearest hide. He is getting more comfortable around people and often comes out of his hides when I am around to see if I have a mouse for him.

IW17 · 07-06-14, 07:39 PM

False water cobra. Diurnal, enjoys temps slightly lower than your Barons. Very active, great eaters, and since you don't handle and are familiar with rear fanged snakes, the venom isn't an issue.

red ink · 07-06-14, 09:24 PM

Spotted Python - Antaresia maculosa

You can keep a pair in a 4x2x2 (if you choose to) plenty of room for them as well as decor you may want. Very hardy snakes mate and don't get that big.

wrecker45 · 07-06-14, 10:15 PM

Garter snakes. They are tough and active all the time. You can keep 2 or 3 together.

franks · 07-06-14, 10:34 PM

Just to note: black milk snakes would not be disqualified based on your temperature desires. You would not really even need a heat element.

Thorny · 07-06-14, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by franks

Just to note: black milk snakes would not be disqualified based on your temperature desires. You would not really even need a heat element.

This is also true for several of the other less heat tolerant species I listed but if my air conditioner can't compete with 115 degree outside temps during a heat wave or I loose power I really have no buffer what so ever to deal with it.

Thorny · 07-06-14, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IW17

False water cobra. Diurnal, enjoys temps slightly lower than your Barons. Very active, great eaters, and since you don't handle and are familiar with rear fanged snakes, the venom isn't an issue.

Venom may not be an issue but given the size of a FWC I rank them a good bit more dangerous than most Opisthoglyphous snakes. I'd also want a larger set-up for one than a 4x2x2 and at that point, especially since I would already be compromising on humidity, I'd likely be looking at boiga, puffing snakes, and tiger rat snakes.

I do like snakes with a lot of personality which FTCs are known for but I probably need some first hand experience with them to begin to fall in love. But yeah, they do have a lot of the qualities I am looking for.`

Thorny · 07-06-14, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red ink

Spotted Python - Antaresia maculosa

You can keep a pair in a 4x2x2 (if you choose to) plenty of room for them as well as decor you may want. Very hardy snakes mate and don't get that big.

With the exception of my love for boa constrictors (and possible interest in Woma Pythons) I am more of a colubrid person.