Tanimbar Amethystine

[toddnbecka]

Unlikely you'll find a scrub at a reptile show, they simply aren't very common. The size of the nauta is good, but I prefer calmer critters, or at least that don't bite when handled. My IJ carpet was a holy terror as a hatchling, struck at literally anything that moved, but she calmed down and grew out of that.
I'm looking for a pair of savu or maybe mackloti, CBB generally have better dispositions than scrubs, and easier on the bank account as well.

[dannybgoode]

Originally Posted by toddnbecka

Unlikely you'll find a scrub at a reptile show, they simply aren't very common. The size of the nauta is good, but I prefer calmer critters, or at least that don't bite when handled. My IJ carpet was a holy terror as a hatchling, struck at literally anything that moved, but she calmed down and grew out of that.
I'm looking for a pair of savu or maybe mackloti, CBB generally have better dispositions than scrubs, and easier on the bank account as well.

A lot of scrubs do chill out completely. Calm confident handling is the key and you just don't stick your hand in the viv before assessing the situation each time for example. I know plenty of people who handle theirs with no issues.

That said most are extremely viv defensive making even simple things like sorting water bowls potentially tricky. And of course the odd one remains very difficult.

Out of the viv they generally calm down. To counter though they are such alert snakes, so fascinating to observe that ownership can be quite alluring - addictive even as I'm finding out! But yes they are a challenge and not for everyone.

Can I say I'm 100% confident I'll be able to manage them? Actually no - but I've gone into ownership eyes wide open. Spoke to a number of people before committing and would not have entertained taking on an adult. Even the experience people I've spoken to have said that they are extremely cautious when dealing with someone else's scrubs. I have also sourced CB is a few generations old - in fact they're from one of the oldest captive lines and the parents are ok temperament wise.

As an aside my IJ was a pussycat from day one and remains a very calm snake and in a way I wish he has been more feisty to gain some experience. But then I'm getting that from Mrs Olive and the scrubs whilst they're babies.

You do make some excellent alternative suggestions though. Mackloti are incredible snakes as are Savu. I actually have the chance on a Savu pair but they are just a bit pricey. Olivaceous - if you can find them - can be added to the list.

But that said, scrubs are something else. Nothing quite like them.