Best Snake Pets: what are your opinions?

[infernalis]

Originally Posted by bronxzoofrank

Character/habits is a good point, thanks. Those snakes that actively forage, and use a wide variety of habitats, are quite different than ambush predators, and this definitely affects keepers' choices. The same can be said for those large zoo exhibits I've cared for...visitors flock to see the giant constrictors, rattlers, etc., but often spend a great deal of time watching garters, watersnakes, indigos and similar species in well-planted enclosures...Best, Frank

This is exactly why I keep a couple Garter snakes in my livingroom on display.

[bronxzoofrank]

Originally Posted by infernalis

This is exactly why I keep a couple Garter snakes in my livingroom on display.

Same here...I've worked with snakes in zoos for 30+ years, kept garters way before that, but they remain a great favorite; what species do you keep? Best, Frank

[infernalis]

Originally Posted by bronxzoofrank

Same here...I've worked with snakes in zoos for 30+ years, kept garters way before that, but they remain a great favorite; what species do you keep? Best, Frank

Hi Frank.

Captive specimens, I keep Thamnophis Radix, Thamnophis parietalis, Thamnophis Sirtalis Infernalis, T.s. Sirtalis, Thamnophis melanogaster and a trio of Thamnophis cyrtopsis.

I also maintain a "40 acre vivarium" where I tend to my wild specimens, I can't count them all, But the species that I have observed in my wetlands are all T.s.Sirtalis, there are some Nerodia, Storeria, Lampropeltis Triangulum & Occasionally I encounter a Opheodrys vernalis (smooth green snake)

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/gener...p-habitat.html

That details some of what I have going on out back.

[bronxzoofrank]

Originally Posted by infernalis

Hi Frank.

Captive specimens, I keep Thamnophis Radix, Thamnophis parietalis, Thamnophis Sirtalis Infernalis, T.s. Sirtalis, Thamnophis melanogaster and a trio of Thamnophis cyrtopsis.

I also maintain a "40 acre vivarium" where I tend to my wild specimens, I can't count them all, But the species that I have observed in my wetlands are all T.s.Sirtalis, there are some Nerodia, Storeria, Lampropeltis Triangulum & Occasionally I encounter a Opheodrys vernalis (smooth green snake)

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/gener...p-habitat.html


That details some of what I have going on out back.

Wonderful info and work, thank you! Nice to hear smooth greens are still there, very scarce here in much of southern NY, n. NJ. even where found in years past

[infernalis]

Originally Posted by bronxzoofrank

Wonderful info and work, thank you! Nice to hear smooth greens are still there, very scarce here in much of southern NY, n. NJ. even where found in years past

In the last 2 years, I have documented exactly 2 snakes, Considering I live in the middle of nowhere, that's a sad number.

I have to take my son to his friends, When I return I will direct you to my herp photography sessions. (wild specimens only)

I seldom touch the wild snakes, However I do give in and intervene when they are ill or in mortal danger. (from MAN, I do not interfere with predators, such is the circle of life... so I won't be shooting any snake eating creatures for doing what nature intended them to do.)

I have rehabilitated a few sick snakes that I found, and it's very rewarding when they heal.

[bronxzoofrank]

Originally Posted by infernalis

In the last 2 years, I have documented exactly 2 snakes, Considering I live in the middle of nowhere, that's a sad number.

I have to take my son to his friends, When I return I will direct you to my herp photography sessions. (wild specimens only)

I seldom touch the wild snakes, However I do give in and intervene when they are ill or in mortal danger. (from MAN, I do not interfere with predators, such is the circle of life... so I won't be shooting any snake eating creatures for doing what nature intended them to do.)

I have rehabilitated a few sick snakes that I found, and it's very rewarding when they heal.

Thanks...I look forward to seeing your photos. Insecticides have been blamed for the apparent decline in these and similar species, but no real studies/research as far as I know; I will keep an eye out for journal articles, etc. Best, Frank

[charlesc84]

Originally Posted by bronxzoofrank

Same here...I've worked with snakes in zoos for 30+ years, kept garters way before that, but they remain a great favorite; what species do you keep? Best, Frank

Exactly how big is the African Rock Python at the Bronx Zoo? I saw it a few times in the summer, it's gigantic.

[bronxzoofrank]

Originally Posted by charlesc84

Exactly how big is the African Rock Python at the Bronx Zoo? I saw it a few times in the summer, it's gigantic.

Hi Charles,

I've recently retired but just spoke with one of the keepers there; unfortunately, the snake has not been weighed or measured in several years; her best guess was 14-15 feet and 200-225 lbs. I've not seen that snake for some time, but will take a look next time I'm there.

You might enjoy this on some record-breaking giant snake meals Big Snake Meals | That Reptile Blog That Reptile Blog

Best, Frank