Best Snake Pets: what are your opinions?

[red ink]

Originally Posted by MoreliAddict

So do you think that in general, wild carpet pythons are as tame or reluctant to bite as their captive counterparts? If not, then we have tamed them in some way or another...

Yes they are just as reluctant to bite as their caged counterparts... As with both sides there are exceptions and extremes of the spectrum.

I moved this guy from the road with the same ease as I do my own...



I did the same for this 3m beasty with no hassles...



I get the same stories from mates that live in QLD and have their backyards regularly raided by CPs of all sizes and no bite marks when they're relocated.

[limey]

The best snake is the one that gives it's owner most pleasure. Some snakes seem to have more personality than others. I like animals with personality, with character - therefore that is something that would please me. What pleases other people might be different. Like Rob said, too many variables.

I suspect "easy to care for" might be a common criteria though.

[bronxzoofrank]

Originally Posted by Ridge Runner_20

My two faves are boas and kingsnakes, hands down. IMHO, most boa constrictor (ssp.) tend to be slightly more docile than the average getula (ssp.) king, however, the thought of a 6'+, 20 lb.+ animal can be a bit daunting to some. For the above reasons, I've really come to love the mexicana complex kings, the thayeri ssp. (variable, Neuvo Leon) in particular. Beautifully colored, small in size (3' max), generally good feeders, and sweet tempered, I really believe this is one of the most underrated snakes in the pet trade. Great little snakes!

RR_20 (Mike)

Thanks for mentioning thayeri spp, I agree, very underated, Frank

[bronxzoofrank]

Originally Posted by limey

The best snake is the one that gives it's owner most pleasure. Some snakes seem to have more personality than others. I like animals with personality, with character - therefore that is something that would please me. What pleases other people might be different. Like Rob said, too many variables.

I suspect "easy to care for" might be a common criteria though.

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

[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

[Pareeeee]

I'm thinking of maybe getting a garter at some point, but don't know of anywhere in Ontario where I could buy one. I could catch one and keep it, but I'm worried about parasites/diseases transferring to my snakes.

[infernalis]

Originally Posted by Pareeeee

I'm thinking of maybe getting a garter at some point, but don't know of anywhere in Ontario where I could buy one. I could catch one and keep it, but I'm worried about parasites/diseases transferring to my snakes.

That is not a huge concern unless you plan on feeding the garter to your other snakes.

I would still quarantine any new arrivals, but a W/C snake will not introduce any parasites to your current snakes by simply keeping it in your home.

Internal parasites have life cycles requiring hosts to perpetuate the parasitic species.

Below is just one example of what I am talking about.

(I use this example a lot, Garter snakes go feed crazy over Frogs and Tadpoles.)

[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.

[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 Pareeeee

I'm thinking of maybe getting a garter at some point, but don't know of anywhere in Ontario where I could buy one. I could catch one and keep it, but I'm worried about parasites/diseases transferring to my snakes.

Wild caught garters rarely exhibit any parasite problems when taken into captivity, even if untreated; most are likely self-limiting (as described by Infernalis). You might try kingsnake.com, a few garter snake breeders there (I'd wait until after the Ontario winter passes before shipping snakes there..or visiting...sorry!) Best, Frank

[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 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

[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