|
1-4 of 4 messages
|
Page 1 of 1
|
|
Vivirium
|
Reply
|
|
by Rabies on July 28, 2001
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Hi all,i'm hoping to purchase a copperhead at the end of this year.I'm going to build my own vivirium which i've done in the past but this is my first HOT snake.Any tips on how it should be constructed ie access from above or front,lenght width etc.Any tips and ideas will be much appreciated.Also any books on the keeping of copperheads will be handy.
|
| |
|
RE: Vivirium
|
Reply
|
|
by Naja_oxiana on July 28, 2001
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
As far as keeping A. contortrix, Filthy will be able to giver you a load of advice. I will only say that I preffer a top opening cage. I always used the All-Glass Aquarium brand Critter Cages. You should probably be able to find them in a pet shop and they'll give you an idea of what you will be looking for. Security is the most iportant issue.
As far as texts on keeping venomous snakes, I think that www.venom.herpkeepers.com (?) is a good place. If that's the wrong addy, then www.herpkeepers.com will have a link to it. He title is, iirc, MsTT's Venomous Website, or something to that effect. The SHHS is working on putting Allen Hunter's Venom101 out in book form. Hopefully this will be out soon as I think it the best source short of hands on experience.
Cheers
Roger Hallman
|
| |
|
RE: Vivirium
|
Reply
|
|
by filthy on July 28, 2001
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Hi Rabies,
Coppers are easy keepers. They don't require much in special care. Room tempertures and humidity are fine.
But, a word of caution: Some few of them might be difficult feeders. Try and get an established snake, already feeding. It will be a greedy. Otherwise, you might have to assist, which might lead to bites (very painful).
Avoid the Trans-Pecos (Agkistrodon c. pictigastor). They are beautiful but a little diffult to deal with. Very nervous, fast, and snappy. Also a bit 'hotter' than the rest. The pair I keep, I handle with tongs. They will not hook and the female is a chronic biter. I'd advise the Northern (A c. mokasin). Failing that, the Southern (A. c. contortrix). From my experience, The Northern is the easiest to get along with. I've no experience with the Osage nor the Broad Banded, though I've heard that they are are nice snakes.
Hope this helps a little.
f
|
| |
|
RE: Vivirium
|
Reply
|
|
by filthy on July 29, 2001
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
A little more:
I too, prefer a top-loading cage. Of course, it must be secure, although Coppers won't push at the top as a Rat Snake will. But never take a chance with a hot snake. It doesn't have to be elaborate but the snake should have a hide that it can feel secure in. A flower pot base with a hole cut out is ideal for all of but the biggest Coppers.
All of my Coppers (currenty 4) are given thawed mice, with live once in a while. I have one that sometimes has to be mildly teased to accept something dead. On the other hand, some Coppers will develop a feeding response to you and will rush to you every time you come near. These are dangerous because when you open the cage, that head is right there! All feeding and cage maintence must be done with heamostates or other, proper tools.
I was bitten by a Copper last April. I wrote it up and it's published here at SHHS. Look at the Articles Page under 'Copperhead Bite (made a mistake and got kissed by a snake)'. The photos (I took pics) are in the Bites Alblum.
Be careful, my friend. It HURTS!
And welcome to the Deep End.
Wishing luck,
f
|
| |
|
Email Subscription
You are not subscribed to this topic.
Subscribe!
My Subscriptions
Subscriptions Help
Check our help page for help using
, or send questions, comments, or suggestions to the
Manager.
|
