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Need Research Help

D

dwedeking

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Ok, background first. I've been collecting lizards for about 5 or 6 years. Have their husbandry down pretty good and everything is going smooth with that. I'm been reading this board for about 4 months and as I read a person's post I will visit their site if they have one in their signature (kinda putting the face to the words they are saying). Since a lot of your are snake people I end up viewing your pics of snakes online. Now here is where the sickness starts. I'm seriously considering getting a snake later this year.

I like rain forest animals and enjoy cages set up with that motif (explains my like of chams  <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'>  ). What snake would you guys recommend for a beginner snake owner (though one that has raised other herps so has a grasp of lighting, heat etc) that would fit the aboreal, rain forest criteria ? Next question. What is the best online resource for husbandry knowledge for that species (I like to do serious research before I actually purchase)?

Thanks
 
Daniel,

I mainly breed rodents and have a few Colubrids & other snakes. I'm not sure what kind of animal you are looking for. But I would say always buy a good book on which ever one you chose. You can never have too many books in my opinion.
 
It sounds like you may want to set up a vivarium with tropical live plants and ad a snake. If that is what you a figuring on doing, then you are in for kind of a difficult time with many types of snakes. Many snakes will mess up a tank like that in no time as they crawl about and stick their snouts under everything while trying to burrow or search for food. Snakes that do well in a natural type planted vivarium are the Emerald Tree Boas and Green tree Pythons - they spend a lot of time draped over branches not moving and when they move about will often stay in the branches if the tank is large enough with enough plantings. The thing is these are definitely NOT beginner's snakes - and could even prove tricky for someone who is a very experienced lizard keeper - but that would be a plus in your favor. They require lots of care, high humidity yet good ventilation, and pretty specific temp ranges. A tall tank (great for planting) would be a plus.  They are both highly arboreal, spending much time if not all in trees. If you decide on these or any other arboreal boas or pythons, do your homework first. Do your internet research but also read a good book or two about them (or about pythons and boas in general such as The Reproductive Husbandry of Pythons and Boas).
 
Glenn,

Thanks. That was exactly the information I was looking for. I'll be picking up that book very soon and start my studying. Luckily I'm a book worm as well as a reptile nerd  <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>

Anyone want to give their recommendations of good books for boas and pythons please do <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>. I'll be going down to LLL Reptile tomorrow and I remember seeing the Reproductive Book for Pythons there.
 
Another snake that fits the description is the Amazon Tree Boa.  Care is similar to the Emerald Tree Boa, but Amazons stay smaller and are more tolerant of different temperatures and are easier to keep than emeralds or tree pythons.  They're also very colorful.  I just got one today. Picture.

Corallus.com has a lot of good information about aboreal snakes.
 
I would agree that an Amazon Tree Boa would be a good choice.  Although they are not what I would call a "beginner snake," they ARE good for the beginning arboreal enthusiast and I think that one would fit well with what you are looking to do.  Also, imports can be bought pretty cheap, but I would recommend a cbb or at least a somewhat long term and established adult.  Fresh imports CAN be difficult to get going sometimes.  
Another good choice in my book would be a jungle carpet python.  They are semi arboreal in nature and as babies and juveniles, they can do quite well in a naturalistic setup.  BUT, once they get large, that is no longer an option as they will totally destroy most plants and decorations when roaming the cage.  

Good luck with your snake venture, though!!!
 
I am not as in to tree boas as I am in to Boa Constrictors, but I do have one little ATB.  I would reccomend starting with something with smaller teeth such as a Boa Constrictor Imperator (BCI) even though they are not rainforest animals and not good in a naturalistic enclosure.  They are great animals for the novice snake keeper as well as for the experienced lizard keeper. :)

Like all snakes, they don't require special lighting and they are very hardy snakes.  Did I mention that they are also BEAUTIFUL? ;-)

There is a ton of info about them on the web, but my favorite site for info is www.redtailboa.net (I ought to be partial, I wrote the Boa care seet there.) :)

-Your Sick Uncle Morti.
 
Have to add my vote for the Amazon Tree Boas as well.  They're colorful and would fit nicely into what you are trying to do.  I don't personally keep these little guys, but a friend does.  Both of hers are set up in naturalistic vivariums and look fantastic.  I'll also agree with making sure your purchase isn't a recent import.  Like any imports, there are a few additional challenges of getting them to acclimate to a captive lifestyle vs the life they've had in the wild.

Here's a site that has captive bred Amazons.  He has a few left that haven't been sold, but you can just go look to see some of the color variations offered.

FWIW, these are also a type of boa that I hope to get into in the future.  Since I just got my fourth snake this year though, I doubt my other half will let me bring anything else in the house - at least for this year.  <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>
 
I think I'm going to go with the Amazon Tree Boa. I bought a book over the weekend which I read and did a lot of research on the web.

Thanks for the heads up about the teeth (did read that online as well). I'll just have my step daughter feed it so teeth won't be a worry for me  <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>  (just joking). I will be getting a captive born and already planning on paying the full amount (as opposed to bargin hunting and getting a poor animal).

Anyway, thanks for everyone's advice.
 
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