falconboy
Very Well-Known Member
Hey all,
I'd love a red naped snake, however they are very few and far between. I have the chance to purchase, however, an orange naped snake. These are technically not listed on the NPWS reptile list, however from discussions with experienced herpers, if I can source one, they will/may/can put it on licence. I will call them tomorrow to discuss this aspect.
But my question is this. I don't have a real interest in keeping most snakes due to their size, and the only python that interests me is a black and gold jungle, and from what I can tell they aren't always a calm, friendly snake, so no thanks. I would only want to keep the naped snakes. Keeping in mind I haven't had a great deal (any really) handling experience with snakes, other than the odd well socialised snakes at zoos etc so my concern is handling this thing - yeah, I know its only small, but technically venomous (but supposedly harmless). Now, hopefully I'll get a response from someone who has kept (not sure how likely that is) or at least regularly handled these snakes as to how 'careful' I would need to be with it.
Basically am I correct in assuming its very unlikely to strike, and if it does, its even more unlikely to sink its teeth in due to its size, and if it does, that its venom is so weak I won't, or am unlikely to have a reaction to it?
Due to their scarcity there seems to be a lot of general info on where they occur and photos of them, but very little in their keeping/handling.
Probably not an ideal first snake, but its the only type I'm interested in, and if its ok to handle by hand rather than having to worry about being envenomated when its handled, then I don't see why it can't be a good first snake. Yes, I'm aware of its main food source being skinks etc and thats something I will be discussing with NPWS too. I've done as much research as I really can into a snake that is rarely kept in captivity.
I had an interest in the red naped prior to ever seeing one in real life, but came across a rescued one at a Wires course - and I'm hooked. What an adorable snake.
Can anyone offer advice?
It may not go ahead, but I've been offered it so have to look into doing it now or I may not have another chance!
I'd love a red naped snake, however they are very few and far between. I have the chance to purchase, however, an orange naped snake. These are technically not listed on the NPWS reptile list, however from discussions with experienced herpers, if I can source one, they will/may/can put it on licence. I will call them tomorrow to discuss this aspect.
But my question is this. I don't have a real interest in keeping most snakes due to their size, and the only python that interests me is a black and gold jungle, and from what I can tell they aren't always a calm, friendly snake, so no thanks. I would only want to keep the naped snakes. Keeping in mind I haven't had a great deal (any really) handling experience with snakes, other than the odd well socialised snakes at zoos etc so my concern is handling this thing - yeah, I know its only small, but technically venomous (but supposedly harmless). Now, hopefully I'll get a response from someone who has kept (not sure how likely that is) or at least regularly handled these snakes as to how 'careful' I would need to be with it.
Basically am I correct in assuming its very unlikely to strike, and if it does, its even more unlikely to sink its teeth in due to its size, and if it does, that its venom is so weak I won't, or am unlikely to have a reaction to it?
Due to their scarcity there seems to be a lot of general info on where they occur and photos of them, but very little in their keeping/handling.
Probably not an ideal first snake, but its the only type I'm interested in, and if its ok to handle by hand rather than having to worry about being envenomated when its handled, then I don't see why it can't be a good first snake. Yes, I'm aware of its main food source being skinks etc and thats something I will be discussing with NPWS too. I've done as much research as I really can into a snake that is rarely kept in captivity.
I had an interest in the red naped prior to ever seeing one in real life, but came across a rescued one at a Wires course - and I'm hooked. What an adorable snake.
Can anyone offer advice?
It may not go ahead, but I've been offered it so have to look into doing it now or I may not have another chance!