Lets see.....nose rub.....aggression........non feeding....

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: : I have an opportunity to acquire a WC, light brown, 4 ft. "central american indigo." In reality, aside from a hefty parasite load, what can I expect to be the challenges of acclimating this animal? I've never worked with drymarchon before, but have had my share of WC malagasy hognoses and american rat snakes. All input is greatly appreciated. : : CJ : : CJ, : Wild caught Drymarchon suck and rank among the worst snakes in the world to purchase. I dont breed the snake you want, so this isnt some breeder trying to talk you into a purchase of HIs(Or her) snakes. In my expereince, for whatever money you save buying this ADULT w/c drymarchon it will be offset by the hefty vet bills and sheer drama. Others may have had POSITIVE expereinces with w/c ,and I wont discount them or their positive experiences. But, haveing bought w/c Drymarchon before and 1 that was supposed to be captive, but later showed all the signs of being w/c, I would have to say that it aint worht the headache. : Drymarchon are NOT malagasy hognose and definetly not american ratsnakes. They are nervous high strung snakes that are VERY active and alert. Wild caught cribos are often very aggressive to boot... : What do I think? : You are starting out with Drymarchon from behind the 8 ball. Wil;d caughts are a rough way to be introduced to this great and awesome family of snakes. Haveing said all that, and you keeping the w/c cribo despite my lecture, I would recommend the following: : 1. Put the snake in a mylar cage with soft rubber sides that DONT allow him to rub his nose at all. : 2. Offer him a hide box large enough to accomodate him. : 3.Get fecals done on him and an oral throat and mouth culture, treat accordingly under vetrenearian supervision(Expereinced reptile vet) : Treat for mites, dont worry, they are there... : 4. Offer small, prekilled food items, and if these fail then live SMALL food items. No fish, no frogs, no salamanders, and no birds. Try to get the snake established on mice or rats , either pups or small ones. : 5. Make sure that temps are not to high, cribos do not thrive under high temps despite false rumors to the contrary. Stay in the high 70s. : Put snakle in low traffic area of house where he will not be tormented by visitors who "ohhh and ahh" at him. He needs stability, not an audience. : 6. Try not to handle the snake at all for a long period of time until it falls into a consistant feeding cycle. Handleing it will just serve to stress it more than it allready is, which is A LOT. : 7. Keep the cage scrupuolsly clean and water bowls disinfected. : There you have it : : Best of luck, : Fred : (Aztec Reptiles)

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