 | mobile - desktop |
|
| mobile - desktop |
|
 |
 Contact Sales! |
News & Events:
|
Posted by ronda on January 12, 2003 at 17:52:49:
In Reply to: Re: Ridleyi temperment question posted by hogboy on January 12, 2003 at 17:03:59:
I have kept a few Ridleyi and have found all of them to be a little on the feisty side.
:They strike/bite when they are first removed from their cage, but once out calm down and rarely attempt to bite.
I have found this to be true as well. I am very cautious getting them out of their enclosures, as they tend to be a nervous snake with a strong feeding response. Once they are out they don't show any inclination to strike. I'm still gentle and move slowly though due to their slightly nervous nature.
Their bite, even from a 7 ft adult is pretty minor, if i do get bitten, i usually only notice becouse of blood on my hand.
I have to disagree on this point. I've been bitten by colubrids many times, but the bite from my adult ridleyi was easily one of the worst -- lots of bruising and some swelling. The bite wasn't just a nervous "stay away" strike, it was a full-on "I'm gonna get me a big rat" bite that thankfully only lasted a second or two. Ouch, ouch, ouch. If I remember correctly, the bruising and tenderness afterwards was more painful than the actual bite. I once had one grab the sleeve of my sweatshirt (didn't have gloves handy, so I had pulled my sleeves down over my hands) as I was removing the water dish from the enclosure. Thank goodness the snake didn't actually get skin because it pulled and constricted and didn't let go for nearly a minute.
They are easily my favourite snake, and i hope to breed my pair this year for the first time, and i am starting to get quite excited.
:And they do make a good display animal, just keep them where they will not have a lot of passing traffic, they do spook easily.
I agree that they should be kept away from high traffic areas. Very impressive animals though. If you are looking for a species that tolerates frequent handling, I'd have to say ridleyi are not a good candidate.
Take care,
Ronda
