Re: Moellendorffi info wanted - any keepers?

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Posted by jack deryke on December 10, 2001 at 00:14:46:

In Reply to: Moellendorffi info wanted - any keepers? posted by Steve on December 06, 2001 at 02:59:32:

: I'm in the UK and am really interested in getting some of these? Can any keepers give me some info on their habits and captive care? Also does anyone know of where these may be available in Europe?

: I've been offered WC specimens but am wary of WC asian species as a rule - do they suffer the same problems as other wild caughts?

You're correct to be wary. I have a beautiful, apparently healthy half-grown wild-caught that has refused 100% of all food for going-on 15 months, although he regularly takes water. Another at a different breeder refused food for over 10 months before spontaneously attacking food meant for a cage-mate. Mine is still fairly shy, active only in very early morning (dawn to maybe 9AM), likes 65-70 degree temps. Quite gentle- I have hand-shed him twice with no aggression shown. But make no mistake- he has 3/32"long teeth and they are SHARP! Force-feeding causes squirming; he jerked and my wife, the food-positioner, got a 3/4" long slash in her finger. Slightly longer and it would have taken stitches. An impressively long head and a HUGE mouth. I have since found that Prairiland Herps in IL captive-breeds these guys. And not all have the bright red head & tail color so be careful buying sight-unseen. Good luck.

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: : I'm in the UK and am really interested in getting some of these? Can any keepers give me some info on their habits and captive care? Also does anyone know of where these may be available in Europe? : : I've been offered WC specimens but am wary of WC asian species as a rule - do they suffer the same problems as other wild caughts? : You're correct to be wary. I have a beautiful, apparently healthy half-grown wild-caught that has refused 100% of all food for going-on 15 months, although he regularly takes water. Another at a different breeder refused food for over 10 months before spontaneously attacking food meant for a cage-mate. Mine is still fairly shy, active only in very early morning (dawn to maybe 9AM), likes 65-70 degree temps. Quite gentle- I have hand-shed him twice with no aggression shown. But make no mistake- he has 3/32"long teeth and they are SHARP! Force-feeding causes squirming; he jerked and my wife, the food-positioner, got a 3/4" long slash in her finger. Slightly longer and it would have taken stitches. An impressively long head and a HUGE mouth. I have since found that Prairiland Herps in IL captive-breeds these guys. And not all have the bright red head & tail color so be careful buying sight-unseen. Good luck.

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