These cages are ideal for this species in many ways. They must feel secure and hidden to do well. They will now accept medium to large sized pre-killed rats every 7-10 days. I have never observed cannibalism in action, but would hate to risk the loss of a valuable animal as a result of tempting fate. If the habitat is acceptable, and all other potential issues (both external and internal) have been ruled out, it is likely that given time and patience, the snake will begin to feed regularly. Some researchers have recommended elevating certain subspecies to the species level, while others feel that more sub specific delineation is warranted. I whole heartily recommend using cypress for not only mangrove snakes, but for nearly all tropical herps. Careful attention to the body condition of your snakes will help you determine if they are staying properly hydrated, and if any other watering methods are needed. it. Mangrove snakes (Boiga sp.) Mangrove snakes have fascinated me since I first saw one in person nearly 15 years ago. I have found many newly acquired mangrove snakes to be very shy feeders. mangrove snake care. When mouse fuzzies no longer seemed substantial enough, rat pups were offered instead. Anyone keeping this species should be aware of its dangers.

Gallery Images: Overview: As a large, arboreal species, the mangrove snake needs a large terrarium at least 4 feet long and 3 or 4 feet high. In my experience, I have found them to be mostly trouble free snakes once they are acclimated to captivity and to the environment provided to them. However, if you are up for the challenge, I can assure you, it is well worth it. Even then, the aggressive tendencies and potentially venomous bite would indicate that handling should be kept to minimum--ideally only during routine maintenance. If live plants are being used, a full spectrum florescent bulb with a low to medium UV output can be placed on a timer and set to run 12-14 hours a day. B. dendrophila is the species most commonly encountered in the pet trade, and is the focus of this article. Re-creating the natural habitat as closely as possible has proven advantageous with this species, despite the typical snake-keeping formula. don’t take water from a bowl. The live plants, lush landscaping, and added humidity create an ideal environment for growing Boiga. Your email address will not be published. Mangrove snakes can be housed in any type of secure, appropriately sized enclosure. I have maintained this species both with and without supplemental lighting. While not impossible, captive reproduction of this species is sporadic at best. Youngsters mostly eat lizards and … I was looking at possibly owning one at some point and I had a few questions regarding their keeping.

A few hides of various sizes and location within the habitat are recommended.

I sincerely hope that the information shared here will allow more individuals to become involved with these animals and strive to establish diverse breeding colonies. Keep in mind these animals are used to living in trees, bushes, and coastal mangroves. The larger surface area of a decent sized water container increases evaporation, and subsequently humidity. This species generally is nervous, has a vicious temper, and should not be handled. The beautifully contrasting colors, brilliant iridescence, and the allure of owning a rear-fanged snake all contributed to what has become a long-term obsession. Despite being readily available and reasonably priced, very little has been published on the natural history and captive management of these snakes in the United States. It is considered mildly venomous. Thais say: Ngoo plong tong. The activity and stress associated with shifting them to a designated feeding container can deter them from eating entirely. An average temperature between 85 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit is necessary, dropping slightly at night. Of these, B. d. dendrophila and B. d. melanota are the most frequently encountered, with melanota being the most common and having the wider geographic range.

This is when they are most active, and most likely to come across their meal. Some authorities feel that the Duvernoy’s gland is an evolutionary precursor to the more developed venom glands of the familiar pit vipers and cobras. The species is endemic to southeast Asia.

This water should be changed daily.

Cypress mulch is naturally resistant to mold and fungus. All rear-fanged snakes are found in the family Colubridae, and the venom of these animals varies from harmless to life-threatening. With the spraying each morning mentioned above the snake should have pl… While rare, it is not unheard of to come across a Boiga that will steadily refuse all manner of prey until just the right flavor comes along. With mangrove snakes, special care and attention to detail during the initial acclimation process is crucial. Without this supply of fresh bloodlines and new breeding stock, we can never hope to establish B. dendrophila in the U.S. herp trade. A quick once daily visual check of water bowl level, temps, humidity, and where the snake is spending its time should suffice. I have been using fine to medium milled cypress mulch for my Boiga for a number of years, and have not once considered finding an alternative. This means there is no single “best” substrate--only one that is the best for a given situation. Mangrove snakes are nocturnal ambush predators that take a variety of foods, depending on size and age of the snake. There should be many climbing branches, vines and resting platforms in the terrarium, especially near the top, as this species takes it food by ambushing it from above. If you are author or own the copyright of this book, please report to us by using this DMCA After morning spraying, humidity levels in my Vision enclosures exceed 90%.
Leave for half an hour then return the snake to its vivarium/cage. Snakes are not particular about their hides, as long as they are numerous and snug. This is Tinkerbell. Large, hardy plants such as pothos (genus Pothos) and snake plants (genus Sansevieria) have worked well in my experience, and are easy to find. Rear-fanged snakes do not have an active venom delivery system like that of pit vipers or cobras. It is a venomous rear-fanged snake whose bite has caused dangerous reactions in keepers who have been bitten, though deaths have not been substantiated. I often strive to provide water dishes that are big enough for the animal in which to comfortably soak.

Published on September 27th 2016 by staff under Snakes. Like many snake keepers, I have always been one to enjoy a reptilian challenge. This will allow time to monitor temperature and humidity ranges over the course of a few days. Those without light received only what ambient light entered the enclosures from the room in which they are housed. Boiga, or cat-eyed snakes, is a genus of the family Colubridae and is comprised of more than 30 species.

It should be noted that all of the mangrove snakes in my collection become much more defensive and easily agitated after dark. Ensuring that all environmental parameters are within an acceptable range ahead of time will not only reduce stress for the snake, but for the keeper as well. That said, I firmly believe that one should use what works well and what is appropriate for the species being kept. Sulawesi Black Mangrove- Boiga dendrophilia gemmicincta.

If all else fails, offering live frogs, fish, or small birds may be necessary. It also holds moisture well, is aesthetically pleasing, and readily available. Appearance / health: The Mangrove Snake reaches 1.8 – 2.4 meters (6-8 ft) in length. I typically rotate plants out of my enclosures every few months, as they become tattered by snake activity. Cannibalism is not unheard of; in fact, it is fairly common. Boiga dendrophyla ssp. deli cup was utilized instead. It also inhabits coastal salt marshes, brackish estuaries, and associated canals and marshy areas. Once my current breeding pair of mangrove snakes became established and gained some size, I began to simplify their enclosures, both for my sake and for theirs. The same is true, at least in the U.S., for hospitalizations resulting from severe envenomations. Modification of the cage top with a piece of acrylic or other watertight material is recommended to ensure high levels of humidity are maintained within. Mangrove snakes are certainly not the easiest snake to keep, and are by no means recommended for neophyte snake keepers. Having an appropriate habitat prepared and ready to go before you obtain the animal is ideal. Frequent checking and inspection of the snake should be avoided. I placed a few field collected bird feathers and half a dozen fuzzy mice in the bottom of the deli cup. A population of mangrove snakes was also accidentally introduced to Texas.

Proper caging and substrate will help with maintaining adequate humidity levels.
This will also provide the snake with a steady photoperiod, which is helpful during the acclimation process and during any breeding efforts. I use polyethylene plastic enclosures manufactured by Vision Products for all of my adult mangrove snakes. Rather, it is just the necessary process for providing hobbyists with species that have proven difficult to reproduce in captivity. Your email address will not be published.

It is one of the biggest cat snake species, averaging 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m) in length. The mangrove monitor is normally easy to take care of, but the main thing to keep in mind is its need for a big space. There was no change in feeding response transitioning from mice to rats. Report DMCA, Care Sheet - Mangrove snake (Boiga dendophyla) Yellow Banded Mangrove Snake Boiga dendrophyla dendrophya, Care Sheet - Japanese Rat Snake (elaphe Climacophora), Care Sheet - Amethystine Or Scrub Python (morelia Amethistina), Care Sheet - Helmeted Gecko (tarentola Chazaliae), Care Sheet - Halmahera Giant Gecko (gehyra Marginata).

A network of grapewood, vines, and artificial plants are highly recommended, especially for newly acquired mangrove snakes. if not seconds. Mangrove snakes, as well as all other Boiga species, possess opisthoglyphous dentition; that is, they are rear-fanged and possess a mild venom.

Adding additional hides at various heights within the enclosure, as well as hides of varying materials seem to work the best. Article was last reviewed on 4th June 2019. During the hottest months of the year, I add a deep layer of New Zealand sphagnum moss over the top of the cypress mulch in all cages. Handling should be kept to a minimum until mangrove snakes are feeding readily and regularly. As outlined below, a number of appropriate and secure hiding spots must be provided to allow newly acquired snakes a range of shapes and sizes in which to conceal themselves. Some generalizations can be made based on overall appearance and the number of yellow bands (when present), but these attributes should not be relied on for 100% accurate identification. Mangrove Snake Setup Yellow-ringed Cat Snake Mangrove Snake Care Published on September 27th 2016 by staff under Snakes. These animals inhabit parts of the world that are subject to extreme and nearly constant levels of monsoonal moisture and humidity. In fact, all snake venoms are nothing more than highly specialized digestive juices (saliva). These are large, active snakes that will utilize all of the space allotted to them. Mangrove snakes should be housed individually. Identification of Boiga at the subspecific level can be daunting or nearly impossible without accurate data pertaining to the animal’s country of origin.