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Copperhead
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by ReptileBob on November 19, 2007
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hello everyone,
i was wondering which species of copperhead stays the smallest, if there even is a size difference between the subspecies? also i have heard many say that they make a good first hot, would you agree? between the copperhead and the pgymy rattler, which would you prefer, which has a more mild venom? any info would be appriaciated. thanks!
Bob
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RE: Copperhead
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by Cro on November 19, 2007
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Bob, Coppeheads and Pygmy Rattlesnakes are both good choices, it really depends more on which one of them you like the best. The Trans-Pecos is probably the smallest Copperhead.
Both of these snake can be challenging to feed if they are new-born, so I would look for ones that are captive born and at least a year old. Dusky and Western Pygmys tend to be easier to keep than Carolina Pygmys.
As far as venom, both Copperhead and Pygmy Rattlesnakes can make you very sick and do a lot of tissue damage, but will probably not kill you. The best thing is to not get bitten.
Read the FAQ section here for more information on this subject.
Best Regards JohnZ
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RE: Copperhead
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by LarryDFishel on November 19, 2007
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Of the two, I would go with the copperhead. In my experience it seems like far more pigmys turn out to be difficult to hook and some can be real terrors.
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RE: Copperhead
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by earthguy on November 20, 2007
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Sorry. I just felt the need to speak up for pigmies. I love 'em. Copperheads are really nice too, and relly are usually more docile. However, it's usually the dull knife that cuts you. Complacency is THE most dangerous thing that a hot keeper can aquire. Having a mildly energetic hot (as opposed to a normally lethargic one) can sometimes stave off complacency. Just one more thought to add to the mix.
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RE: Copperhead
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by LarryDFishel on November 20, 2007
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I agree with your points, however I've worked with quite a number of pigmies and I would say out of every 3 pigmys, one is well behaved, one is kind of a pain and one is virtually impossible to move with hooks. With the one we have at the refuge now, I was reduced to placing his cage inside the holding container, chasing him out and removing the cage with tongs, then reversing the process to put him back. Now that he's big enough to need a cage that won't fit inside the containers it's always an adventure.
I find unruly 6 foot forest cobras to be easier to deal with. (Not safer, just easier.)
I've worked with a few coppers that were less cooperative than most, but none were near as bad as that 1 out of 3 pigmies.
At any rate, my long winded point is that picking any given pigmy, there's a fair chance that it will turn out to be virtually impossible for a beginner to control, which I think would be very unlikely with a copper.
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RE: Copperhead
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by agkistrodude on November 20, 2007
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Right now I have 6 copperheads that all ride hooks really well, and 2 pygmys, one will sit on a hook no problem, and one will fly off it every time.In general, I would agree that copperheads are easier to maintain.Just get one that has already been eating. MartyM
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