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Western Massasauga info?
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by Cflem on August 7, 2011
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Hi everyone. I recently aquired my first hots, a juvie cbb Western Massasuaga rattlesnake and a Southern Copperhead. I was wondering if anyone has any care tips or breeding info they would like to share for the massasauga. I have found tons of info on copperheads, but very little for the massa.
Thanks
Chris
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RE: Western Massasauga info?
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by Peter84Jenkins on August 7, 2011
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Please fill in your profile if you are going to utilize this sights resources, we have been dealing with an onslaught of trolls who come only to cause trouble.
Also, its not good practice to get an animal before knowing about its basic needs. I am not trying to be mean, but you should research the husbandry requirements before getting an animal.
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RE: Western Massasauga info?
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by Cflem on August 8, 2011
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Sorry about that. Profile now updated. Let me clarify my question. I am really looking for breeding information. I know the basic care needs.
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RE: Western Massasauga info?
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by Peter84Jenkins on August 8, 2011
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Here are a few good books you should pick up.
http://www.amazon.com/Guide-Rattlesnakes-United-States/dp/0975464124/ref=sr_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1312839062&sr=1-7
http://www.amazon.com/Rattlesnakes-United-States-Canada-Manny/dp/0978897943/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1312839062&sr=1-1
And this one is perhaps the most important.
http://www.amazon.com/Venomous-Snakes-Captivity-Safety-Husbandry/dp/1411629493/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1312839171&sr=1-4
Any good venomous keeper should have an array of book. Google searching will only get you so far. Good to see you filled in the profile. I hope you can gain something from this sites resources.
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RE: Western Massasauga info?
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by theemojohnm on August 8, 2011
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Hello Chris,
Thank you for filling in your profile.
I have kept and bred Westerns, and have worked with all of the Massasaugas, in the past. S. catenatus are my favorites of the Sistrurus species.
If there is anything in particular, that you would like more information on, regarding breeding, you can email me at JohnMendrola@yahoo.com.
Take Care,
-John Mendrola
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RE: Western Massasauga info?
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by FSB on August 9, 2011
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I have kept a number of western massassaugas and have found nothing particularly difficult or demanding about them. They have a very large range that covers a large swath of the central U.S. and are a relatively sturdy species. They eat readily at average snake temperatures and will do well in any sort of set-up, from very simple to a naturalistic display. They prefer moist, boggy habitats in the wild and should always be provided with fresh water and a bit higher than lower humidity. They like to hide, and a hide box will be greatly appreciated. Like many smaller species they can be irascible and quick to strike (little-man complexes), so watch your fingers. Don't be fooled into thinking that they are somehow "less dangerous" than other venomous snakes, and treat them accordingly.
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RE: Western Massasauga info?
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by theemojohnm on August 9, 2011
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Perfect, Fred ! Not too much more to add to that.
They're not too difficult to stimulate to breed, either. I mist mine to simulate the rains, and introduce the male to the female's enclosure when the time is right. I keep them separate for most of the year, except then communal enclosures.
I've never been all that crazy about the pygmies, but the Massasauga’s definitely have a place in my heart. The are actually quite a bit different than the pygmy rattlers, in my experience, and I have always been surprised how intelligent they are, compared to some Crotalus species. They really are thinking, calculating snakes. Which, for the most part, is a good thing, but can be a bad thing if you piss them off. Piss off a Massasauga, and he'll remember it for days.
And, I do think they are a bit 'hotter' than Sistrurus miliarius. I think that Fred brought up a great point, which is probably the #1 issues that I see with people that keep Sistrurus. They are very smart snakes, and settle into a routine well. Once they realize that you’re not much of a threat, they settle well into a captive lifestyle. However, they are also very complex little snakes, and their seasonal cycles are a bit more in depth than other species. Do NOT get lulled into a false sense of security.
I have worked with all sorts of venomous species, and I am NOT one to be easily fooled by a snake, or to become complacent when working with any venomous animal. That being said, one of my few mistakes in my time working with hots, was a single fang mishap, with an adult Sistrurus catenatus catenatus, on the left knuckle of the index finger, on my left hand. To say the least, it was much worse than any pygmy bite that I have ever witnessed.
I won’t go into much detail, but the moral of the story is that, this mishap, like all captive bites, was 100% my fault. It was a hot night, and my assistant had commented a few times, that the snake looked agitated. I, didn’t pay much mind to it. Later that evening, when it came time to water a few animals, I realized, that the only way to water his cage, was to completely remove him, and contain him, as he was very active that night. As soon as I opened the cage, he climbed out, on top of the cage, as he had hundreds of times previously. (They are NOT shy snakes.) I got lulled into the same routine that I had performed on the cage, every night. This night, I underestimated his mood, strike distance, and willingness to strike. (This was an animal that I probably could have free-handled 99% of the time and been fine, though I would never have attempted it.)
For whatever reason, that night he was irritated enough to strike, as I was lowering the cage door with a small, cage hook, and out-struck the length of my hook, a feat that still astounds me. He landed one fang, barely penetrating the skin covering the knuckle of my left index finger. I know that this was only a warning strike, and not all of his venom was injected. I also know that he could have easily landed both fangs, in a more solid strike, if he really wanted to. The bite ended up being a bit more serious than I had originally anticipated, and those of you who received phone calls, late that evening, know the details.
Expecting a typical Sistrurus bite, I was quite surprised when I lost consciousness a few times the next morning, and the swelling had progressed all the way up my arm, and into my chest and shoulder. Certainly was not a typical pygmy bite, and more resembled a mild bite from a Crotalus species. The worst part of the bite, for me, was psychological.. I have always prided myself on being a responsible keeper, and taking my safety protocols above and beyond. This bite did some psychological damage that I’m still recovering from. (Plus some scar tissue deep inside my left knuckle, which still prevents me from using my left index finger to it’s full potential. Had it been both fangs, I can only imagine what the damage could have been, and even furthermore believe that S. catenatus venom needs looked at, more in depth. Certainly was a bit more severe than most S. miliarius bites.
However, the moral of the story is that, I made the mistake. I became too complacent in the routine. I let my guard down with this particular snake. It was a learning experience, and you can bet that it will never happen again, with any species! But, the point is, that it IS very easy to do with S. catenatus. They are extremely smart and inquisitive, and usually completely relax after a while in captivity. However, this should NOT mean that you also relax, ever. They aren’t mammals, and it’s very hard for us to decipher how they are feeling, their emotions, and what their mood is, even for those of us who work with them on a daily basis.
Treat that little Massasauga exactly as you would a boomslang, at all times. The same is true for all venomous species. Sorry for the ramble, and I don’t mean to get off topic.
I just think that it is common for keepers to treat the Massasaugas like pygmies, in terms of toxicity, and to become complacent in daily maintenance.
Take Care,
-John Mendrola
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RE: Western Massasauga info?
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by Cflem on August 10, 2011
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Thanks Fred and John. Very useful information.
I agree John. My Massasauga is very curious and I am picking up on his inteligence quickly. The first time I filled his water dish, he came out of his hide and just lay there watching me fill the dish. It was kinda cool, cause you see that he was figuring out what was going on.
So far mine has had been pretty laid back most of the time. Just waiting for his first tantrum. I am more cautious around this guy though, just because of his apparent calm nature.
Thanks again guys.
Chris
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