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1st elapid?
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by lisa1960 on January 10, 2007
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Whats up everyone. I am just going to get to the point. I am planning on getting my 1st elapid after many years of keeping other venomous and non-venomous snakes. I was thinking of starting out with something like a Aspidelaps lubricus or Aspidelaps scutatus. The reason I chose these ssp. was because they are relatively small and their venom (from my research) seems to be slightly less toxic compared to other elapids. I have also heard that the Aspidelaps scutatus is also a joy to watch and keep. Now to my questions. Would either one of these ssp. be a good snake for someone just getting into elapids? I am not new to this hobby so I know that each snake is different and you can't judge a snake just by its ssp. Next question, Which one (if there is one) would be better to start off with A. scutatus or A. lubricus? All info is greatly appriciated. I would also like to hear about your personal experience when working with each of these animals. Thank-you. Lisa1960
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RE: 1st elapid?
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by Cro on January 10, 2007
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Hi Lisa. Aspidelaps are very fun snakes to keep for a first elapid for an experienced keeper.
There is really not that much difference between the two of them as to behavior or keeping needs.
If you have been keeping other venomous snakes for many years as you suggest, you should have no trouble keeping them.
You might want to fill in more of your profile to let folks here know more about yourself and your past experience.
Best Regards JohnZ
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RE: 1st elapid?
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by GREGLONGHURST on January 11, 2007
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The only thing I can add to John's cogent reply is that there is a major step up from the coral cobras to Naja anything. Bear that in mind in the future if you contemplate the next step.
~~Greg~~
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RE: 1st elapid?
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by Rob_Carmichael on January 11, 2007
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Back in the day, you didn't see lubricus in the pet trade or zoological collections so I started off with Naja and eventually had the opportunity to work with lubricus....but, ideally, getting some training with lubricus is definitely the way to go but as Greg said, there's a huge jump from lubricus to Naja; the handling and management techniques are much different but you at least experience some of the nuances of working with elapids.
Personally, I love lubricus; they have fantastic personalities and are a real joy to work with; in fact, they are one of my favorite elapids and if I could pick just one to keep, that may be it. They don't require a lot of space, they'll keep you on your toes, feed well and are generally hardy captives, and, are just real neat snakes to interact with. Make sure you get the right hook when working with them. I would recommend the Midwest arboreal hook (they use a different name but the shaft is red and the hook and handle are black...perfect size for lubricus). Also, make sure you always have another container or cage nearby to shuttle the snake into during maintenance; they are very quick and will dart into the nearest cranny (heed that warning!). I recommend keeping the cage off the floor and having a "catch" container" under it just in case it bolts.
Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center
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RE: 1st elapid?
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by lisa1960 on January 11, 2007
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Thank you to all who have posted. I have updated my profile, ment to do it sooner but just never got to it. Does anyone know where I can get a A. lubricus at a decent price? I still want to do a little more research before I make that commitment.
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RE: 1st elapid?
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by FlaSnakeHunter on January 15, 2007
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Please let me know if you find a source for Aspidelaps l. lubricus as I have been looking for them for about two years to no avail.
Thanks...Marty
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RE: 1st elapid?
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by Atrox788 on January 16, 2007
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Aspidelaps are indeed great captives and are a good first elapid but only on the premis that they are elapids.
Compared to the next step (Naja) you would need alot of additional training under somone who keeps them already, perferably. Aspidelaps lubricus differ from true Naja substantialy, even when reffering to a baby naja and an adult CC.
Naja are alot more inclined to bite, much more runny and over all much mroe of a handfull. CCs hood readily enough but rarely if ever threaten with anything but a bluff. Never let this bring you into a false sense of security of cource.
Once the Naja becomes an adult a whole new assortment of worries come to play which differ from Aspidelaps. Feeding being the most troublesome.
Though CCs feed with great gusto they hardly get near the mindless ferocity of true cobras. Combine mindless feeding response with a much large size and your in for a handfull.
Im not trying to sway you away from Aspidelaps at all but more so giving caution. These guys differ from all other elapids by quite alot and though are a good start for cobras because you get used to the hood and explosive hissing fits they will not prepare you for an adult Naja by any means.
As for obtaining Aspidelaps, since I sold off my colony (cry) I have been out of the loop. The only person I knew to breed them consecutive years was Mitch I think from diamond breeder reptiles. This was several years ago mind you so I apologize if my info is inacurate.
Good luck in ventures and let me know if I can be of any help.
Best regards,
Jeremy
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