Feeding coral snakes???

[Pork Chops N' Corn Bread]

I have heard they eat small snakes, is that true? I have a near unlimited supply of c/h baby garter snakes and if they would take them i would consider a coral as my first hott. I worked with a mangrove and I was told the next step up would be either a coral or a pygmy rattle snake. Any advice would be appreciated. I know some of the precautions such as:
-common and latin name
-snake hooks
-sealed off room
-emergency numbers available
-locks and secure cages
-secure holding tubs for use while cleaning cages
-feeding tongs
I know there are lots of risks and providing that you take the proper precautions chance of a bite is slim.

Thanks

[BWSmith]

I know it sounds like self promotion, but I would HIGHLY recommend ordering or borrowing a copy of my book before even thinking about a venomous species.

To actually answer your question, no, corals do not really like Garters. They tend not to like heavily musking snakes such as gaters and waters. They prefer kings and corns. But a Coral is a VERY advanced venomous. First, they stress too easy. A loud sneeze and they roll. Second, they can be problem feeders. Third, we are still perfecting hisbandry. And last, but not least, THERE IS NO ANTIVENOM FOR THE EASTERN CORAL. It was recently discovered that the Wyeth Coral AV is NOT effective on Micrurus fulvius.

that is my short answer

[tmfleo1]

If I remember they will eat other reptiles and small mammals

[BWSmith]

Originally Posted by tmfleo1

If I remember they will eat other reptiles and small mammals

Corals are ophiophagus, so they eat primarily other reptiles. Mammals are rare for them to take and too high in fat. Long term mammal feeding would lead to heart and liver problems.

[Pork Chops N' Corn Bread]

What type do you recomend for a beginer hot keeper I was looking into keeping pygmy rattlers since they are rarely deadly and have a nice size to work with.

[BWSmith]

Pygs do not ride a hook well and cause a great deal of tissue damage for their size. A Copperhead is generally recommended for a first hot. But hots are not something to jump into. It is hard to type with 7 fingers.

	Venomous Reptile A term commonly used to refer to a venomous reptile. Most commonly used in reference to venomous snakes.

[Pork Chops N' Corn Bread]

Ya, I had a teacher that only had 7 fingers, lost 3 and a half in a car accident. I am not jumping into them by anymeans. I will wait till I am willing to take the risk without sweating everytime I clean the cage. I was told that using a wooden box in the cage that you get them into while cleaning. A secure wooden box that you can lock and take out to safely contain the snake. I do not want to pay the expensive shipping cost so I am trying to find someone that deals with hots near to me Nebraska, Omaha area. I was thinking of a copperhead because of there misunderstanding in the wild. I know a guy that used to live in florida and would will any snake he saw. Needless to say that guy will never come over to my house.

[BWSmith]

trap boxes do not work with Corals because they are fossorial.

[Kent K25]