Hi Kolleen [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]
i just emailed ya,but figured id post here too..
I am by NO means a mangrove expert,but do keep Boiga and know a few people who work with them..
They are mildly venomous,and as mentioned....can have varying effects on individuals who are actually invenomated...
it is your choice as to how you handle this animal...many people such as myself do freehandle,but with much respect and caution toward the snake.
Most mangroves can become very tame and alot of people treat them like a pet boa(believe it or not)... but I personally wouldnt recommend wrapping the snake around your neck or anything though..lol..no matter how tame...
For the most part...boiga seem to have a bit of attitude change once the sun goes down,and really dont care to be mucked with once its dark..Believe me..it gives the term nocturnal a whole new meaning..
I would say to only hold the snake in the day,especially until you get to know her personality better..If you prefer to hold her head ,it will #$%^&#$%^&#$%^&#$%^& her off more,but may keep you from being bit..
From what i have experienced..Boiga will usually let you know when they are ready to strike,
By puffing themselves up a bit and opening their mouth at you...
Unless this girl is REALLY flighty...Id say to not use a hook or anything,and just hold her...Like I said..if she puffs up and gives you a threat,its up to you to put her back,or most likely be bit...hehhe
I know that gets them accustomed to being put back after threatening...but you have to remember..this animal IS in fact venomous,and I wouldnt really want to find out if Im hypersensitive to the venom,personally
I also dont really handle my mangrove too often,and basically leave her be....
They are predominantly arboreal,but do travel to the floor of their enclosures quite a bit...
I provide a warm spot on the bottom of my mangroves enclosure,as well as a basking spot,which she seems to utilize on a 50/50 basis.....I actually have that bottom spot at about 86-87 degrees and the basking spot at about 88...she usually goes under the light after meals,and eventually makes it to the floor heat a few days afterwards.....
She seems to like the warmth and very rarely goes on the cool side of her tank.
They also require a bit of humidity,and misting once every day or so should keep yours nice and moist...i do let mine dry out every couple of days,which is fine...and as long as the snake has a big ole water dish,she will be all good...[img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]
I should mention that my boyfriend was chewed on a few days ago while at work,with no real side effects..The snake was pretty big,and during an inspection on her mouth...grabbed him on the tip of his index finger and WOULD NOT let go...
He tried everything to get her off..but eventually gave up and let her gnaw..(while sweating,im sure).. after about a minute or so,she let go..lol and he bled quite a bit more than from a non ven bite...His finger did become a bit discolored and swelled up some,and he was complaing about it throbbing a few times the night after he was bit..
With that,and the fact our cyanea chewed him too...Id say hes probably not allergic to their bites..hehhe
I,on the other hand, dont plan on sticking my finger in any Boiga's mouths anytime soon....heheh
Just be cautious,and keep her warm and somewhat moist with some braches...
and ofcourse...enjoy her...she will most likely turn you into a mangrove freak....(they have that effect,for some reason!)
Take care Kolleen,drop me a line anytime
Beccah
see?..this is why i dont post very much...I dont know how to make things brief...EVER..lol
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