Looking for arboreal non venomous smal snakel

[Jussi]

Hi all i have a question, I am looking to get another snake preferably within the 3 foot range and definitely arboreal I don't want something like an atb or gtp but rather a slender snake .A white lipped tree viper would work great but I only have one snake so I do not want a hot since I don't have enough experience. I was leaning towards vine snakes but they have seriously difficult feeding requirements any ideas would be appreciated, it does not matter if it is difficult to come by as I will only be getting the cage set up In a few weeks.

[Westley Price]

Jussi, first you will have to look at what is available in the country.

The chances of finding a Vine Snake (I assume you mean the Asian one and not the local one) in South Africa are very slim!

There are actually very few arboreal colubrids in SA. Depending on what your budget is like, I suggest going for a Rhino Ratsnake. They are semi-arboreal and gorgeous snakes!

Louis (Eyelash on the forum) had some available. Maybe he has a few more.

[Jussi]

Thanx that's why I say that I have a few months while I track one down. I also forgot to say it can be slightly venomous I just do not want a really hot snake and I am still at school so my budget would be 2 grand for just the snake. And thanx for the reply

[Westley Price]

Even if you have a year, you will struggle to find a Vine Snake locally.

[Jussi]

Ah thanx a lot a appreciate the help, and the rhino ratsnake sounds like an awesome idea

[reptile]

Hi Jussi,
Could you please let us know where you are based? It would help to a certain extent.

[Jussi]

I am in Pretoria east near Menlyn Park.

[Jussi]

I did some digging and really like the idea of a spotted bush or natal green snake,just concerned about the legality, I know I will require a permit but that's about it any ideas about keeping one of them?

[Fox Snake]

Amazon tree boas might work

[reptile]

I don't know if this is possible in your area, but you could get an indigenous snake, like a cross barred tree snake, or natal green snake. Though this would require a permit.

[reptile]

First check with the local wildlife authorities... it is illegal to keep them without a permit as far as I know.

[Jussi]

Amazon tree boas might work

Thanx fox, it's a great suggestion but I am looking for a smallish snake and atb's grow too big

[Jussi]

Trust me I know it is illegal without a permit and even if I could get one for one of those snakes I really don't want a w/c specimen as I don't want to have a major impact on the wildlife but I think I'll talk too the wildlife authorities about acquiring a permit as soon as I can find where and who , thanx again

[Jussi]

I see marbled tree snakes quite often for sale and wanted to know any thoughts about getting one of them as they stay small?

[Jamster]

Howzit Jussi.

ATB's are probably your best option within your price and size range. For some reason you think they get very big? Amazon trees don't get very thick at all and in most cases remain at a very manageable size even when it comes to the aggressive individuals. They are great snakes for arboreal setups and display very well on horizontal branches.

Trying to get any captive bred Philothamnus on permit is probably not going to happen, at all, for most people, ever. Even if you do manage it, you probably won't manage to get food for it. Hatchlings feed on small geckos, skinks, reed frogs, etc. Catching feeder reptiles and amphibians in most provinces is highly illegal. Attaining one wild caught natal green snake would do little or nothing at all to local wildlife, but you have the right idea there.

Marbled tree snakes are great little snakes! They do however tend to be rather secretive and are not the kind of snake you would want to hold very often. Once again food is an issue. They feed on gecko's and small frogs... You could use heavy scenting to get it on to pinks, but this isn't ideal.

What about Bredli's carpet pythons? Jaguar carpet or even a coastal. You will have plenty of time to gain experience as the snake grows.

Rhino rats are awesome snakes and I would jump at the chance to get one! The colour change from juvie to adult is also something that would be interesting to watch as it grows.

Good luck!