Black Mambas - D. polylepis

[wadekilian]

A few pics of one of my Black Mambas post shed. This is a 2.1 - 2.2m female. I've had them for a while now and they're still going strong. I've been told that both females gave eggs last season so I'm holding thumbs for this season.

Trap boxes (PROPER boxes, the cardboard box in the pic just acts as a hide and a raised basking spot) are definitely the way to go with these guys (especially with big / aggressive specimens). Fortunately they are generally very willing to retreat to their box when startled.

Some day I hope to keep all four Dendroaspis species as well as D. j. kaimosae. Anyway, here are the pics!







Regards
Wade

P.S apologies for the size of the pics.

[Serpent]

Beautiful snake! Am presuming you have a male too?

Is that pine shavings being used as a substrate?

[wadekilian]

Thanks! Yes, I do, I'm planning on getting another male in the near future though.

Yup, that is indeed pine shavings (manufactured by Marltons, I think). I've used pine shavings as a substrate for years without ill-effects. I've heard different opinions on it, due to the risk of the release of toxic fumes when it is heated etc. I read something on the internet a while ago that mentioned "heat treating" the shavings, and that most manufacturers do that. Would be interested in hearing other opinions on it . Always open to advice.