Mussarana (Boiruna maculata)

by **Chantel** » Thu Apr 19, 2012 9:31 am

These HUGE mussarana babies started hatching yesterday, so I thought I'd post some pics (considering I never take pics of the venomous).

by **shadowfoot** » Thu Apr 19, 2012 9:38 am

Never seen these before, very pretty. How strong are their venom? I read that their venom is not life threatening to humans, but this is wikipedia we are talking about, so you never know...

by **Shaun P** » Thu Apr 19, 2012 9:41 am

Hi Chantel, what is Gavin starting these guys on, snakes, geckos or pinks?

by **bradmiller** » Thu Apr 19, 2012 9:48 am

Awesome! - an ophiophagy type snake - stunning but do you struggle to get them on rodents?
I suppose the schelgs Gavin is struggling with may be a bit worried now - this may get them to eat :-)

by **Chantel** » Thu Apr 19, 2012 9:52 am

They're not very common, and I'm not sure of any others in South Africa. Apparently their venom is not life threatening to humans, but as Gavin said, he wouldn't like to take a bite from one of the adults (they get BIG!). They're also very laid back, and not aggressive. But they do have a wicked feeding response!

Gavin normally starts them off on small snakes (non-feeding hatchling corns ... BEWARE!! LOL!). But they're happy to take scented fuzzies, and move on to mice easily.

by **shadowfoot** » Thu Apr 19, 2012 10:05 am

Thanks for the info Chantel, lot more helpful than wikipedia.

by **Eyelash** » Thu Apr 19, 2012 10:13 am

AMAZING !!!! Well done on breeding these stunning animals !

They are one of my favorite snakes !

Regards
Louis.

by **vuduman** » Thu Apr 19, 2012 12:18 pm

They are awesome!Congratulations

by **Mr Venom** » Thu Apr 19, 2012 3:18 pm

Very ver nice

!

by **Chantel** » Thu Apr 19, 2012 3:55 pm

Thanks everyone. I forgot to mention, they're back-fanged.

I will post more pics once they're all hatched.

by **Bob H** » Thu Apr 19, 2012 11:54 pm

Hi Chantel, how big are your adults. I have been raising a pair for almost 3 years, but the are still only 3 1/2 to 4 ft. Maybe they will be big enough next year. They are really nice snakes and congratulations on your babies.

by **poobsta** » Fri Apr 20, 2012 12:01 am

I'm lost for words!!!! I have never heard of this species till today and wow am I impressed!! A huge congratulations to yourself and gavin. Given that there are so few in the country I suppose asking when they will be available for sale is out of the question! I imagine the price to be mental

by **Chantel** » Fri Apr 20, 2012 7:32 am

Hi Bob
Yours are big enough. The female is about 4 feet and the male was slightly smaller. Just watch when you pair them up as they are VERY cannibalistic!! They normally mate immediately on putting them together, but be sure to separate them straight after. I normally let them mate 2 or 3 times over 3 weeks to be sure.
Cheers
Gavin

by **Bushviper** » Fri Apr 20, 2012 11:17 am

I am pretty sure this is another South African first. Well done. I hope you have warned the corn snakes about the threat if they dont eat.

by **Jamster** » Fri Apr 20, 2012 11:46 am

Is there a common name for these guys or is it just mussarana and where are they indigenous to?

Mussarana (Boiruna maculata)

Mussarana (Boiruna maculata)

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