Nice or not?

[xtreme1k]

What is the general temperment of the ETB? My daughter (12) is in love with them. She already has an 18 month old BP which of course is very docile, but we've heard ETB's can be aggresive. Also how big can they really get? I've found conflicting info on them.
Thanks.

[Shelby]

I don't own any, but I have seen 7' emmys. Some can be docile, but many are not. If these guys bite you, it HURTS. They're got extremely long curved teeth (they hunt birds in the wild, helps them get through the feathers)

They obviously need a tall cage with a perch.. they need to be kept hydrated as they are prone to constipation.

Craig here owns many emmys.. I'm sure he can chime in here.

[CraigC]

First let me say that emeralds can't be handled like other boids. You can't just reach in a cage and "pick them up". We handle all of ours on a limited basis and the choice to be handled is theirs. Every cage has a removable perch, with which the snake can be removed on the perch and not fought with from a fixed perch. That is asking for a bite. Our emeralds are taken outside for exercise on a "jungle-gym" when the climate is suitable to meet their environmental perameters. Once they are done doing their thing, most will allow us to handle them by stretching out to get on us. We do not force the issue. Most handling sessions last 10 - 15 minutes at most, usually with a "ride" back to their cage on us at the end. Rico Walder ( Signal Herpetoculture) did an excellent article on ETB handling in the April '06 edition of Reptiles Mag.

They are allowed to roam freely when handled as restraining them or grabbing them is equal to being preyed upon as their natural preditors are eagles. No sudden movements that might startle them and everything is basically slow motion. None of our cages for adults or sub-adults are top opening as approaching them from above is the same as being preyed upon. Emeralds, for the most part, are nocturnal, ambush hunters and are asleep during the day. I have never had an issue doing maintainence during the day, but you enter their cage at night under your own risk. LOL They can be gently woken up during the day and then taken out for exercise.

If your daughter has a desire to hold her snakes on a daily basis, emeralds and most arboreals are not for her. Although I could not conceive of missing opportunities to interact with our emeralds, we do so on their terms.

Energy is a precious commodity for emeralds in the wild. Catching prey uses a tremendous amount. When you live in the canopy or over water as emeralds do, losing prey by dropping it is a waste of energy. The long front teeth are for securing prey and not for penetrating bird feathers. Most of the diet consists of mammals, predominantly arboreal rodents. Yes they do take birds on occasion. When forced to actively hunt they may come across roosting birds, but they do not snag birds from the air in mid-flight. Besides, most birds are roosting at night, with the exception of preditory birds.

The largest emerald we have in our collection is a 6' northern. I have heard they can achieve 8', but I've never even seen a picture of one that size. Basin emeralds tend to be of heavier build than northerns and considered to have the best temperment. However, I have both and don't really see a big tempermental difference. If you decide to get an emerald, get a well established CBB from a reputable breeder. Yes you will pay more, but you will find excellent after the sale support and a healthy, feeding animal from the get go. Stay away from WC imports as they require a lot of extra care to get established and are for more experienced keepers willing to deal with possible a problem child.

Craig

[daniel1983]

Great post Craig! You pretty much said it all

[cassandra]

Great post Craig! I was wondering if you knew if the same sort of behavior and good minimal handling methods would be stretched to Epicrates striatus. I've always had a thing for Epicrates s. striatus but I know I'd have a tough time owning a snake that wasn't tolerant of more handling...

Thanks in advance!

[Shelby]

A wealth of info there, Craig. I knew you'd set the record straight.

[CraigC]

Great post Craig! I was wondering if you knew if the same sort of behavior and good minimal handling methods would be stretched to Epicrates striatus. I've always had a thing for Epicrates s. striatus but I know I'd have a tough time owning a snake that wasn't tolerant of more handling...

Thanks in advance!

I'm sorry I can't give you any info on haitian boas. Since 2000, we have been keeping emeralds exclusively and I've never kept that species. Guess I'm just a one trick pony. LOL

Craig

[xtreme1k]

Thanks Craig!


You have confirmd what I have "heard" about ETB's. They are beautiful snakes, but my daughter loves to handle hers , so I don't think they will be for her. I think she already knew that, but still wanted me to make sure. She is not your average 12 year old girl and I would not hesitate to purchase any animal for her as she is an exellent care giver, but she is VERY much into handeling whatever she has so I think we'll pass on the ETB's and just enjoy your awsome pics when posted.


Again, thanks for the great responce!

[krood]

they are awesome-looking snakes but the one I saw at the last reptile expo was striking at the cage throughout the whole time I was there. every time I passed by his cage he was striking at whoever was standing in front of it. I felt bad for the guy because he had to be a total stress ball by the end of the day.

[juddb]

I've heard about the ETB's being pretty aggresive, but i was handling a cooks tree boa the other day and it was just as docile as a bp. I almost bought it . Maybe i should have....