Copperhead

[mainbutter]

He looks pretty good to me. I don't see ticks or scars or any obvious health issues you might concern yourself with before releasing him.

Does he still have his off-color tail that the neos have for caudal luring??

[Valhalarising]

Yeah he does. Honestly he's at most ten inches long as well.

[redpython]

nice find! if there is one baby, then there are more babies and that means adults!

i'd be interested in some habitat shots.

true that some pitvipers like timber rattlesnakes cannot handle relocation, i think it may be a different story w/ copperheads. they seem to be able to tolerate different environmental situations than rattlesnakes.

also know your local and state laws, if its illegal to keep these, all's it takes is some noisy neighbor to turn you in.

[Valhalarising]

Huh I never knew that copperheads utilize their tail tips as a rattle like a rattlesnake. I find this out now by introducing a pinky mouse to the fella. Said pinky has been bit and now left alone. Is this a typical neonate feeding response in copperheads?

[redpython]

he could've been bit in defense, or for food. time will tell.

[mainbutter]

yes, there is a difference between 'em and rattlesnakes in that rattlers use their tails as a warning to predators, while caudal luring is using the tail to lure prey within striking distance while the rest of the body is (ideally) camoflaged.

[Valhalarising]

Yeah, that was a thought as well. In terms of the habitat it's set off of a main road, slightly wooded with a bit of a 'brook' on the far side from the main road. Theres a line of houses against the brook, then the parking lot, then a small strip of trees, and then the main road.

[Valhalarising]

yes, there is a difference between 'em and rattlesnakes in that rattlers use their tails as a warning to predators, while caudal luring is using the tail to lure prey within striking distance while the rest of the body is (ideally) camoflaged.

Right, what I meant was when the pinky was introduced his tail was going thrum and making a decidedly rattlesnakey noise to the point that I gave him another look.

[stratus_020202]

That is one cranky looking little dude! I would let him go, I think. lol. It would be less stressful on him. He is pretty cute tho!

[Denial]

Right, what I meant was when the pinky was introduced his tail was going thrum and making a decidedly rattlesnakey noise to the point that I gave him another look.

Mine will mimic a rattlesnake when she wants me to back off. Anytime your moving near her cage she will do this. And anytime im cleaning cages in the general area where her enclosure is she will do it. it sounds just like a rattlesnake lol