Rufous Beaked Snakes

[Skiploder]

Anyone else own one? Or female is a blast. Very alert, very interactive with a lot of *ahem* "personality".

Except for the write up that Jack Spirko did on his blog, there is not a lot of information out there on Rhamphiophis. Just wondering if anyone would like to swap some husbandry tips and interesting experiences.

[chimpkin]

There is a long article in a recent Reptiles magazine. You should check that out. It was a good article.

[anendeloflorien]

Hmmmm, never heard of them. Do you have pictures? They sound interesting . I'm always up for learning about a new species

[Skiploder]

There is a long article in a recent Reptiles magazine. You should check that out. It was a good article.

Yeah, I've got a subscription. It's one of a handful of articles out there on them.

[norm]

I am in love with that snake. The local Reptile store here has one, and that was the first time i'd seen one in real life, they are amazing. I might have some pictures of it on my phone if I can get them up here.

[Skiploder]

I am in love with that snake. The local Reptile store here has one, and that was the first time i'd seen one in real life, they are amazing. I might have some pictures of it on my phone if I can get them up here.

I have a female that is just over 18 months old. Very different snake. Very observant and very interactive.

She's very cobra like in the way she "stands up" to observe things. She's about 30" long and I'm keeping her in a 41 qt rack.

88 degree hot spot with a night drop to 84. 77 degrees at the cool end and an ambient of about 81. Humidity varies from 45 to 55 percent. The hide is over the hot spot and she only uses it after a meal. The rest of the time, she will "climb" on top of the hide to observe things.

I'm keeping her in a fairly deep substrate (aspen) and by the tunnels I see, she seems to like to burrow.

She consistently defecates in one corner of her tub. She is also a voracious eater, always hungry and always looking for another prey item.......

I have been reading up on Rhamphiophis venom. They have large glands and according to Fry, they have a fairly potent venom with neurotoxins and the capability to produce observable symptoms. The identified neurotoxin has been named "rufoxin".


Definately not a "hot", but they have been listed as a "warm". While there are few reliable envenomation accounts, it is consider prudent to take precautions (light gloves and long sleeve shirts) when handling them.

This is very hard as they are so mellow and fun to interact with. My little gal endures her weighing and inspection routine without a complaint.

As referenced earlier in this thread, the only "care sheets" out there are the accounts from the SA snake forums and the most recent Reptiles Magazine article which does not go into any real detail into their venom or into precautionary handling details. I've been keeping her along the lines of a house snake in terms of temperature and humidity. Seems to be working. I'd like to get a male and try my hand at breeding them in the future.

[Ophiuchus]

They're on my wish list as well. I love African colubrids!

[python.princess]

I've seen pics of them and thought they were something to look into... Then I read the article in Reptiles and was even more interested. Very cool snakes!

[Neal]

i cant find them anywheres, i read an article in dec 2008 magazine and now i want one, and i cant find one, i found a rufous beaked snake but it wasnt the one im looking for. im looking for rhamphiophis rostratus which has like a black stripe by their eyes.

[McGurk]

Ive been looking for breeders everywhere i just cant seem to find one. If anyone knows of a good breeder please let me know. Im trying to get one as a xmas present for my girlfriend. thanks alot in advance