Hi,

The "negotiations" at home are at a standstill but nevertheless (thinking positive) I will start the "the quest for my 2nd snake". Hopefully by the beginning of next year I´ll be able to get it.

As you may know, due to legal constrains, the options in Portugal are very restrict: basically it has to be a Colubrid; due to market constrains, it should also be a relatively common snake. As regards my "home negotiations", it would be easier if the snake is colorful and with a good temperament. Eating f/t rodents is a must.

I am considering a diurnal snake. As most of you know, I already have a Sinaloan and so I would prefer my 2nd snake to be more active during the day (they would get their attention at different periods of the day and we would all enjoy a bit more). I would also prefer a snake with a "distinctive head".

Bearing all the above in mind, I woudl like to get your input to narrow the research and, ultimately, my choice.

Summarizing:

Has to be
- Colubrid;
- Eating f/t rodents;

Preferably
- Diurnal;
- Good temperament and nice colours;
- Distinctive head;
- Relatively common (or I will not be able to get it in Portugal)

So far, I have considered a Taiwanese beauty snake (Elaphe taeniura friesi) - difficult but not impossible to get in Portugal.
More ideas ?

(p.s.:a Corn Snake would always be a very good choice, meeting all but one of the criteria above)

__________________
Regards,
Joao

How about a Mandarin Rat ??

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Ken
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem." -- Ronald Reagan

A Taiwanese beauty snake can be a bit fiesty, well the ones ive saw. I know there are several elphae(sp) that are wonderful colored. Getting them there is diffrent than here though. ;/

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Tks for your replies.

Ken,
I got this info on the Madarin (Elaphe madarina)

A really beautiful snake, but I think I´m not (yet) prepared to have one.

Mooglebass
I´m looking over the Elaphe genus.
As regards the Tai beauty being feisty or not, I´m getting contradictory info. So far..

__________________
Regards,
Joao

Personally I would go with the cornsnake. Easy to feed, easy to handle, and available in a variety of colors.
And my corns are often looking at me out the sides of the enclosure no matter what time of day it is.

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

That is, most likely, the wisest decision, Merlin.

Nevertheless, in the meanwhile, I´ll continue gathering information.
If not for anything else, I´m learning.

For instance, I´ve been reading about the Mexican Tiger Ratsnake (Spilotes pullatus mexicanus) and its an amazing snake ! (and a big one)
Well, problably nearly impossible to get here in Portugal, anyway...

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Regards,
Joao