FALSE WATER COBRA

False water cobras are beautiful large colubrids originating from Southern Brazil, Paraguay and northern Argentina. False water cobras are semi aquatic which means they spend half their life in water, often residing near streams, rivers and the floodplains. False water cobras get their name from their unique ability to flatten their necks giving them the appearance of a Cobra. These snakes are venomous. They are rear fanged species meaning it has to chew on its prey in order to deliver its venom. The false water Cobra's venom can cause swelling, irritation and discomfort but it is not fatal. In very large quantities it can cause blood clotting but that is rare from a bite. Keep in mind that every human reacts differently to different things so the reaction will vary depending on the individual. False water cobras are for experienced and advance keepers only. This is not a snake for beginners.

HOUSING

As juveniles false water cobras do fine in a 2'ft enclosure. PVC is always recommended to maintain heat and humidity. As your false water Cobra transitions into adulthood, an enclosure of about 5 ft will be best suited. Providing a very large water source will be essential to your false water cobras survival as they are semi aquatic. This is not a snake suitable for a tub. False water cobras can be very messy so cleaning up every day will be necessary.

TEMPERATURES

False water kopra's prefer a basking temperature or hotspot of about 88ﾟF with the cool side standing at around 76ﾟF. False water cobras prefer cooler temperatures so it is not uncommon for them to spend lots of time on the cool side. Temperature should always be regulated, with a thermostat to ensure your false water Cobra is safe at all times.

HUMIDITY

Originating from the tropics of Brazil and Paraguay false water cobras prefer their environment to be very wet humidity should be kept between 55% and 65% with a 10% increase during shedding periods.

LIGHTING

False water cobras do like to bask so providing a basking lamp is recommended. You are false water Cobra should also be on a proper day-and-night cycle which includes 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. False water cobras do enjoy some uvb lighting. Providing UV B for your false water Cobra will improve their overall health.

SUBSTRATE

A coconut bark or cypress mulch substrate is recommended. Betting should be cleaned frequently as false water cobras can be very messy snakes. Puppy pads and paper towels can also be used but will need to be changed daily.

GROWTH

False water cobras are definitely large snakes reaching lengths of up to 8'ft long. False water cobras grow extremely fast so it won't be uncommon for your false water Cobra to be almost half its full size after the first year of its life. By about age 2 to 3 your false water Cobra will be full size.

APPEARANCE

False water cobras have an array of colours including yellows, Brown's, blacks and sometimes grey. They have black bands that run up the body with a solid coloured hood the snakes are definitely beautiful. False water cobras get their name from of course their flat neck that is used to mimic a Cobra. However, unlike a true Cobra, a false water Cobra will not prop its head up vertically, they will maintain a horizontal position. These are definitely some of the most beautiful snakes out there.

FEEDING

Juvenile false water cobras should eat once every week. To select the appropriate sized rodent, look to the thickest part of your false water Cobra. Adult should be fed more frequent due to their high metabolism. Every 10 to 14 days will be appropriate for an adult false water Cobra.

TEMPERAMENT AND HANDLING

False water cobras are intelligent, curious snakes with big personalities as juveniles. Young false water cobras are known to be quite nippy fighting quite frequently. As your false water Cobra ages, with time and patience your false water Cobra should relax into adulthood. Caution should always be taken when handling this species as they are reared fanged snakes that can deliver quite an irritating bite. A snake hook is recommended. These snakes are recommended for intermediate to advanced keepers.

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published