It is the Copperhead snake is part of the pit viper species.
They can be identified due to their shape-like markings in the form of an hourglass and their heads that are reddish.
The snake is found in the eastern part of America as well as northern Mexico which means they can live in various ecosystems including forests as well as prairies, canyons and the rocky waterways.
While this snake does have a biting venom, they make an ideal companion for those who have previous knowledge and are fairly easy to manage in the wild.
If you’re looking for non-traditional snakes, with a distinctive pattern and docile characteristics you should check out our information sheet for information on how to take care of these specie… Copperhead snakes are known by many different names, including the chunkhead.
Copperhead Snake Overview
Copperhead was first identified by Copperhead is the first species recognized through Carl Linnaeus (one of the most famous biologists) in 1766.
Since their discovery, the owners have adored the species due to their unusual markings and their venomous nature.
While Copperheads bites are poisonous however, it’s not fatal to humans due to their venom is considered mild. Because of this, the majority of owners who have experience the species to purchase for their first snake that is venomous.
They’re not the most suitable pet for new snake owners..
Owners should have confidence in their skills prior to bringing them into their family.
Apart from their unpredictable behavior of striking at will The snake is easy to handle in captivity. They are known to include:
- Temperature requirements are relatively low.
- There are no specific requirements for humidity.
- Explore a range of environments.
- Just one meal each two weeks.
When owners are at ease handling snakes the species could be a great pet since they’re not a lot of work.
Where can Copperheads most often discovered?
The Copperhead is a native of North America, the Copperhead is located anywhere from northwestern U.S. states such as Connecticut up to the Mexican provision that include Coahuila as well as Chihuahua.
They live in a variety of habitats. However, they typically prefer being near the source of water (e.g. streams or rivers).
What we love about This Species
Pros
- A low-manure diet and only require feeding twice a week.
- Life spans that can last as long as 25 years when in captivity.
- They are a social species and may be seen in groups.
- Hardy snake that is able to flourish in various enclosures.
- Young copperheads employ their distinctive yellow tail to lure prey to lure them close enough to capture.
Cons
- Unpredictable behavior that gives little warning before hitting.
- They may have a horrible bite that is venomous.
- They are responsible for the most snakebite venom within the United States than any other snake species.
How to Find The Copperhead Snake
They are easy to recognize (baby copperhaed) by their huge red head and unevenly crossed-banded body.
The name of this snake comes for their large red, or copper head and the pattern they use is unique to any other species. It has a predominantly shade of tan with hourglass bands of pinkish brown.
Five subspecies exist that have distinct coloration and regional distributions:
- Northern copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen)
- Southern copperhead (A.c. contortrix)
- Osage (A.c. Phaeogaster)
- Broad-banded (A.c. laticinctus)
- Trans-Pecos (A.c. pictigaster)
Of all of them the species in the south, the southern one is the most common within the United States.
In the wild Rat snakes are often confused with this species, however, this snake is larger and thicker bodies.
Copperhead Size
Babies can range between 8 and 10 inches. Adults usually attain 2 to 3 feet after 3 years. The tallest can grow to sizes that exceed four feet long.
Males are generally smaller than females, however males usually possess longer tails. The juveniles have a stunningly vibrant yellow tail however, it is faded after about four years.
A majority of newborns are less weighty than an ounce at the time they are they are born. They can weigh up to half a pound by the time they reach adulthood. At the lower end of pit viper families other snakes like rattlesnakes tend to be larger.
Colour Variations, Markings and Colors
There are many distinct colors in this species.
Each of the five subspecies have slight differences in coloration and patterns.
Northern Copperheads have a darker brown body, with the southern species has more of a lighter-tan body.
Their hourglass band usually runs in a horizontal direction, however they might appear striped, with bands that appear vertically.
Copperhead Snake Care
Copperhead Diet
The snake is carnivore. They consume a variety of prey that are small, such as mice and lizards, frogs and even birds.
Wild, they’ve been recorded to eat up to 12 times per year. In captivity, they typically have a meal once twice a week.
A Copperhead can end the life of their animal by hitting it with their jaws and injecting the venom to it. After injecting the poison, they place the prey into their jaw until they die before swallowing it up whole.
In captivity, the pet can thrive on the diet of frozen mice.
Live prey must be avoided since they may be bitten and cause injuries to the snake.
Juveniles are often fed rodents that are smaller in size, such as pinkies.
They are recognized to have a fervent appetite, and so using forceps long enough to allow mice that have been frozen is the only way to prevent being bit.
If your pet does not eat the mouse in a couple of hours, it must be taken out of the cage. Vegetables and fruits shouldn’t be part of the diet of your pet.
The copperhead must be supplied with a water container which is large enough to allow both drinking and bathing. The dish should be cleaned every day and thoroughly cleaned each week to stop the growth of bacteria within it.
Health & Lifespan
As with the majority of snakes that are kept as pets, there are many typical health issues that could result if improper husbandry practices are observed or enclosures aren’t well-maintained. Infections, mouth-rot and dermatitis are typical of this species:
- The mouth rot condition, which is also referred to as Infectious stomatitis is a frequent problem for snakes in captivity. Most often, it is caused by an injury to the mouth, a poor diet or a dirty environment, the disease causes bleeding gums.
- The presence of parasites is also widespread and may be caused by many different organisms like ticks, coccidias, worms lice, protozoa and lice. The treatment for parasitic infections is by dewormers.
- Inflammation and infections of the skin that leads to sheds that are not properly performed is also a frequent health issue. It is usually caused by enclosures that are not dry enough and require treatment using topical remedies.
In comparison to other species that are found in the world, the copperhead has a long-lasting life span. It is believed that they be on the open for as long as 18 years, and up to 25 year in captivity.
Health Signs
- Eyes that are alert and bright.
- A healthy appetite.
- Peaceful and easy breathing.
- Smooth/shiny scales.
Sickness symptoms
- Stargazing.
- Weight loss.
- Mouth breathing.
- Skin shed issues.
Copperhead Enclosure
The snake is living in a variety of environments that range from dense forests to open fields. However, they are most comfortable living close to the waterways of the woods.
In the daytime they can be found sunbathing on rocky structures that run along streams and rivers, and at night , they be able to retreat to the shade of logs.
They are hardy snakes and can adapt to different surroundings.
The primary things to think about when constructing your copperhead’s enclosure include that a designated spot for basking is vital and numerous places to hide should be provided.
Since this snake needs an enclosure that has a lower temperature than other reptiles for pets The type of the terrarium they are kept in isn’t crucial.
A larger size of ceramic or wood terrarium is suitable well.
Be sure that the terrarium has at least 30 gallons. when you’re housing in pairs, then 50-gallons are recommended.
There are four important elements to an enclosure for a copperhead that will enable the copperhead to display their natural behavior:
- Logs, huts and boxes must be provided in order to provide refuge in case of fear.
- A place to bask (ideally an established rock) is a must since basking is how copperheads spend their time.
- A water dish big enough to allow for soaking must be added and cleaned on a regular basis.
- It is crucial to secure the lid that is attached to the terrarium since they are known to flee.
Since their enclosures should be at or below 85°, an aiming lamp for one basking rock is the ideal source of heat (do not employ heat rocksas they can be destructive).
A mercury vapor lamp is the ideal choice in the Basking Lamp.
The basking area will be between 95 and 92 degrees.
In the evening at night, the basking lamp must be turned off while the enclosure must be set between 70 and 67 degrees.
Copperheads are creatures that are cold-blooded and utilize their environment to regulate the body’s temperature. The presence of a hot spot for basking as well as a cooler area that is inside the tank are vital for their thermoregulation.
- Tank type Glass or wood living tank.
- Tank Size 30-50 Gallons.
- Lighting mercury Vapor bulb.
- Substrate Dry oak.
As burrowing snakes (eastern kingsnake) is best with a surface in which they can sink themselves and then burrow. The ideal substrate is the fallen maple leaves and oak branches are the best choice since they mimic their natural habitat. Other options for substrates include Cyprus shavings and pelleted newspaper.
Cleaning and Misting
Regular and thorough cleaning of the cage is essential for keeping this snake healthy.
The water should be changed every day and food items must be taken out if food is not eaten.
Substrate should be removed , and replaced every week. The entire aquarium should be cleaned using safe soap, hot water and non-toxic detergent on a regular basis.
Feces should be cleaned and examined for food components. Snake feces should be sturdier with dark, blackish sections and a lighter, white portion. If blood or food particles that are not digested are present in the feces of your snake, your snake may be sick.
Common behavior
Their behaviour in the wild includes basking in the sun and hiding in the night and sometimes, hunting and swimming.
Similar to pit vipers, they make use of camouflage in order to blend in with their surroundings and wait for predators to pass by. They have a pit in their eyes to sense the movements of warm-blooded animals (even in total darkness).
The primary method of communication involves its release of Pheromones. Pheromones are chemical compounds that are absorbed by an animal’s vomeronasal organ.
A copperhead may also employ techniques of communication that are tactile and visual during mating, such as neck extension as well as posterior trunk contraction. hovering, swaying and the topping behavior.
This species is known for its aggressive mating behavior:
- Males may be aggressive toward other males since fighting is a common way to decide which snake will mat and the female.
- Females can confront males in the course of mating, causing the male to demonstrate his dominance.
Copperheads are one of the most friendly species that are often found in groups throughout the world..
They don’t have a strong sense of territoriality and will therefore create groups in environments in which prey is easily available. In captivity they work best in a single-person environment, however they could be housed in pairs when they are introduced to one another in the early years of their lives.
In winter, the snake will break up to stay away from the cold and the scarcity of prey. They can break up in separate or communal dens, but they will usually be in the same place each winter. In captivity, they do not brumate.
Amazingly gentle, in captivity they’ll bask or hide the majority of the time, and will try to conserve all energy that they can.
Are Copperhead Snakes poisonous?
No. But they do have venom and can attack when nervous or exposed to rapid movements. The venom of these animals is being investigated as a cure for a range of medical conditions , including stroke, cancer and diabetes.
How dangerous is a Copperhead?
Their venom is potent enough to kill tiny prey, isn’t typically powerful enough to kill humans. In the wild however they’ll take small birds, rodents, frogs and lizards and their poison is strong enough to kill the prey.
If a dog, human or cat is injured by this kind of animal, medical attention should immediately be taken care of.
The venom of the Copperhead results in it causing the loss of blood vessels and blocks oxygen from reaching vital areas in the human. Antitoxin is readily available and must be stored by pet owners in the event that they get victimized.
Handling Tips and Advice
Copperheads are a Copperhead must only be used if absolutely necessary.
Snake hooks don’t work as well due to their hefty body structure. Clampsticks are the most effective instrument for handling because they allow for sufficient supervision of the snake.
Stress indicators can be seen in tail shaking as well as breath through the mouth.
Mouth breathing and tail shaking could indicate it is close to striking.
While their venom is risky, if owners are vigilant and in control while handling or storing snakes, the snake’s and owner’s security can be significantly increased.
Baby Copperhead
Copperheads reach sexual maturity at around 4 years of age.
The mating season is distinct. There’s two in the year: the fall and spring. Mothers abandon their babies immediately to live by themselves on their own in nature.
Copperheads lay their eggs in their bodies. They give birth to between 2 and 18 live offspring.
In their first year, snakes range from 8 to 10 inches in length and weigh in the range of 1 one ounce.
They’ll begin by eating insects, before moving to frogs, mice, birds, and lizards.
A baby Copperhead is likely to cost from $100-$300 depending on their subspecies, coloring and the age.
The snake is difficult to locate due to the fact that they are available through select breeders in captives.
A thorough physical examination and a thorough history must be done prior to buying. Buyers must examine the snake for indications of health concerns, like stars, patchy scales, or an inflammation of the mouth. Snakes, including copperheads, should be alert and bright their surroundings.
Copperhead Snake Facts
| Common Name | Copperhead |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Agkistrodon contortrix |
| Price | Between $100 and $300 |
| Size | 2-3 feet long |
| Lifespan | >25 years |
| Diet | Small rodents |
| Tank Size | 30 to 50 Gallons |
| Temperature and Humidity | Daytime temperatures: 75-85 Temperatures at nighttime: 67 to 70 Basking Spot: Between 92degF and 95degF. |
| Popular Alternatives | Rattlesnakes and Cottonmouths |
Summary
The copperhead is largely ignored by reptile owners looking for larger and more deadly snakes, such as rattlesnakes and moccasins.
Despite their lack of popularity They are among the most easy snakes to keep in captivity. They do not possess the particular demands of the other reptiles that are kept in captive.
An excellent option for anyone who is at ease with snakes Although they are the bite of a snake is venomous, it’s seldom fatal to humans.
If you’re seeking to add an venomous snake to your collection, but you are hesitant about purchasing one of the bigger and more deadly snakes like rattlesnakes and cobras, this snake is perfect.
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