RecoveryMildly venomous · Mixed
False water cobra
Hydrodynastes gigas
A large, intelligent, semi-aquatic rear-fanged snake that hoods when threatened. Bites are painful and swell dramatically, and the size means a feeding-response accident actually delivers venom — this is a serious step up from a hognose.
- Experience level
- Intermediate venomous
- Native range
- Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, Argentina
- Adult size
- 6–8 ft (1.8–2.4 m)
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
Care sheet
| Adult enclosure | 6 x 2 x 2 ft minimum, locking front doors |
|---|---|
| Basking surface | 90–95°F (32–35°C) |
| Ambient | 78–82°F (26–28°C) |
| Humidity | 60–70% |
| Substrate | 4–6 in cypress mulch or coco-soil, holds burrows |
| Water | Large tub the snake can fully submerge in, filtered or changed twice weekly |
| UVB | Recommended, 6% linear tube across two-thirds of the length |
- Diurnal and highly active — floor space and climbing branches matter more than height alone.
- They soil water constantly; plan the water change as a fixed weekly log entry, not an as-needed task.
- Extremely strong for their build. Any latch that a hand can open casually will eventually be opened by the snake.
Safety & bite protocol
- Treat every session as a two-hand hook job: one hook to steer, one to support. Never free-hand a feeding-response animal.
- Venom is delivered by chewing; a defensive strike often draws blood without envenomation, a feeding grab does not stay brief.
- Expect marked swelling, bruising and occasional systemic symptoms. Keep a written bite protocol and an emergency contact taped inside the room door.
- Never work alone on a first-time or freshly imported animal.
Husbandry information only — not medical or legal advice. Permit rules, caging standards and antivenom availability differ by state, county and city.
Feeding
- Juveniles: fish, pinky mice or day-old quail every 5–7 days.
- Adults: one large rat or two quail every 10–14 days; obesity is common in captivity.
- Feed in the enclosure with 24 in tongs and a hook in the other hand — the feeding response is fast and indiscriminate.
Breeding tips
- Season
- Mild cool-down December–January, pair February–April
- Gestation / incubation
- 60–75 days at 82–84°F (28–29°C)
- Clutch / litter
- 10–36 eggs
- Breed only mature, well-conditioned animals: females above 5 ft and 3 years old.
- A 6-week drop to 70–74°F (21–23°C) with reduced photoperiod is enough; no true brumation.
- Combat and courtship are rough. Separate immediately if either animal is injured, and log each introduction.
- Gravid females bask harder and refuse food — expect a pre-lay shed and provide a large damp lay box.
- Clutches are big; plan tub space and rodent supply for 20+ neonates before you pair.
Neonates
- Hatchlings are 10–14 in and bold from day one — hook-train from the very first handling.
- Individual tubs, 82°F warm end, damp hide, first meal after the initial shed.
- Start on fish or pinkies; most feed voraciously and grow fast, so upsize enclosures every few months.
FAQ
Is a false water cobra a good first venomous snake?
It is a common first rear-fanged species, but only after a season of hook and tong work on a large harmless colubrid. Size plus a strong feeding response is what causes envenomations, not aggression.
Do they actually need antivenom?
No antivenom exists or is needed. Treatment is supportive: wound care, elevation, monitoring for spreading swelling. Document the bite and go to hospital if symptoms progress beyond the limb.
Keep the paperwork with the animal
Permits, liability insurance, vet records and apprenticeship hours all live in the venomous portal, with expiry alerts before anything lapses.