Eyelash vipers. Anyone care to share stories and experiences?

[stkkts]

I love the little guys. They are beautiful. I almost like them enough to buy a pair.......almost. I was reading on another forum that their bite isnt too bad. It will cause necrosis, but the antivenom is about as bad as the actual bite for treatment (this is just what I read). But I dont really understand this statement. How quick are they to strike? Are the unpredictable? I would probably never handle them even if i did own them, but I'm just fascinated and curious about them. So if anyone can share stories or experiences, that would be fantastic. Thanks.

[Ed_r]

Saying you "probably" wouldn't handle them makes it sound like you'v already taken them for granted. Their Venom is allot more potent than a copperhead, they just usually don't inject as much. Reactions differ. If you don't have much experience with non venemous Arboreals, this is not a good starter hot.

[stkkts]

I have NO experience with hot animals. And to be honest, I probably would never get one, let alone handle one. I dont think I could ever take any venomous animal for granted, or underestimate it. I am just think they are beautiful animals, and want to get an idea of peoples experience with them.

[Matt]

i agree...
first, you cannot “Probably” not handle them. Everyone and anyone who owns hots will inevitably HAVE to handle them at some point. How are you going to administer treatments if it gets sick....how are you going to deal with situations that have no other option but to pin the snake. My point is that you cannot own a hot and say i will never have to touch it, cause the point may come that have to.

See BWSmith’s thread on this subject...

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13278&highlight=touch+them

About the venom. Ya, it a little less potent than some other arboreal vipers, but its not to be taken for granted. I think ed is right, you have already taken this snake too lightly.

Fatalities have occurred from eyelash viper bites

They have a very quick strike.

Sometimes they can be difficult to work with hooks. This species usually requies 2 hooks to handle properly and much of the time they will “take the hook” meaning they will crawl up the hook towards your hands forcing you to put down that hook and use another one to re-control the snake.

Antivenin: Costa Rican Polyvalent. Sometimes people will react worst to the antivenin than they will to the actual venom, so in some cases the administering of AV will do more damage than the bite would have if left alone

IMO, they aren’t for beginners at all.
They are beautiful snakes, but I think you should be appreciating them from afar and it should end at that for now.

[reptilesalonica]

Great link that of BWSmiths'! Very educative for everyone.
Congrats!
Gold eyelash pitvipers are my beloved ones.
~Greg~