My NorPacs

[RandyRhoads]

My Northern Pacific rattlesnakes. Hopefully get some better shots when it's light out. They are all wild caught and while I wouldn't dare say "tame" they are people tolerant and rarely even rattle anymore. Not shy about eating in front of people either.

The adults are Bonny and Clyde and the sub adults are Killa and Slug. There is Crofab at the local hospital within a 10 minute drive if anything should ever go wrong.

Hopefully one day when i'm experienced enough and can afford to stock antivenin I will get my monocled cobra. I'm fascinated with there body language and how they react to movement.

I would also apreciate if someone can give me the proper scientific name. I am under the impression it is Crotalus oreganus var. oreganus, but have also seen it listed as C viridis oreganus.

[Lankyrob]

Wouldnt two smakes and two live prey items in one tank cause issues and risk of injuries?? Not keeping hots myself am not sure how it works wirh them.

[marvelfreak]

Man they're getting big.

[percey39]

Yes feeding two snakes in the same enclosure is extremely risky and then double it as they are live prey items. They look great, but i would start feeding seperately to avoid any risks.

[RandyRhoads]

Dangerous as far as the snakes injuring each other or just the problem one might eat both the prey? They've always cooperated with each other but if it's harmfull i'll start feeding seperatly.

[stephanbakir]

Besides the snakes biting each other or getting both prey items, what happens if 1 snake starts on mouse #1 *** first, and the other snake starts on mouse #1 face first, they will start to consume the mouse and meet up in the middle. (i've heard of this happening and one snake consumed the other one)

[RandyRhoads]

Good point. I'll make sure to feed seperately from now on. I had a king and a gopher housed together along time ago and that happened, they came face to face and fought for a while but eventually one gave in and let go. Even stranger theres pics of kingsnakes eating there own butt like it was another snake:confused:

[Jendee]

Besides the snakes biting each other or getting both prey items, what happens if 1 snake starts on mouse #1 *** first, and the other snake starts on mouse #1 face first, they will start to consume the mouse and meet up in the middle. (i've heard of this happening and one snake consumed the other one)

LOL that so happened to me when I was in highschool, I used to cage animals together because like everyone else I thought they "liked" each other. Id put a snake on a f/t on one end and the other on the a f/t the other end. well snake A finished early and went to find snake B when I checked on them they were both trying to eat the same rat...what a time trying to get snake A off and very stressful for the both of them, as when snakes eat they feel their most vonurable!!

again with the housing snakes together, not a good thing!!! I can see not wanting to seperate them for feeding as they are hots and you want to handle them as little as possible so best bet for you would be to house them seperate.

very pretty though!! (I hope for your sake your experinced enough to keep these awesome animals)

[RandyRhoads]

Although not the most desirable way to learn being as they're local and commonly found hiking I felt the best way to learn was to just jump right in and be as safe as possible. Everyone talks about starting out at zoos and such with a mentor but that's not a reality for some of us. To each his own.

I started with babies. While wearing thick desert boots and supposed "snake proof" gators along with a hook I started observing they're movement in different situations while always keeping at least double the striking distance between them and me. Now that i've seen them in their natural habbitat as well as their behaviour in different situations, such as cornered, relaxed, on the move ect... I feel pretty comofortable with them...


I need to find some artificial catus to spice up their cage and another hide for them so they don't have to share.

[stephanbakir]

Just make sure that you follow a few simple rules

Have the closest hospital add a note regarding the type of venomous snakes that you own and their venom/antivenom type
Preferably also carry a note on you.
Make sure that your "Hot" room is reptile safe, nothing they can hide behind should they get out.
Don't let your guard down, ever.
Stay away from the pointy end if you can help it.

[RandyRhoads]

Just make sure that you follow a few simple rules

Have the closest hospital add a note regarding the type of venomous snakes that you own and their venom/antivenom type
Preferably also carry a note on you.
Make sure that your "Hot" room is reptile safe, nothing they can hide behind should they get out.
Don't let your guard down, ever.
Stay away from the pointy end if you can help it.

Check check. I live a few exits from a hospital that stocks plenty of CroFab. Bites are pretty common in the foothills. I have instructions just in case and someone that lives with me that knows the drill,as well as the hospital. All cages are locked and in a seprate sealed room. I treat it like a loaded shot gun pointed at me, but with a mind of it's own that wants to pull the trigger.

[stephanbakir]

I cant think of anything else offhand but im sure a few of the other members can give you some other ideas to add onto the checklist

[infernalis]

Check check. I live a few exits from a hospital that stocks plenty of CroFab. Bites are pretty common in the foothills. I have instructions just in case and someone that lives with me that knows the drill,as well as the hospital. All cages are locked and in a seprate sealed room. I treat it like a loaded shot gun pointed at me, but with a mind of it's own that wants to pull the trigger.


That is one of the coolest things I have read in a while...

[RandyRhoads]

Pic progression of Clyde eating and then showing off one of his fangs.

[RandyRhoads]

A few more.

[RandyRhoads]

Last couple. Decent fang shot wish I could have gotten both on film.



And i've always wanted to use this smiley so here it goes.



:elvis:

[ilovemypets1988]

um just out of curiosity but wouldnt 2 snakes in a single tank poss twice the risk for the handler if 1 needs to be checked over for any reason

[RandyRhoads]

What do you mean checked over?These are wild caught. I always hook, the closest I come to "checking over" is through glass.

[sickvenom]

What do you mean checked over?These are wild caught. I always hook, the closest I come to "checking over" is through glass.

potential health problems.

[RandyRhoads]

These are a wild caught species that has over populated my area. Any health problems they aquired in the wild, they would still have in the wild. In fact these would have been killed on the spot had I not taken them. If and when I ever get a more "exotic, or special hots" for example somethign bred not WC
I will have the experience to tube, examine and administer meds.

I rarely see vets walking around the woods administering meds.

[sickvenom]

These are a wild caught species that has over populated my area. Any health problems they aquired in the wild, they would still have in the wild. In fact these would have been killed on the spot had I not taken them. If and when I ever get a more "exotic, or special hots" for example somethign bred not WC
I will have the experience to tube, examine and administer meds.

I rarely see vets walking around the woods administering meds.

so if you see that one has developed an open sore, would you let it die or treat it?

[RandyRhoads]

I would try to locate a vet that deals in hot, wich is nearly impossible. See the available options and try to treat it with EXPERIENCED help. But if not and it looked like a terminal problem, I would put it out of it's misery.

Like I said they would have been killed on site, so they're on borrowed time. I try to keep them happy. Thought about relocating but they are already overpopulated. For some reason as the mercury levels around rise, so does the pop of NorPacs.

[sickvenom]

I would try to locate a vet that deals in hot, wich is nearly impossible. See the available options and try to treat it with EXPERIENCED help. But if not and it looked like a terminal problem, I would put it out of it's misery.

Like I said they would have been killed on site, so they're on borrowed time. I try to keep them happy. Thought about relocating but they are already overpopulated. For some reason as the mercury levels around rise, so does the pop of NorPacs.

i understand, but i think that's what ilovemypets1988 was getting at.

[ilovemypets1988]

i understand, but i think that's what ilovemypets1988 was getting at.

yh i was getting at problems that can arise in captivity like for example an RI, even the most experienced snake keeper can have a problem with that and even though RI isnt terminal as long as its caught early, you will still have to treat it and you cant (or so i imagine) treat a snake if you cant get it out of there cage as theres another in there, i dont mean anything by it, its just a question thas all, and something that i would see as a problem no matter whether its needed or not

[RandyRhoads]

Well I can tell you when I get them out for cleaning and water, it's not too difficult. I use a hook to open the door, push them both to the back of the cage, then pull the more active guy out and place into a suitable container to move him in. I use "splatter vision" to watch both simultaniously making sure the other doesn't move closer, wich he never does. Not to say he will never try, but they both are pretty docile. Then I pull out the other guy, place in a safe environment, clean, and repeat backwards. I never come within twice the striking distance. I use my hook as an safety buffer, even to carry say, a 5 gal bucket if i'm using that.


I'm sure it would cause more of a problem with a more agressive hot, but these guys are pretty lazy and would rather retreat in most cases.


I don't even know how you would diagnose an RI with a rattlesnake. Most wouldn't shut up long enough to hear and respiratory problems. Maybe just look for any oral secretions?

[ilovemypets1988]

Well I can tell you when I get them out for cleaning and water, it's not too difficult. I use a hook to open the door, push them both to the back of the cage, then pull the more active guy out and place into a suitable container to move him in. I use "splatter vision" to watch both simultaniously making sure the other doesn't move closer, wich he never does. Not to say he will never try, but they both are pretty docile. Then I pull out the other guy, place in a safe environment, clean, and repeat backwards. I never come within twice the striking distance. I use my hook as an safety buffer, even to carry say, a 5 gal bucket if i'm using that.


I'm sure it would cause more of a problem with a more agressive hot, but these guys are pretty lazy and would rather retreat in most cases.


I don't even know how you would diagnose an RI with a rattlesnake. Most wouldn't shut up long enough to hear and respiratory problems. Maybe just look for any oral secretions?

ah ok, i see how u do it, its just that id rather say something than not as im sure ur aware, hots aint something to take lightly and i think its better to say a concern than leave it be, last thing we all need is another reason for our governments to try and take the pleasure of snake keeping away from us and im sure everyone here would agree with that and also forgot to mention that an RI can be noticed with an area of swelling or blood red colouring in the mouth which can be seen when the snake opens its mouth to threaten off there enemy or alternatively (only if your experienced enough though) you would grasp the back of the head tightly and use tongs to open there mouths to inspect the inside of it

[RandyRhoads]

Appreciate the concern. Even if it wasn't a health issue the price of a bite alone keeps me at a safe distance. lol.

[sickvenom]

or alternatively (only if your experienced enough though) you would grasp the back of the head tightly and use tongs to open there mouths to inspect the inside of it

no knowledgeable or responsible herper would have any reason to physically touch a hot with their bare hands. i don't even touch my venomoids with my bare hands.

[RandyRhoads]

Do you free handle your venomoids with gloves and leather protection or not at all?

[sickvenom]

Do you free handle your venomoids with gloves and leather protection or not at all?

not at all. there's no reason to. i have nothing to prove to anyone.

[RandyRhoads]

I just like the idea of being able to hold a hooded cobra up and stare into it's eyes. Not that i'd do it. But I bet that's quite a rush. Staring death in the eyes.

[sickvenom]

I just like the idea of being able to hold a hooded cobra up and stare into it's eyes. Not that i'd do it. But I bet that's quite a rush. Staring death in the eyes.

well, if you were staring a venomoid in the eyes, it really wouldn't be death.

[RandyRhoads]

I like to pretend. Lmao. You never said what species of venomoids you own?

[sickvenom]

I like to pretend. Lmao. You never said what species of venomoids you own?

correct. there's so much controversy over the subject, i don't tell people what i have, because they don't know the circumstances. i would rather not have them but they can't be released into the wild and i won't dispose of them. i also live in a state that bans non-native venomous snakes, venomoids or not. i personally have nothing against the venomoid procedure. i have a problem with most of the people who want to buy venomoids, and their reasons for buying them.

[RandyRhoads]

I understand. Non natives are illegal in CA too. Fish and game threw a hissy fit over my FWC.

[ilovemypets1988]

no knowledgeable or responsible herper would have any reason to physically touch a hot with their bare hands. i don't even touch my venomoids with my bare hands.

i didnt mean wit bare hands, i did mean with some sort of protection

[ilovemypets1988]

I just like the idea of being able to hold a hooded cobra up and stare into it's eyes. Not that i'd do it. But I bet that's quite a rush. Staring death in the eyes.

yh i would like to do that aswel and if i have no choice 1 day i would but luckily that would never happen and i would make sure that i know what im doing or have someone with me that does before doing so. (what i mean by have no choice is if 1 day im out camping in some country qand the snake came into camp or into the tents, but bare in mind that as a child, i was "hunting" and catching our native adders, no much i know but still, also i dont mean hunting as the usual find to kill meaning but finding and just grabbing up and looking at the markings as there pretty similar to the grass snake in markings).

[sassy_snake_lady]

yh i would like to do that aswel and if i have no choice 1 day i would but luckily that would never happen and i would make sure that i know what im doing or have someone with me that does before doing so. (what i mean by have no choice is if 1 day im out camping in some country qand the snake came into camp or into the tents, but bare in mind that as a child, i was "hunting" and catching our native adders, no much i know but still, also i dont mean hunting as the usual find to kill meaning but finding and just grabbing up and looking at the markings as there pretty similar to the grass snake in markings).

Does that even make any sense?

[sickvenom]

Does that even make any sense?

are you referring to the scenario or the grammar? i would say neither make sense. i tried to following along but it was too difficult.

ilovemypets1988, can you please retype you post using correct spelling and grammar? thank you.

[ilovemypets1988]

I just like the idea of being able to hold a hooded cobra up and stare into it's eyes. Not that i'd do it. But I bet that's quite a rush. Staring death in the eyes.

I would like to do that aswell, if i have no choice 1 day, i would (luckily though that would never happen) and i would make sure that i know what im doing or have someone with me that does before doing so. (what i mean by have no choice is if 1 day, im out camping in some country and the snake came into camp or into the tents.)

But bare in mind that as a child, i was "hunting" and catching our native adders, no much i know but still.
also i dont mean hunting as the usual `find and kill` meaning but finding and just getting hold of and looking at the markings as there pretty similar to the grass snake.

[sassy_snake_lady]

I would like to do that aswell, if i have no choice 1 day, i would (luckily though that would never happen) and i would make sure that i know what im doing or have someone with me that does before doing so. (what i mean by have no choice is if 1 day, im out camping in some country and the snake came into camp or into the tents.)

But bare in mind that as a child, i was "hunting" and catching our native adders, no much i know but still.
also i dont mean hunting as the usual `find and kill` meaning but finding and just getting hold of and looking at the markings as there pretty similar to the grass snake.

Sorry, I still don't get that bit!

Also, you weren't hunting adders at all, you were catching and releasing them. If you say that then there is no need to explain what your definition of hunting means :)

[sickvenom]

I would like to do that aswell, if i have no choice 1 day, i would (luckily though that would never happen) and i would make sure that i know what im doing or have someone with me that does before doing so. (what i mean by have no choice is if 1 day, im out camping in some country and the snake came into camp or into the tents.)

wait a minute..... first, thank you for retyping your post. second, why would you HAVE TO hold a venomous snake to your face if you were camping? wouldn't it be best to walk in the opposite direction of said snake? i should hope that nobody feels they HAVE TO hold a venomous snake to their face.

[infernalis]

I think what was meant, is "I would like the training, so if I needed it one day I would have it."

[sickvenom]

I think what was meant, is "I would like the training, so if I needed it one day I would have it."

yeah, i get that. i just don't know in what situation he would have to hold a cobra up to his face and stare eye to eye with it. that is what we were talking about. i'm all for educating about dealing with unexpected encounters with deadly reptiles, but i'm not sure you would ever be in a situation where you're forced to hold a cobra up to your face. that's the part that confuses me.

[ilovemypets1988]

yeah, i get that. i just don't know in what situation he would have to hold a cobra up to his face and stare eye to eye with it. that is what we were talking about. i'm all for educating about dealing with unexpected encounters with deadly reptiles, but i'm not sure you would ever be in a situation where you're forced to hold a cobra up to your face. that's the part that confuses me.

i didnt mean upto the face, i meant to eradicate possible danger, to pick up and release rather than what most do and kill the animal as all they see is the potential danger and not the fact that the problem can be solved if done correctly without any need to kill the animal

[sickvenom]

i didnt mean upto the face, i meant to eradicate possible danger, to pick up and release rather than what most do and kill the animal as all they see is the potential danger and not the fact that the problem can be solved if done correctly without any need to kill the animal

ok. you happened to quote the part about holding a cobra up to one's face. that confused me. thank you for clarifying.

since people seem to be extra sensitive around here, let me say that i wasn't trying to 'put you down,' 'yell' at you, or 'harass' you in any way. i was merely trying to understand what you were getting at.

[ilovemypets1988]

ok. you happened to quote the part about holding a cobra up to one's face. that confused me. thank you for clarifying.

since people seem to be extra sensitive around here, let me say that i wasn't trying to 'put you down,' 'yell' at you, or 'harass' you in any way. i was merely trying to understand what you were getting at.

yh i know and understand that, i was just trying to say that even though there may not be a reason to handle hots in captivity, there may become a time, where your out in the wild and you may have to handle a hot, but in all honesty, to hold a hot upto the face, yes i totaly agree, that would be asking for trouble. especailly considering that your giving them easier access to your viens and arteries (through the fact that they are closer to the skin in your head)

[RandyRhoads]

Glad you cleared that up, I was confused too. A snake slithers in your tent... "hey guys I got this one!!! *Holds it up to face, looks in eyes and walks out of tent with it*......huh,....lol

[infernalis]

I'm opposed to unnecessarily killing snakes, however if a venomous species crawled into my tent, I would deviate from that rule in a nanosecond.

screw picking it up for anything, except to clear the carcass out of my tent.

[RandyRhoads]

If that ever happens mail me the carcass! Lol.

[RandyRhoads]

Caught Killa right after shedding with his brand new button.

[stephanbakir]

I'm opposed to unnecessarily killing snakes, however if a venomous species crawled into my tent, I would deviate from that rule in a nanosecond.

screw picking it up for anything, except to clear the carcass out of my tent.


I thought about this years ago, and preemptively i did research on how to tan reptile hides, whenever I'm forced to kill any reptile, be it defensively (had a hot in my hammock once), or for food on some remote tropical camping trip i would hate to let the skin go to waste.
Would anyone be interested in me posting the process in a new post? It's really quite simple, and for about 5$ you can have enough material to tan several LARGE hides.

[RandyRhoads]

I thought about this years ago, and preemptively i did research on how to tan reptile hides, whenever I'm forced to kill any reptile, be it defensively (had a hot in my hammock once), or for food on some remote tropical camping trip i would hate to let the skin go to waste.
Would anyone be interested in me posting the process in a new post? It's really quite simple, and for about 5$ you can have enough material to tan several LARGE hides.


Screw that you weren't in the hammock when it came in where you? What kind of hots do you have locally?

[stephanbakir]

Had 3 snakes in my hammock over the years, biggest being a tree boa (Cuban tree boa) on my second last trip to Cuba.
The only hot we have locally is the Massassauga rattler (its slowly migrating down) but i vacation all over south america