The Shelby Thread :) - Page 5

beardeds4life · 02-04-12, 07:00 PM

I am so jealous. One day I think I will own hots but not for at least another 15+years when I have my own home and a REAL reptile room and someplace that even if one did get out if I have kids then there is no chance for them to get in the reptile room or the snakes to get out

Norm66 · 02-04-12, 07:12 PM

That's interesting. And of course makes total sense. I keep forgetting how much of a different deal hots are. But still, 'don't make the cobra angry' really isn't rocket surgery.

beardeds4life · 02-05-12, 10:10 AM

no i dont think it is

Will0W783 · 02-05-12, 05:42 PM

LOL, Norm! You know, you might think it's common sense to not make hots angry, but it's really something you have to consciously be aware of. Different things aggravate and rile up different snakes, and when you're dealing with pythons/boas, it's not generally a big deal to rile them up to eat. If you get tagged, oh well....you have a nice bite mark.
With venomous snakes, they don't have the same level or kind of interaction. You can't pick up your viper, cobra, or mamba to get them used to your presence and help them realize you aren't a predator. They get trapped in shift boxes, or grabbed with tongs or hooked, and even this as little as possible, so it's far harder for them to realize you are not a threat- the type of interaction one has to do with hots can be frightening for them.
I do not tong my hots- I feel it is too easy to injure a snake and it's got to be terrifying for them to be grabbed in what must feel like talons or jaws of a predator. I use shift boxes and hooks. I try to keep movements slow and methodical, and as gentle as possible.
But since you can't tame hots like you can a non-venomous snake, you have to be more aware of how every single action of yours is going to be interpreted by the snake. You have to think about how to make every situation and easy and calm for the snake as possible, while keeping yourself safe. It's not something that comes naturally to everyone, and it definitely needs to be honed through experience and training.

Norm66 · 02-05-12, 06:01 PM

I appreciate the insight Kim.

Will0W783 · 02-05-12, 06:04 PM

No problem. I'm nowhere near perfect at not pissing them off, but it's a philosophy I've heard from other skilled hots keepers and I try to keep it in mind. I figure it can't hurt to try to make my snakes as comfy as possible.

GarterPython · 02-05-12, 07:02 PM

This might be kinda random ( I am random aot) but my sisters name is Shelby and it is actually her birthday today.

Will0W783 · 02-06-12, 12:33 PM

Haha, GarterPython, you should show her a picture of Shelby cobra! :-P

GarterPython · 02-06-12, 10:21 PM

I think I will. I'll tell her that she should get a Shelby Cobras.
(she hates snakes espetially venomous ones)

KD35WIN.AS.ONE · 02-09-12, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will0W783

KD, do your Naja get a frightful attitude for a good few hours after being fed?

Several naja i keep are incredibly high strung, If you approach their domain 9 times out of 10 if they are visible they welcome you with a full mouth gape, loud quick hisses, or spit.. Or sometimes a combination of all three which my pallida loves showing off...

When i clean her cage which is quite more often then id like to.. I move her into an empty vision cage for awhile, she feels as this is her time to show to everyone how vile she can be. She leaves a nice coat of venom on the glass doors.

i hope you dont mind me posting my picture here, i dont want to make a thread, was really just sharing with you and the visitors to your thread.

Norm66 · 02-09-12, 01:37 PM

Do you have to be careful when cleaning the venom up? Or is it only dangerous when injected or on mucous membranes? Are latex gloves sufficient?

Will0W783 · 02-09-12, 02:43 PM

Wow, KD, that's a beautiful red spitter...with a lot of venom! Of course I don't mind you putting up pictures- I love seeing cobras of all kinds all the time. They have always fascinated me.

Shelby is odd with his attitude displays- he's a vile little turd when in his cage- hissing, dancing, lunging, and generally raising himself up as high as he can. He's gotten a third of his body standing straight up! But when I hook him to put him in the holding bin, he immediately chills out and acts simply curious and excited to be moving. I'd almost be more comfortable if he was vile on the hook, because I can predict that....but he's almost preternaturally calm on the hook and has never actually tried to bite me.....I'm waiting for it. I'm sure the day will come when he decides to rage on the hook.

youngster · 02-09-12, 03:09 PM

That's way too nerve racking for me

I get scared of my 1.5 foot carpet when he gets mad

presspirate · 02-09-12, 03:45 PM

He's beautiful Kim! Having said that, owning him would scare the crap outta me!

KD35WIN.AS.ONE · 02-09-12, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norm66

Do you have to be careful when cleaning the venom up? Or is it only dangerous when injected or on mucous membranes? Are latex gloves sufficient?

A cobra spitting its venom adds a whole new dimension to venomous snake keeping. Something nothing in herpetoculture can prepare someone for... good logic, routine and responsibility can not be forgotten. Venom should never be in contact with you as a person for any more amount of time then it should take you to wash it off. Venom can seep its way down into pores find its way into the smallest of cuts/abrasions. Latex gloves work well, prompt and proper disposal is very important.