True or Not?

[infernalis]

Originally Posted by Sapphyr

I may consider them if the guy I'm looking to buy from has already started to get it used to taming, because I honestly think he's done so with my BRB. First day, held my BRB and he was as tame as could be. He's never even striked at me or acted aggressive about anything. Been holding him almost every day since I got him(besides before and after eating, of course) and he's never complained or fussed. Even lets me hold him while having 'blue eyes', still nothing.

Please don't take me wrong here... But I need to say this.

There is no such thing as a tame reptile.

We can get them to tolerate us, we can get them to tolerate handling, but all in all instinct will override any form of "taming"

There are countless discussions on here about snakes and lizards that people got bit by while handling or feeding them.

Just about a week or two ago, my little leopard gecko bit me while I was feeding him.

I myself get bitten by a snake or two nearly every week. Fortunately I work with smaller snakes, so most of the bites are comical.

[Sapphyr]

Originally Posted by infernalis

Please don't take me wrong here... But I need to say this.

There is no such thing as a tame reptile.

We can get them to tolerate us, we can get them to tolerate handling, but all in all instinct will override any form of "taming"

There are countless discussions on here about snakes and lizards that people got bit by while handling or feeding them.

Just about a week or two ago, my little leopard gecko bit me while I was feeding him.

I myself get bitten by a snake or two nearly every week. Fortunately I work with smaller snakes, so most of the bites are comical.

Oh well, yes, I do know instinct still remains, I meant as tame as tame can go. I didn't mean,"Oh he's so tame! He'd never ever bite me!" I know that, despite how well he is with being handled and me coming into his cage, he could mistake me as food one day and probably more than just once. I'm honestly just waiting for him to mistake me as food, I'm sure he will eventually, as do many snakes with other owners. I mean, watch Snakebytes, they get bit all the time. It honestly just depends on you(as far as smelling like food, feeling anxious when trying to pick it up, etc. goes) and how your snake is(like being naturally nippy, finicky, etc.).

Just yesterday my gecko got a little nippy and drew blood yesterday, I don't honestly mind. I just sat him back in his cage to chill for a little while. Back to his usual self today, lax and calm.

I'm fully aware that, even if they are handled frequently and tolerate handling really well, they will bite should they want to.

This is one reason why I've considered a hognose to get my man used to snakes(and because I love them), I don't think they -want- to bite since they headbutt and try other tactics besides biting. At the same time, I, myself, am worried about them should they mistake you for food and bite you considering their 'venom' deal. Is it still rare, even then, to get envenomated, or would it probably happen in such a case?

Edit: Oh, also, the instinct thing? Instinct still remains in a lot of our pets. Dogs will still hunt tiny fluffy things should you be irresponsible and put it on the floor, or if it escapes. Cats will still hunt mice(unless they're just too lazy, like mine). Instinct remains in most pets we keep today, and I'm fully aware. Not oblivious like some of those people you find on Fatal Attractions, LOL. Only difference is the things on that show can kill you easily. Not saying a dog can't kill a person and all the like, but it's very unlikely.

[Steve'O]

From my understanding the hognose has a mild venom and is rear fanged. You would have to be chewed on a bit to get envenomed by it. It is not like a viper that gets you with a quick bite. I did see a video or photo account some years ago from a guy who intentionally got his hog to bite and chew on his hand for a minute or so. His arm did swell impressively for about a week, it looked like cellulitis, but it healed up without incidence. I would presume though that if you were more sensitive to the venom, not unlike someone who is allergic to bees, the reaction would be worse. It is also possible with any significant swelling of an extremity that the circulation can be compromised resulting in tissue death. There is also the possibility of infection and gangrene complications...