Venomoid Question

Graham85 · 01-29-09, 03:02 PM

Ok, I know venomoids are a pretty sensitive topic but please don't just write mad comments to me for asking about them! With that said my question is Do you think a venomoid is a good way for someone to get into venomous snakes and if you don't think a venomoid is a good way, what else could you do?

Kmef07 · 01-29-09, 07:12 PM

what he heck is a venomoid?????

Chu'Wuti · 01-29-09, 09:14 PM

Verrrrry touchy subject! I think you're paying for a hope that could be untrue & therefore dangerous, that's just IMHO. Why alter something just so you can have it captive? But I know some people do.

Kmef07, if you haven't figured out venemoid, think venomous void--a venomous snake that has been surgically altered to remove its venom-producing capabilities.

How does the conflict with its instincts work, I've always wondered. Poor thing.

Phoenix446 · 01-29-09, 09:22 PM

You have to keep in mind that most venomous snakes depend on the venom for hunting and/or digestion. It seems to me that removing these apparatus will only have a negative impact on the animal. Not a good idea.

**Aaron_S** · 01-29-09, 10:04 PM

Personally, I would go against it. Deep down, you KNOW a bite won't kill you (unless the surgery was botched and the snake regrew it's glands, which is possible) so you just won't treat it the same. The best way is to find someone who is VERY good with them, highly knowledgable and mentor underneath them.

Kmef07 · 01-29-09, 10:40 PM

thanks chu now i feel stupid for not figuring that out lol

Smilts · 01-29-09, 11:07 PM

I agree with Aaron S 100% on this. I think it would give you a false sense of safety that would be hard to break when dealing with unaltered venomous snakes

Chu'Wuti · 01-30-09, 08:04 AM

Quote:

now i feel stupid for not figuring that out lol

Nah, don't feel stupid. The first time I saw the term, I had to google it to figure out what they were talking about.

IMHO, it's just cruel, and I think Phoenix, Aaron, and Coy are all making excellent points.

Graham85 · 02-01-09, 07:05 PM

thanks for the feedback. I think I have decided against it now. What do yall think of the False Water Cobra?

Chu'Wuti · 02-02-09, 09:20 AM

hmm . . . just looked at some images online, and they wouldn't be my pick, but that's just my personal preference. I'm not enamored of the head & neck shape on them. But I'm used to looking at my BP, which has a very elegant head shape & lovely slender neck, so I'm biased.

I'd be leery of the risks, too--if you're wanting a snake you can handle. If you have any allergies, it's entirely possible that you could have a stronger reaction to the venom than what's described. Sensitization is also mentioned, so if you got bit more than once, your reaction could get worse.

However, if you're not planning to handle the snake, I guess it's up to you. Just MHO. Someone else will probably have another opinion or better advice, as I have no experience with this particular animal.

If I were going to have venomous snakes again, I'd have copperheads. They are beautiful snakes.

gonesnakee · 02-02-09, 03:23 PM

A great big NO!
Mutilating snakes is NOT the way to go! Venom is the initial stage of their digestion process.
On the FWC question, for starters just how much experience do you already have keeping snakes? A FWC is not a begginer snake. I'd suggest a minimum of 5 years experience working with larger defensive/aggressive snakes prior even taking on a FWC. As for Venomous a decade plus experience keeping snakes & THEN a few years TRAINING under an EXPERIENCED hot keeper that does so RESPONSIBLY! Proper enclosures, proper handling (NO Free handling!) & most improtantly a PROPER ERP in place. ERP is an Emergency Response Plan which involves contacts in place with the local hospital & most importantly having the proper antivenom in stock for ALL species kept. If you think you can handle all of that THEN you are ready for Venomous snakes otherwise you have NO business keeping them. 99/100 Venomous Keepers ARE NOT worthy & rely on others to save their sorry arses when they screw up. Oh & they do screw up, its only a matter of time before improper procedures catch up to them. Mark

Graham85 · 02-02-09, 06:03 PM

I have a lot of experience with everything from ball pythons and corn snakes to currently owning a western hognose and burmese python and do some work with the snakes and other reptiles at my local zoo. I have around 6 years experience working with snakes but no venomous ones. I am currently getting my degree in Zoo Animal Technology and looking forward to a career taking care of reptiles. I want to slowly get experience with venomous snakes and reptiles.

gonesnakee · 02-02-09, 06:17 PM

Larger Asian Ratsnakes are good experience IMHO (can be very fast & unpredicable, which is good practice) & as stated your best bet is to find a "mentor" who you can "train" under with the venomous stuff. Good Luck with your endevours, Mark

Phoenix446 · 02-02-09, 09:41 PM

OK, if we are talking laboratory conditions then there are more than likely some pretty strict workplace guidelines for the handling of dangerous reptiles. I would assume that before anyone is put in these situations that there would be rigorous training procedures etc. to lower the risk of a bite. My question is why anyone would want to bring that sort of risk to their home. For example, I knew a guy that kept two Naja Atra, or Chinese cobras at home which was all fun and games before he decided to throw a mouse in with them. When he stuck his hand in to free the mouse that was being consumed at both ends, both snakes disengaged and bit him. The ONLY smart idea he had through this whole ordeal was to have antivenin close at hand and so he survived. This man is a prominent member of a high profile east coast herp society, but his experience should show that venomous snakes DO NOT under any circumstances belong at home.

gonesnakee · 02-02-09, 11:17 PM

Can't say I agree that none should be kept but do agree most all don't deserve to keep them. Buddy is a classic example. Housing more than one specimen together is a no no. Even if he was doing so for breeding, feeding them while together is a no no. Sticking ones hand in to try & remove one or the other from the prey is just plain stupid. Should have used tongs/hooks etc. Back to what I was saying of those not being worthy

Lucky he lived to tell about it. Mark