While I've never owned a venomoid, I've never seen a need to own own. The only reason I can see to own one, would be if it were a rescue. Deliberately perform surgery to render a snake harmless as an attempt to compensate for having deficiencies in their handling skills, is not only irresponsible, but quite dangerous.

Owning venomoids, simply to have a pet also shows a complete lack of respect for the natural beauty of venomous species and is a disgrace to the herpetologists who've studied their natural ecology and evolution. If you have a sincere interest in their roles in nature, I'd recommend you hone your handling abilities with the more aggressive non-venomous species and learn venomous herpetoculture from an experienced mentor. Not too discourage you, BUT, it really isn't that difficult to learn proper handling skills for pit-vipers and believe me, you will appreciate them to the fullest.

The last thing, with the red-tape and political groups trying to restrict ownership(of hots) these days, seeing "Joe SHow-off" free-handling a venomoid, does NOT make for good press and creates nothing but headahces for ligitimate venomous keepers.

Keep in mind, eventually some day, you may want to travel abroad and observe snakes in the wild(much more rewarding than watching them behind glass)......I've YET to find a natural venomoid Fer-de-lance(Terciopelo) in Central America.

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