Mark:

This is certainly one of the hot button issues on any herp site. Without going into the pros & cons regarding venomoids let me just state the following.

The sellers of venomoids always claim that it's done by a Vet but none of them will disclose just who this VET is....
The economics of producing a venomoid does not add up in my estimation. If you take a dog or a cat to a Vet for just a simple proceedure that requires anesthesia your looking at a bill of $300 minimum plus everything else. Safely & effectively removing the venom gland & ducts is not exactly a simple proceedure. Careful disection and placement of an implant takes time. Just think about it..they can't sell a venomoid Rattlesnakes for $300 and make money if it were done by a Vet. Yes, any surgical proccedure is stressful on any animal.

Gaboons are fairly relaxed animals who prefer to sit in one spot. However, when they want to, can defy the laws of physic and strike in seemingly impossible directions. They hit hard and hold on injecting lots of venom. They should never be underestimated.

Many bites by venomid snakes results in serious infections requiring IV antibotics to keep the victim from dying or loosing a limb. When my kids were small I got rid of my collection till they were 10 yrs old and knew to stay away from them. You may want to consider this including any of your large constrictors. They have been known to kill infants too.

Cheers!!

Al
-----
Save a Rattlesnake...Skin a Sweetwater Resident!

[ Reply To This Message ] [ Subscribe to this Thread ] [ Show Entire Thread ]