First off, all the reading and tools in the world are not going to prepare you for a rhino or any large bitis sp. snake...I would suggest you get some experience working with gabby's and rhinos before running off and getting one, not too long ago a firefighter was killed by one he kept as a "pet". They are very decieving animals, sometimes appearing dead and then launching out in a strike that is nearly invisible to the human eye it's so fast. Basically, there is not a human alive who could dodge a rhino or gabby's bite if in strike range. Also, are you prepared to be hands on with this snake? What if it gets sick? Do you have a vet who will see a venomous snake? Most vets won't get near them. Are you willing or experienced enough to administer antibiotics or other medications to a cranky viper that wouldn't think twice about pumping your veins full of it's deadly venom because it's tired of you playing with it? In my honest opinion, any large bitis sp. is a HORRIBLE choice for a first hot. I'm assuming this is your first hot because you mentioned getting all the tools etc, and if you had other hots, you would already have these (i hope!). Also, due to their lethargic nature, rhinos (and gaboons and puffs) can cause an inexperienced keeper to get very complacent with the snake, taking chances that one should not be taking. It takes a fraction of a second before your life may either change dramatically or end altogether, and a rhino can be a very good canidate to make this happen. Think about either keeping a rear-fang or a non-deadly frontfanged (a copperhead is always a good first-hot in my opinion) before you wander into rhino country....

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• i want a rhino, have a question??? - themntl1, Sat Dec 13 11:13:55 2003
• RE: i want a rhino, have a question??? - psilocybe, Thu Dec 18 16:24:42 2003