Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a question to all venomous keepers. Is there any certain species you dont particularly like to deal with? Maybe a certain snake that just gives you problems everytime no matter what? If so what species and why?
I guess if i had to pick one it would be bothrops asper or the terciopelo. These snakes are explosive and just so unpredictable its crazy. They give me an awful time everytime you have to transport them or clean thier cage. Trap boxes are 100 percent a must with these things. I figure this would be a good chance to share some of those instances where the snakes can quickly humble their keepers no matter how much experience.

More of an individual thing than it is a species thing if you ask me... There are probably 15 or so species that can be a real pain, but there are certain individuals within any of them that are harder to deal with than the "average" snake of the others.

In my experience Bothrops asper can be very flighty and very bitey, but the worst ones to work with are the smaller ones. The babies coil up in tiny coils and have a deceptively long strike range. 2-3 footers can be nightmares at times. However, I have found that in general they get somewhat used to cage cleaning practices and as long as you don't try to keep them on the hook for more than a few seconds and you move them before they go into "psycho" mode they aren't all that bad. In my experience I'd definately say that Bothrops moojeni are much more explosive in general, but the ones I work with aren't that bad now that they are getting larger. A lot of working with venomous snakes is easy. I'd say about 99% of the time anyone can do the job, it is the 1% of the time that the animals do things totally unexpected that get inexperienced keepers (and experienced ones sometimes too) in trouble b/c they've gotten too used to the snake not wanting to bite.

>>I figure this would be a good chance to share some of those instances where the snakes can quickly humble their keepers no matter how much experience.

I would say that after reaching the point of dealing with our mambas and king cobras with relative ease, nothing will humble you quite as quickly as not being able to control an 18 inch pigmy rattlesnake.

I couldn't have said that better Larry.
Excellent point!
Randal

I agree, not being able to control some individuals that are for the most part suppose to be the "calmer" types can be very annoying to say the least. My suphan is no bigger that 12 inches and that thing keeps me on my toes 100 percent of the time, which is a good thing i guess because i would rather be on my toes then let my guard down.

Better to be on your toes
than your toes sticking straight up! LOL!