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TAMING DOWN A GILA........IS THIS POSSIBLE???

cv768 Dec 18, 2003 12:00 PM

Just curious...
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Chris

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Replies (9)

robyn@ProExotics Dec 20, 2003 01:12 PM

Gilas are not really all that aggressive in the first place. but what do you mean by tame? i have seen Stan Chiras pick up Gilas bare handed and rub them cheek to cheek, but i wouldn't do that....

Gilas are venomous, and that is the main concern. while they are not preoccupied with grabbing you by the throat, ANY BITE OR NICK AT ALL is a serious one, and careless mistakes can happen, so Gilas should be handled by responsible, mature, experienced keepers that understand and respect the risks involved.
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

cv768 Dec 20, 2003 11:05 PM

So basically, a gila shouldn't bit if handled properly with care.

I'm just curious...these animals fascinate me.

Thanks.
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Chris

1.2.0 Bearded Dragons
1.2.0 Green Basilisks
1.1.0 Crested Geckos
1.2.0 Veiled Chameleons
1.1.0 Corn Snakes
1.0.0 Tokay Geckos
0.0.1 California Kingsnakes
2.5.1 Leopard Geckos

robyn@ProExotics Dec 21, 2003 12:43 PM

if handled properly YOU shouldn't get bit, but that doesn't mean the Gila wouldn't try and bite you...

if you are asking, can the Gilas be tame enough and trusted enough not to bite whenever i handle them, the answer is no.

it doesn't matter HOW TAME a cute little eyelash viper may be, he is NEVER EVER NEVER EVER going to be just chilling in my hand, dangling off a finger...

ya know?
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

cv768 Dec 21, 2003 12:55 PM

n/p
-----
Chris

1.2.0 Bearded Dragons
1.2.0 Green Basilisks
1.1.0 Crested Geckos
1.2.0 Veiled Chameleons
1.1.0 Corn Snakes
1.0.0 Tokay Geckos
0.0.1 California Kingsnakes
2.5.1 Leopard Geckos

gmherps Dec 23, 2003 08:37 AM

Robyn,
What type of gloves do you all use while handling the Beadeds/Gilas?
Thanks a lot!
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Greg Holland
G&M HERPS
www.imageevent.com/gmherps
gmherps@sbcglobal.net

robyn@ProExotics Dec 23, 2003 10:33 AM

none, i use the gentle giant grabber from Midwest Custom (tongs.com) and my bare hands...
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

gmherps Dec 23, 2003 10:35 PM

Sweet, I'll be sure to get a pair of those.

Have you ever been bitten by a Gila or Beaded?
Thanks!
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Greg Holland
G&M HERPS
www.imageevent.com/gmherps
gmherps@sbcglobal.net

robyn@ProExotics Dec 25, 2003 12:16 AM

not bitten, but i got a quick nick through a leather glove, a bit of a close call. some swelling, stiffness, and numbness.

and because i was a dummy, and not paying attention, talking to someone while cleaning a cage. it won't happen again, and i changed my protocol for handling the Gilas : )
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

gmherps Dec 25, 2003 07:04 PM

very helpful advice! I would like to acquire a Gila very soon.
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Greg Holland
G&M HERPS
www.imageevent.com/gmherps
gmherps@sbcglobal.net

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