Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello everyone,

I want to start this post by saying that i dont know jack about anything venomous, with that being said...

I was looking for the next snake that i wanted to get and i came across a gabby, the looks amazed me and i knew that this was the next snake that i wanted to get, but looking down i saw that it was venomous DOH!

I was hoping you guys could help answer some of my Q:'s

1. Will i ever be able to hold it. (for people that wanna be a jacka$$ this would mean without it killing me)

2. Is there a way to make it non venomous, or atleast less dangerous?

3. Would i want to carry an anti venom in my house if it did bite me.

4. where could i get the anti venom.

Those are the main things, as i will figure out the general on my own through care sheets as to not waste your time.

Thanks!!!

I am going to answer your questions but it is my opinion that you are no where near ready for a venomous snake, and especially one the likes of a Gaboon.

1. Will i ever be able to hold it. (for people that wanna be a jacka$$ this would mean without it killing me)

Answer: If you mean with proper snake handleing tools then yes you will HAVE to interact with the snake to properly maintain it. Most Gaboons I have had needed to be soaked weekly to get proper hydration. They can also have medical needs from time to time that require interaction.

If you mean hold it as in your bare hands the answer is a no and even asking that question is what makes me believe you shouldn't even think about getting ANY venomous snake. There isn't a single venomous snake that should be free handled.

2. Is there a way to make it non venomous, or atleast less dangerous?

Answer: There are venomoid gabbys for sale from time to time. Personally I don't agree with the procedure but that point has been argured to death. One thing to remember is that Gabbons have LONG fangs, 2" . That would still hurt a ton if you get tagged.

3. Would i want to carry an anti venom in my house if it did bite me.

Answer: As an individual you would have a hard time getting it for a gaboon and if you could the cost would be astronomical.

Please, please do a lot more reasearch on venomous snakes in general. By your post it is obvious that you are not ready to take on the responsibility that is associate with one. Find someone near you that is qualified to show you how to properly maintain a snake first.

Owning a venomous snake at this point is a privilage more so then a right and there are tons of people wanting to take that privilage away. As a community we can't afford any negative attention created by someone's mistakes.

Jason

I know i am no where even CLOSE to be able to own one, and after looking into it more i dont think it will be right for me for awhile.

Thanks you very much for your input,

Sean

Actually it is not epensive to get AV for gaboons..... It is not the price that is bad..... Its all the red tape you need to go through to aquire it...... FDA permits and actually getting in touch with the company that produces it...... The cost is only $55 USD a vial....... Pretty cheap...... ALOT cheaper than CroFab...... It is always recomended that you keep your own supply of AV...... A side note on "Gabbies"...... They may look calm and easy to handle but they are not to be messed with or kept by anyone who is not well versed in keeping venomous in general...... They are heavy, powerful, and very fast when they need to be...... A well placed bite can easily be fatal in a short amount of time...... If you get bit, you will be lucky if all you lost was a finger or two.....

You are correct, gabby's are extremely beautiful creatures, but the responsiblities and lethal venom of this species make them poor choices for a first hot. If you know jack about venomous, i would consider learning as much as possible about them, learn from a keeper of venomous snakes for a while, and then maybe you can start thinking about ONE DAY owning a venomous reptile..