Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all,

I was recently at the large reptile show in Hamm, Germany. While looking in the venomous room i noticed a young gaboon with striking colours.

Ive never had a venomous snake but i was very tempted to buy this one. Anyway i managed to over come the urge to impulse buy and left it.

Now i can find info on husbandry but for future reference (i.e if im interested next year) can any one tell me if this is a good starter snake and what i might need to learn before trying it.

Thanks for any help..

Yes, these are truly one of the most beautiful of serpents, HOWEVER, their bites are often fatal and you need to ask yourself this important question... "Am I willing to die just to keep a gaboon viper?" ...a harsh question but one that every hot keeper should ask. Although this species is fairly easy to manage, many folks become complacent due to their laid back personalities; that is, until feeding time when you will experience the explosive power of one of the top ambush hunters in the reptile world. Unless you have the resources, maturity, EXPERIENCE, access to antivenin (for this particular species), proper training, etc. I would recommend something else like a copperhead. I keep Bitis but it was many years after working with other venomous species.

Rob

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
1401 Middlefork Drive
Lake Forest, IL 60045
847-615-4388 office

Most certainle NOT a starter hot. They get huge and are fast with big fangs and powerful venom. Start with something managable, maybe a Whitelip viper or some other small arboreal, but dont get any venomous of any kind till you have been properly schooled in the care and handling of thse animals.

'Nuff said. Try something a little less hot, or better yet, work with someone who keeps hots and then decide if you really want to dedicate the time and discipline to keeping them.

AP