Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello, I'm new to this forum.
Anyone know the legalities of owning heloderm species in South Carolina? One or two pet stores in my area sell venomous snake species so I'm assuming that we either have no current laws or the popo's overlook them.
I'm planning of aquiring either a few gilas or beadeds (I'm still doing a lot of research and I'm torn between them!) in the near future. Both are interesting beautiful species that deserve a lot of respect and care.

South Carolina is one of the few free states left in the country. It is wide open my man you can have what ever venomous critter you like.
HorridumAngeli

HorridumAngeli's Beaded Lizard Web Site

Awesome! I actually have your site listed under my favorites on my computer. I am still trying to decide which species to keep. I really, really like the Rio Fuerte beaded lizards. They seem to be easier to breed than the gilas. What are your experiences with them?

Gila's all the way!!! Hehe....why not both?? Beaded's are awesome too, but gila's do stay a little smaller if that is a deciding factor.....good luck
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Chris
Contact
Captive Bred Herps

0.0.2 Gila Monsters
1.2 KSB "Normal"
1.2 KSB "Albino Het/snow"
1.1 KSB "Anery"
2.2 Rubber boas
3.3 Solomon Island G. Boa
1.0 Leopard Gecko
1.0 Pacman Frog

What's the average size for an adult H.h. exasperatum? I'm really leaning towards beaded lizards (they are cheaper after all, not that it's the only reason).
I've read some threads on here about heloderm venom and diabetes. Where can I find some scientific reports/papers? It seems really interesting! Thanks!

www.cnn.com/2005/HEALTH/conditions/04/29/diabetes.drug.ap/index.html

Here's a link to a little bit of info on the research...Also talked about below.
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Chris
Contact
Captive Bred Herps

0.0.2 Gila Monsters
1.2 KSB "Normal"
1.2 KSB "Albino Het/snow"
1.1 KSB "Anery"
2.2 Rubber boas
3.3 Solomon Island G. Boa
1.0 Leopard Gecko
1.0 Pacman Frog

Gilas are nice, my experience is limited to maintaining zoo captives however, but horridum are IMO more interesting in personality and the fact that they can get 3 feet long or bigger as adults is kind of nice too. I chose to work with horridum and havent looked back. Sounds like you are doing your homework and that is key no matter what you decided, good on ya!

Heres one of my babies from Steve

My gila's have alot of personality too!! I love them. Gila's range from about 24-32inches as adults. Don't get me wrong though I plan on owning beadeds too someday!

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Chris
Contact
Captive Bred Herps

0.0.2 Gila Monsters
1.2 KSB "Normal"
1.2 KSB "Albino Het/snow"
1.1 KSB "Anery"
2.2 Rubber boas
3.3 Solomon Island G. Boa
1.0 Leopard Gecko
1.0 Pacman Frog

I know with Gilas you need all sorts of permits to keep them in some states (at least where they are endemic). I'm assuming you don't need as much paperwork to keep beadeds. I do like the larger size. I'll probably go with the beadeds!

BTW, great animals! Are there any reliable ways to sex juveniles (DNA, eversion of hemipeni, itc)?

The best way to sex a gila is ultra sound....I am not sure about beadeds.

CB 04
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Chris
Contact
Captive Bred Herps

0.0.2 Gila Monsters
1.2 KSB "Normal"
1.2 KSB "Albino Het/snow"
1.1 KSB "Anery"
2.2 Rubber boas
3.3 Solomon Island G. Boa
1.2 BCC Born 5-30
1.0 Leopard Gecko
1.0 Pacman Frog