Hi yall. I'm a keeper of herps for 20 years. I've never advocated the keeping of venomous(hot) species by the average person. But since I've returned to keeping herps, I've come to find out about the plight of many tropical and sub-tropical species. One in particular is the Gaboon (as well as the Rhinoceros viper).
I donate regularly to conservation orgs., but I would like to do more. I figured that, given particular my particular experience/expertise (... in keeping herps), broadening the gene pool base of at least this one species is a good thing.
Now, before anyone objects to (or bolsters) my decision, I am reasonably aware (... for a long time herp keeper)of the differences in keeping harmless -vs- HOT species. I am ALSO NOT a kid looking for a thrill or some other such ridiculous motive. My motive is simply, to do as much as I can to safeguard against further loss of genetic diversity of life on OUR planet. So I would like to find out more about this species as much about the regulations regarding their keeping (i.e. federal and state{NY & SC}). I insist upon locking cages and secure HOT room procedures (secure locking door limiting access/escape w/ a viewing window. Having said all that, I would appreciate any constructive advice on their keeping. Thanks guys.
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Regs governing Gaboon vipers... ?
Replies (2)
They are fairly easy to keep, but if you are doing this for conservation you might want to pick something else. The 2 you named are some of the most commonly kept hots out there. You can't go to a venomous show without seeing hundreds. Just look at the classifieds, they are everywhere. There are plenty of snakes that you could do more good by breeding (and not all are hot). I don't know about NY but i bought my gabby and rhino at the SC show. About $80 each.
Neither is considered a good first. They aren't real aggressive, but when they strike it is so wicked fast you aren't sure it actually moved at first. The gabbys get pretty big, so if you go with one a rhino might be easier. either one tends to need led to water. They eat about half as often as most my snakes and 1/3 as often as the rest. And you have to make sure to over heat them. Mine usually stay on the cool side of their cage- around 67 degrees. I used to keep it warmer, but now they thermoregulate instead of always staying on the cool side
