Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Years ago, and I do mean years ago, I had a friend who had a venomoid monocled cobra. He's a very well-respected herper, and has never been bitten, that I'm aware of. He would occasionally toss a "live" rat to the cobra to see if it would kill it through envenomation. Never did, although it would bite the rat repeatedly, as cobras are want to do some times. BUT, he also NEVER handled the snake as though it was venomoid. He just saw no reason to tempt fate. I think that's a lesson we all need to take to heart.

Exactly, so why bother with the sale,purchasing,and or mutilating of these wonderful animals is my question to venomoid dealers? I think the answer secretly mostly has to do with the green stuff...

I'm sure its just the people selling venomoids that are after money.
Nevermind the hoards of people inbreeding the sh$t out of snakes in order to make the latest greatest morph and charge a retarded amount of money for it.
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Jason

There is no need for un natural morphs or venomoids,this is a conversation that keeps comming up.If we are takeing the snakes into our personal care we should treat them with the respect they deserve,or just leave them go. Only man thinks they can improve on nature.

Discussions on venomoids and morphs always generate strong opinions (like the debate on human abortion). Let me state that I do not own a venomoid, nor do I want one, but I can see how this can be useful for someone who provides reptile educational presentations and wants to use venomous without endangering the audience. As for the process mutilating an animal, yes, it is an unnecessary surgery, but it really isn't much different that neutering your cat or a person getting plastic surgery. Venom is used as a digestive enzyme, but snakes seem to do ok when venom glands are removed. Just throwing that out there to play Devil's Advocate.

Under any situation where venomous may be used for public interaction,they should be kept in a locked cage. There is really no advantage in letting someone touch a venomoid in order to experience the feel that can be done by handling a nonvenomous.And with all that being said,in most cases I would think twice about even nonvenomous due to the fact that so many people are so prone to fileing law suits.So enjoy them under controlled safe conditions.Also morphs that cannot be found in the wild is needless abuse of the animals. And aborthions should never be done

Even venomous in a locked cage cannot be used in an educational show at a public school. Nor would the kids be allowed to touch a venomoid. All protocols stay in effect. They can possibly touch or handle a kingsnake or comp perhaps. Depends on the kid, the person conducting the educational show (in this case, me) and a lot of other factors.

Personally, I wish I owned a venomoid (properly done, of course) for the educational show at the local public school. It would be good for the kids in kindergarten class to learn about them, and to learn to avoid them if they are to encounter one. But all of my hots are fully loaded so it's not going to happen.

As far as abortion goes, I can see where there would be instances in which it is needed. Then again, I am not a narrow-minded individual that just follows the herd. I believe in allowing people to have choices and rights in this world. Nuff said...

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In response to Greg's post, we routinely take venomous (fully hot and loaded) to public schools. They are kept in locked, double glass traveling cages specially made for this purpose. We do have to list these schools as "additionally insured", provide a detailed protocol and have a few other requirements. We've built a high degree of trust with the schools we work with and if done properly, can be very safe....it's a great opportunity for the students. But, they are always kept in cages and locked at all times unless we have a large buffer zone for me to put a rattlesnake on a lab table. We project a very professional image in how we do things and that, too, is important to gain that trust. Just my .02.

Rob Carmichael, Curator
Wildlife Discovery Center
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

Thanks for the information Rob. That is excellent! I am just a single hobbyist and have been asked by the local public elementary school to do this.

There may very well be different rules amongst the various states to decide if venomous may be brought into the public schools for educational purposes. As well as different rules amongst the school districts as well as the individual schools. Basically a federal, state, and local type of jurisdiction.

Based on my conversation with the principal and teachers I am not bringing any of my crotes. Perhaps it would be different if I was accredited and associated (not to mention insured/bonded) with a local zoo or comp. but truth be told I am not sure.

I very much appreciate the input and information you have offered
and it is something I will have to look into.

Thanks,
Greg