I have worked with various bitis hots as well as venomoids. The gabbys still can't be free handled even as venomoids! Even an 18 inch snake has some killer sized fangs! A 6 foot gaboon may land you in the hospital even as a venomoid depending on where that fang lands! There are several spots where a 2 inch long, very wide, and very sharp fang can do a lot of damage...not to mention the fact that infection is a threat. Basically if you want a venomoid, get one, if your want hot then go that route. Carefully think about your decision, and decide which fits you best. A properly done gabby venomoid is a great display animal, but no more cuddly than their hot counterpart! All you pay the extra money for is basically insurance of liability, and you can sleep without the threat of envenomation! A pretty big gain for a little bit more money.

30 vials of SAMIR polyvent and a 3-7 day stay in extensive care (not to mention other charges ie, helicoptor or ambulance, etc) $30K-$60K average

A good venomoid puff adder runs under $600 usually

Keep that in mind if you plan on having fangs sunken into your skin!

Take care guys!

-Steve Clark


Attached is a pic of a venomoid rhino...it looks much more impressive now, and has been fully rehydrated...very plump beauty! Needless to say it is not too big for freehandling, and that was done only for the photo. She is now 14 inches in length and 3 months old.

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