I have had long-term Venomoids (WDBs, EDBs, & Monocleds) in my collection for eight - ten years. I also keep HOT specimens of the same species. I do mainly feed them fr./thawed food because of the risk of a "stunned" prey item coming back around. I have also had HOT specimens receive fairly bad bites from rodents during or after a strike. There are many people out there doing "butcher jobs" but do a little research to find out what their version of the surgery entails. If they have no customers, they'll quite doing the procedures. It is best to use (or buy from) a Vet. who is familiar w/ the requirements of surgical recovery & has access to pain meds. & antibiotics. It is also best to get w/ someone who is familiar w/ the process. I also recommend not buying animals that have simply had there venom ducts tied - this is not always a 100% reliable = not worth the risk. Only trust animals that have their glands removed & ducts severed (tied). Also try to obtain animals that are C.b.b. - not WC or LTCs - as these are healthier specimens to start w/ & have a better chance at full recovery. Beware the haters as there are a few - mainly old-timers who deal in WC animals where they can make a few bucks raping the wild. They don't see a problem w/ that but perform a surgery that has no long-term effect on an animal & can save your life & you are the evil one. Surgeries are performed on humans & animals every day - some are necessary & some are not. Weigh the cost of having the surgery done right to the likelyhood you may lose your life or limbs & it is only logical. Ask anyone who has been bitten how much the hospital bill was!! Some people have kids - some people have kids that have been bitten by their Venomous pets. Some people have Venomous Pets that have escaped. Did you see that they just passed a new law outlawing Venomous in Dayton, OH because an experienced Venomous keeper made a split second mistake, was bitten, & DIED. A good friend of mine was just bitten by a Bushmaster & is in a coma - 48 vials of anti-venin so far. On his duaghter's birthday (during her party) no less. If you need a reference for someone who does the surgery properly contact me.....

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