My Very First Hot

[armata]

Probably the most difficult part of keeping pitvipers is access to antivenom (Crofab) which is a vital part of protocol.

Also dealing with arboreals such as whitelips ain't nothing like a wound up WDB.
Good luck.

[Hustler]

I googled it for you:
csserp.com


Again if I was rash in my actions I do apologise for that.

I hear what you're saying legless, and thank you for your vote of confidence. I've been keeping snakes for around 3 years now, I've got 3 Red Tail Boa's(bci), 2 Burmese Pythons, and the newest addition was this little girl. I've also had a ball and my starter snakes were 3 corn's. All in all I've kept 11 snakes.

I'm definately game for a course! But preferably after the 20th of this month.

Armata thanks for the info, I was also told that by the guy who I got the snake from. What else could I get that's around the same handling procedures as a wdb? A Copperhead maybe?

[Bushviper]

Okay so it seems that I will have to be doing a handling course a bit early than what I intended. I think it will be the 10th of October but Bushbaby will finalise that.

The protocol for WDB is rather useless because there is very little anyone can do for you without antivenom. You should know this and thus make sure you never get into a situation where you might get bitten. This is the only time that I would advocate a cage with a lid opening on top instead of in front.

I will change the handling part of the course to specifically include caging for various venomous snakes as well. I do not want to promote their keeping but rather assist in the safety of people who already have them or intend keeping them in any case.

[armata]

Well I guess BV is right, and do I assume that you guys keeping New World Pitvipers do not have antivenom.

'Do not get bitten' will never sit right with any protocol.

Commercial enterprises do not stock the antivenom for most exotics, inc rattlers, king cobra. One reason I was given from one was 'well we would be expected to supply it to private people in emergencies'. Which sounds a bit mean, but then if they have forked out thousands of Rand on antivenom and had no hope of it being replaced, well you can sympathise.

[Copperbob]

Nice little fellow you got there huslter. You do have to start somewhere and I suppose the fact that its a baby could work in your favour. I got a pair of copperheads as my first hots. One thing we should have added to that potential venomous snake forum was a list of recommended first hots. At least with Copperheads your chances my be a bit better.
Good luck and stay safe.

@mgiddings Don't be so sensitive and rather learn form your mistakes. I didn't read one comment saying you shouldn't post anymore, just be careful what you say. Everyone apologised too.
We all make mistakes on this forum and learn when we were wrong. Try a lighter approach in future at least until you have some valuable experience.

[mgiddings]

Hi guys sorry for all my comments etc. I just got a little angry and didn't really think before I posted so sorry about that. I think I will help where I can but leave all the venemous advice etc. to the experts.

Thanks again guys

always learning, one step at a time

[Whitelipp]

Well as I said to you previously hustler congrats on the little guy and he is awesome.
This did not turn out to be bad post and remember hustler birds flock but eagles fly alone...

[LeglessDragon]

Thanks for the pic Hustler. Looks gorgeous! I am jealous. Maybe you can get a male for her when she is older and then post pics of the babies. I think they will all look stunning.

BV, Put me down for the course. Have to do it. Will be interesting to hear about the correct caging etc. I am still saying no to getting hots, but might lean towards yes if I am 100% sure my kids will be safe. Then it will most probable be something like a whitelip and not anything as interesting as Hustler's little girl. Like I said: I am jealous!

Good luck with her and be safe.

[Hustler]

Thanks BV, really looking forward to the course and learning. I guess exercising caution at all times is a big neccesity now that you mention the antivenom issue.

Thanks Copperbob, I think that a section like that might be a good thing as well.

Lol nicely said whitelipp.

LeglessDragon thanks again, I also think that when she's older I'll really consider getting her a mate. She still hasn't eaten her fuzzy's so I'll try again this coming weekend and hope for the best.

[LeglessDragon]

Good luck with the feeding.

[Reptard]

Ok, first off, nice snake hustler! Congrats!

Secondly though, heres my 2cents: I have seen first hand, some of the most experienced venomous keepers, handlers etc, make mistakes with really dangerous snakes, so I think what it boils right down to guys, and what Im sure everyone is trying to get at, is: JUST BE CAREFUL!!! AND INFORMED!!!

[Hustler]

Some sad news, ma lil baby died last monday hoping to get an autopsy done soon. She never ate any of the fuzzy's or pinks that I put in with her also. Really did just break my heart when I found her

[LeglessDragon]

So sorry to hear. She would have had a good home.

[Mitton]

Really sorry to hear that, please let us know wat the autopsy says.

[Bushbaby]

Ah, sorry to hear that hustler