what's it like?...

Zodiac · #1 (**permalink**) 23-04-2008, 10:03 PM

to keep a caimen!! (as i heard you can't tame them?)
or does anyone have a cobra?
I'm only enquiring because I was curious about it, maybe one day..

but yeah, basically I just wanted to know:

anyone here have a caimen or a cobra (or any other DWA)
and what's it like? have you had any bad experiences with them that almost resulted in a fatality?

thanks in advance for your input!

peace all!

SiUK · #2 (**permalink**) 23-04-2008, 10:51 PM

whats it like? like keeping any other snake to an extent, obviously how you go about it is different, its a hard question to answer, for me its amazing because it was a dream for a long time, every time I look at them, I feel privaliged to be able to keep them.

Zodiac · #3 (**permalink**) 23-04-2008, 11:09 PM

sweet. I would be scared

less everytime I had to feed it lol.
If you don't mind me asking mate what is it you have!!!

brian · #4 (**permalink**) 23-04-2008, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zodiac

sweet. I would be scared

less everytime I had to feed it lol.

I will quit possibly get shot here but to be honest with you been aware of what you have and how dangerous it is can only be a good thing..

SiUK · #5 (**permalink**) 23-04-2008, 11:33 PM

I certainly have a very healthy respect of the snakes, im not scared when I work with them, if I was it would make me clumsy, the slightest jitters and it could all go wrong, but I think about what im going to do how im going to do it, and stick to it. I keep a western diamond back, europeon horned nosed viper, and a copperhead.

Eric · #6 (**permalink**) 24-04-2008, 05:49 AM

I have to agree with SiUK basically like keeping any other snake for the most part. Although I feel there is alot more responsibility on my part as a venomous keeper not only for myself but my snakes and those around me.

You also have to realize, come to terms, and also prepare for a bite and the effect should it happen and that is not a subject to be taken lightly. That is a subject I'm not going into tonight a bite could effect you and everyone around you sometimes death is not the worst case scenario.

Caring for a venomous snakes is a little harder then a non ven due to the fact you won't find many vets that will take on venomous. I have found one that helps me out but I do all the work at home they look at the stool things of this nature it's up to me to administer antibiotic or whatever the case may be. The best thing to aim for is prevention but that doesn't always workout so be prepared.

Another major issue is the rules you follow while working with your snakes. A mentor is always the best way to go when getting into venomous snakes but it does you no good if you don't follow the rules or guidelines you were taught. You cannot make exception or slack off while working with a venomous snake.

I just read an email before coming to the forum about a guy who was mentored and admitted he got lax and one night decided to have a few beers and basically go against everything he was taught guess what happened. I'm not knocking the guy and he is trying to teach others from his mistake by telling his story and passing it along. He has definitely swallowed his pride it took alot to send out an email admitting his mistakes to hundreds if not thousands of people. The point is this is not a hobby to be taken lightly the snakes can hurt or kill you BUT it's not only you that gets hurt in the process it's everyone you know and even some you don't know that could pay the price as well. Sorry to sound like a broken record but I feel this needs to be said more often.

So besides understanding the responsibilities and duties of a venomous keeper you do have the enjoyment of watching and researching your snakes. Occasionally when they are willing to be worked with you can get some great photo sessions. Another fringe benefit is the interest you can spark in another person not basically an interest in venomous but in reptiles. Once you get there attention you can do a little educating and that's potentially one less person that says the only good snake is a dead snake.

Well it's late I'm out of here hope this makes sense and helps out.

Eric G.

spoons · #7 (**permalink**) 25-04-2008, 02:58 AM

my OH s DWA r awsome but i dont play wiv em im gonna get him a corn for his b/d

400runner · #8 (**permalink**) 25-04-2008, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zodiac

to keep a caimen!! (as i heard you can't tame them?)

i'm in the process of applying for a licence to a caiman and some hots, just need the 400 pounds for the licence and insurance.
a local shop has caimans in from time to time and i was talking to him yesterday. he says spactacled caimans are usually pretty bad but of the last shipment of cuviers he had in, 3 of the 5 where what he called "handleable"
no first hand experience yet so can't honestly tell you what it is like to keep them but i'm sure it would be a joy most of the time, thats the smae with every thing tho, usually fun but can have its down sides

Zodiac · #9 (**permalink**) 26-04-2008, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric

I have to agree with SiUK basically like keeping any other snake for the most part. Although I feel there is alot more responsibility on my part as a venomous keeper not only for myself but my snakes and those around me.

You also have to realize, come to terms, and also prepare for a bite and the effect should it happen and that is not a subject to be taken lightly. That is a subject I'm not going into tonight a bite could effect you and everyone around you sometimes death is not the worst case scenario.

Caring for a venomous snakes is a little harder then a non ven due to the fact you won't find many vets that will take on venomous. I have found one that helps me out but I do all the work at home they look at the stool things of this nature it's up to me to administer antibiotic or whatever the case may be. The best thing to aim for is prevention but that doesn't always workout so be prepared.

Another major issue is the rules you follow while working with your snakes. A mentor is always the best way to go when getting into venomous snakes but it does you no good if you don't follow the rules or guidelines you were taught. You cannot make exception or slack off while working with a venomous snake.

I just read an email before coming to the forum about a guy who was mentored and admitted he got lax and one night decided to have a few beers and basically go against everything he was taught guess what happened. I'm not knocking the guy and he is trying to teach others from his mistake by telling his story and passing it along. He has definitely swallowed his pride it took alot to send out an email admitting his mistakes to hundreds if not thousands of people. The point is this is not a hobby to be taken lightly the snakes can hurt or kill you BUT it's not only you that gets hurt in the process it's everyone you know and even some you don't know that could pay the price as well. Sorry to sound like a broken record but I feel this needs to be said more often.

So besides understanding the responsibilities and duties of a venomous keeper you do have the enjoyment of watching and researching your snakes. Occasionally when they are willing to be worked with you can get some great photo sessions. Another fringe benefit is the interest you can spark in another person not basically an interest in venomous but in reptiles. Once you get there attention you can do a little educating and that's potentially one less person that says the only good snake is a dead snake.

Well it's late I'm out of here hope this makes sense and helps out.

Eric G.

Fair play, and thanks for your comment mate!

I appretiate the time it would have took to write that! I hear you loud and clear

thanks for sharing it with us all!

great to hear some sound advice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 400runner

i'm in the process of applying for a licence to a caiman and some hots, just need the 400 pounds for the licence and insurance.
a local shop has caimans in from time to time and i was talking to him yesterday. he says spactacled caimans are usually pretty bad but of the last shipment of cuviers he had in, 3 of the 5 where what he called "handleable"
no first hand experience yet so can't honestly tell you what it is like to keep them but i'm sure it would be a joy most of the time, thats the smae with every thing tho, usually fun but can have its down sides

Oooooo, good luck mate! keep me informed how it goes!

I hope to apply for one too but in many years to come lol... not quite yet!

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