Experience with rear fanged snakes

bampoisongirl · #1 (**permalink**) 15-05-2008, 01:44 PM

Hi everyone, i have recently seen lots of posts saying things like 'rear fanged, experienced keepers only' and other reps with nasty bites. However, how do u get experience if u cant buy one in the first place? i mean , if i wanted one, i do zoo biolgy at uni, and u can see on my sig wat im experienced ith, wud i 'qualify' ??? i undertand u dnt want to ell them 2 just anyone, but where d u draw the line just interested...

M@rt1n · #2 (**permalink**) 15-05-2008, 01:56 PM

I would of thought so, they are considered to be intermediate snakes.

Just not a good snake to start a collection off with !!!

Mason · #3 (**permalink**) 15-05-2008, 01:58 PM

We have to deal with issue too, we've sold a fair few rear fanged species.

Generally speaking we will ask people what they keep/have kept and the "quiz" them on relevant areas. We would also insist on people showing us they know what they are doing when it comes to handling them, you can soon spot the bullpooers when you ask them to get it out f the viv/tub!

Basically the way to go about it is to socailise with other keepers, there WILL be someopnelocal to you keeping rear fanged and most keepers don't mind having you round and givig you a few pointers and giving you some time wiht the animal, we do it often with various species. We understand how important experience is when dealing with certain species or groups of snake and have never yet said no to anyone who's asked about coming over to meet various denizens and not a week goes by where we don't offer.

It's basically upto each seller, there are lots of people who will sell anything to anyone, but most sellers try and be responsible.

bampoisongirl · #4 (**permalink**) 15-05-2008, 02:41 PM

hmmm thanks v much lol. i just find it interestin cos it must be hard to make sure sum1 is ok with snakes that are more difficult to keep than corns lol. and of cors u dont want to give a snake to an inexperienced keeper. while we r on the subject, i am interested in moving onto more difficult snakes, for example im really into my green tree pythons and emerald tree boas, but iv heard they can be a bit nasty lol any tips?

masticophis · #5 (**permalink**) 15-05-2008, 02:57 PM

Normally it's fairly easy to tell anyone that is totally unsuitable to keeping the rear fanged. Mainly as they are nervous and will back down from snakes that rattle tails.
Basically you have to make sure that one way or the other, people can get the snake out of the viv and restrain it gently.
Doesn't matter if it's a hook, reaching in and picking it up, pillowcase over the head, as long as they can deal with it.
Confidence (though, not bravado) is what is needed, as loads of people want to keep say mangroves but as soon as they are shown one that strikes then is picked up and free handled they still won't go near it.

Some people are quite happy to deal with stuff that is striking or just bluffing. They tend to realize that you have to read the body language and adjust your actions. There is no crossover point to getting rear fangs, more just a willingness to try and realization that you may well get bit but that can't stop you.

Mike

May not make the best of sense but I've been working too much today and should really be asleep.

bampoisongirl · #6 (**permalink**) 15-05-2008, 03:00 PM

lol thanks. i really want a tree python but not sure if i have the confidence iv never been bitten so i dont know what its like which makes me a bit nervous. but then again i always try and keep my motto in mind, if its gonna bite u, its gonna bite u, get over it...unless its got venom of course lol!

Mason · #7 (**permalink**) 15-05-2008, 03:07 PM

rear fanged species are venomous, hence some sellers liking to make sure you know what you're doing.

GTPs and ETBs can be bitey yes, but then they are more display snakes than handling snakes, they certainly should only be handled for medical checks etc until past 12 months old. Good teeth on both species too.

Like me and Masti' have said, you can spot someone whos trying to blag you a mile off, lies about experience and ability soon become obvious when faced with the snake in question.

Moshpitviper · #8 (**permalink**) 15-05-2008, 03:08 PM

there are varying degrees of rear fanged as there are hots.... for instance... western hognoses are almost always docile and any threat is almost always bluff. but at the other end of the scale you have your thrasops, philodryas and hydrodenastes which are considerably faster and often unpredictable. although with all animals there are exceptions to the rule. my first ever snake was a hoggy, i still have him now.

if you are ready for rear fanged, go for it.

also, with regards to the ETB, GTP thing, get a CB gtp as opposed to an emmy. far easier. I have a sorong chondro thats docile as you like and feeds even when in slough (the state of ecdicis, not the town in berkshire)

bampoisongirl · #9 (**permalink**) 15-05-2008, 03:09 PM

ok...that makes me sad i love them so much id hav to hav it out all the time then probs be covered in bites...need 2 learn more about specific species cant believe i didnt no rear fanged were poisonous...now i feel dumb lol

drpjtaylor · #10 (**permalink**) 15-05-2008, 03:20 PM

Poisonous yes, lethal no unless you have a reaction to them. The majority of rear fanged snakes release a mild venom which would generally just cause redness and a mild swelling. They release the venom through their rear fangs (hence the name) so they have to lock on and chew for it to have an effect. This is normally a last resort and will do other things such as hiss, tail rattle and tag you with the front teeth as a warning first. That is why the above posts talk about seeing that someone is aware of the snakes behaviour and reading the signs.

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