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snake bites
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by thenovice on August 9, 2006
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i want to know what i'm getting myself into, tell me what it is like to be bitten by a hot herp, how many times have you been bit, what do your friends/ family think?
tell me your story so that i can try not to make the same mistakes
thank you all, best regards
Chris Hartmann
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RE: snake bites
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by RepFan on August 9, 2006
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Chris,
To truly learn the," Ins & Outs", of this hobby. One must do several things. First and foremost take a tour through our photo album in the snakebite section. That will give you the best visualization on what to expect when things can go wrong. Now, if you still think you are up to the task; start reading everything you can about venomous snakes. Especially, anything dealing with captive care and the safety protocols that go along with it. This site has many articles dealing with this topic. Please take time to read them in our,"Articles" section. I also recommend buying/reading , "Venomous Snakes In Captivity", by B.W. Smith. After that start by getting the proper tools for the trade (Hooks,tongs,shields,etc.) and locate a reputable mentor that you can apprentice under. If you have taken the steps I previously mentioned above a possible mentor will see how serious your are about the hobby and will be more apt to help you. Also, please remember that some may turn you down due to your age. Don't let this dissuade you. Use this time to read and study everything you can get your hands on about the snakes that you are interested in. Join a local herp club. By the time you reach the legal age or find a mentor who feels that you have the maturity for this hobby; you will be equipped with much of the knowledge needed to take on this endeavor.
Lastly, let me leave you with some advice a friend of mine once said:
The single most useful quote I think I've ever heard:
"Every single story about a bite by a captive snake that I've heard always starts the same. 'I was reaching in the cage and...'"
~Chris Harper
I was thinking about this when I was reading the story about the bushmaster bite.
I know most of you will find this to be old news, but here are a couple of things that can prevent accidents. We all need to remember them, pass them along to newbie keepers, and live by them. Our hobby depends on it.
1. before doing anything stop a few minutes, imagine doing it, mentally note everything that could go wrong, and take steps to prevent it. I have several cages on metal racks. while doing this mental exercise one day I realized that the racks could be tipped. They are now screwed into the walls.
2. A plastic light bulb cover at home depot costs about 2.00. It looks like a long Midwest restraining tube. I can open my cages with a hook, stick the tube in and put one end of the tube in a water dish. I pour water into the other end so I can top off the water dish from six feet away. No need to bother the snake, and it gets them watered.
3. Removing the snake during cleaning is a prime opportunity for a soak -- it keeps the snake hydrated and prevents kidney problems later in the snakes life.
4. NEVER reach into the cage while a snake is in there. Always be aware of the possibility of unexpected offspring... even from male snakes. (Right Karl!?! hahaha)
5. Don't be afraid to ask for help. I never tube large rattlers unless someone is there to help me.
6. If you see someone breaking an obvious rule, call them on it. Jump their ****. They may get mad but ****, it's better than them getting bit. I saw an unnamed fool reach down to readjust a piece of moss that was in the photo with a canebrake. Brad Kalota swung his snake hook down and whacked the guys arm outta the way (jeeze it had to hurt!) then gave him a stern "GET YOUR HAND AWAY FROM THAT SNAKE, I'M NOT DRIVING YOU TO A HOSPITAL AND RUINING MY HERPING TRIP"..... That guy should give brad a medal.
7. Be Careful. You guys are my friends. The thought of any one of you getting hurt makes tears well up in my eyes. I want you all around to herp with me for a long time.
I know this is basic stuff -- and if for no other reason than reminding myself to do it -- I felt it needed to be typed.
Apparently that bushmaster bite hit the national news because at least 3 people at work have brought it up at work with a sarcastic "see what happens when you play with snakes!"
My point exactly... snakes aren't playing when it comes to biting us.
Let's not play with them. Let's be serious with them.
Chad Minter
(Author of,"Venomous Snakes of the Southeast")
Good Luck,
Todd
S.H.H.S. Website Team Member
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RE: snake bites
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by ALA_snake33 on August 9, 2006
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Chris: Personally, I have never been Bitten “thank God”, but I can tell you that Handling Venomous Snakes is like Holding a Loaded Gun with the Hammer Back to your Head, and Praying it don’t go off. This Hobby can and will Kill. Just to tell you some things I have seen happen to Venomous Herpers. I saw a Buddy loose his whole Arm from a Gaboon Viper Bite. The Bite was so Bad, his Arm looked like a Loose Flap of Rotting Skin. Just thinking about that Bite makes my Skin Crawl. After that Bite, he lost a very good Job (went from Riches to Rags in less than 2 Days). I by no means am trying to put you off about Keeping Venomous, but I always tell people to look at every Snake Bite Photo they can find and let it Sink In. It can ruin your life, that’s a Fact. As for my Family. My Wife takes it well, but she still worries a little. My Mom and Dad both have come to understand I know what I am doing, so they are fine with it. In closing I would like to tell you to never let your Mind Wonder wile you are Working with your Animals, and Keep your Hands away from the Front End. .................................Be Safe Ya’ll, Happy Herping : Wally
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RE: snake bites
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by Cro on August 9, 2006
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Chris, from what I have observed, it is not the young keeper who gets bitten, as they tend to be carefull, and follow good husbandry practices.
It is often the older keeper, who with many years of familiarity, gets sloppy when working with snakes. Unfortunatly, drinking is also often involved when folks get bitten. Right now, you are 15, and drinking and working with snakes is not a problem, but at age 25 it could be.
You should strive to be carefull and not do dumb things to get bitten. A huge ammount of captive bites happen when folks reach their hands into cages with venomous reptiles they are familiar with.
Your goal should be to never get bitten. To be always alert and attentive to details.
There are many venomous keepers who have never been bitten by a venomous snake. Try to make that your goal.
Best Regards JohnZ
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RE: snake bites
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by thedude on August 10, 2006
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It is really expensive. That is the number 1 reason I do not want to get bit again, that and the excruciating pain and possible death thing. Even if you have insurance, that 10-15-20% deductible is going to be huge!
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RE: snake bites
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by thenovice on August 11, 2006
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okay, i looked at all of the pictures ( they made my stomache flip and there were some that i nearly passed out on) but i thin that i know what i'm doing enough not to get bit. i already am a part of the herp society in my town and i have a good mentor that has beenn bit once, i've heard some real horror stories from him as he works in the er and sees alot. only more incentiv to never, NEVER get bit. thanks again
best regards
chris hartmann
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