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Cottonmouth or WDB
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by codeman on December 21, 2008
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Ive been keeping venomous for over a year now and feel comfortable getting another venomous snake. I really want a Gaboon but I know Im no where close to being ready for a snake that dangerous. Maybe in 5 years or so..lol..anyway Im wanting either a cotton mouth or a western diamondback rattlesnake. I was wanting to know if anyone could give me some advice on what you feel would be the better choice. Thanks and Merry Christmas.
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RE: Cottonmouth or WDB
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by codeman on December 21, 2008
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I just want to add that Im learning all I can about them by doing research but would like to hear from someone with first hand experience.
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RE: Cottonmouth or WDB
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by FSB on December 21, 2008
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Cody, if you're comfortable keeping copperheads, and as long as you maintain a strict hands-off protocol and are using proper handling and feeding equipment and caging, etc., I would think that a cottonmouth or a timber rattlesnake would be a good next step, but definitely not a WDB! I know there are "mellow" ones out there (I have one myself) but it's not the general rule, and I would rank them among the most dangerous snakes to keep if only on the basis that of all the experienced keeper envenomations that I have personal knowledge of, C. atrox has been overwhelmingly the snake most often involved. Even my relatively laid-back female, which I obtained as a neonate and has grown at an alarming rate, has surprised me more than once with the length and speed of her strike.
Even though gaboons are definitely what I would call advanced snakes from a keeper standpoint, and their venom is unquestionably more complex and virulent than C. atrox and antivenin less likely to be available unless you stock it yourself, I would see a properly maintained and cared for gaboon as being less of an actual bite risk than a WDB. For all their fearsome reputation, they are a lot of huff and puff, and you would really have to be handling or annoying them or dangling your hand in front of them or doing something else stupid to get bitten. But in general, WDB's are all business and no bluff, and you can actually be doing everything just right and thinking you're out of striking range and still get nailed.
Of course, either one can kill you dead, and as far as which snake is more dangerous than another, I have come to think that any snake that can cause a human fatality is every bit as dangerous as it needs to be.
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RE: Cottonmouth or WDB
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by Cro on December 21, 2008
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Cody, I agree with Fred that a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake would be a bad pick. They tend to be "wound up" most of the time, which makes them dangerous to work with.
Because you live in Texas, you might consider the Black Tailed Rattlesnake. They are mild manered and very attractive rattlesnakes.
You mentioned Cottonmouths, and those two are interesting and fun animals to keep.
Also, I would agree that if you can follow safety rules everytime, that keeping a Gaboon Viper would be possible. They are fun animal to keep, but require proper temperatures and humidity, and large cages.
It is not easy to get bitten by a Gaboon Viper, but it can happen in a split second, if you make a mistake.
Best Regards
John Z
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RE: Cottonmouth or WDB
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by AquaHerp on December 21, 2008
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I had a few black-tails that would disagree with the "laid back" theory. They can be troublesome feeders too unless they are long-terms or CB.
Inasmuch as venoms, timbers carry a devastaing bite.
Cottonmoths aren't a bad selection. One of my favorites even after all these years.
DH
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RE: Cottonmouth or WDB
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by codeman on December 21, 2008
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Im in Grapevine. About 30 miles northwest of Dallas. Thanks for all the advice. Im gonna take yalls advice and leave the WDB alone.
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RE: Cottonmouth or WDB
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by 23bms on December 21, 2008
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If you're worried about whether you can handle them, perhaps you should gain a little more experience, preferably with a good mentor, before trying. A few months, or a couple of years, of additional experience can make all the difference in the world. I'm not trying to be condescending. I just think that if you aren't completely comfortable with moving on to the next level, that move may be premature. If you are completely confident in your skills, the question need not be asked. If you aren't, gain some more experience. You have plenty of time. You won't regret it.
jrb
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RE: Cottonmouth or WDB
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by Buzztail1 on December 21, 2008
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If you have learned to use hooks (and with larger-bodied snakes - the two hook method) and are comfortable with being able to maintain venomous snakes with a hands-off approach - then a Cottonmouth is a good next snake - IF YOU REALLY LIKE COTTONMOUTHS.
I would feel much better about a medium level (not entry and not expert - somewhere in between) person taking on a young Bitis gabonica than a Crotalus atrox.
I base this on the fact that most Western Diamondbacks are not calm and actively seek to kill you at every opportunity.
http://www.venomousreptiles.org/articles/72
Gaboons may be fully capable of killing you but they are much less aggressive about making it happen.
http://www.venomousreptiles.org/articles/93
I have found C. atrox in the wild and I have worked with B. gabonica. There are lots of people on this site who have experience with both. I am even sure that there will be those who disagree with me. I just think that the temperment of the snakes in question will make it much easier to get bitten (will take less of a mistake on your part) by the Diamondback than the Gaboon.
Just my personal opinion devoid of the whole who has your antivenom issue.
Don't get a Cottonmouth just to get rid of it next year because you really didn't want a Cottonmouth. These things are not throw-away toys.
R/
Karl
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