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Should I get a gaboon viper?
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by monstersnakesforever on March 21, 2014
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Hi, I will start off saying I do not have any experience with hots at all, but I do have very much experience with non-venomous species I've had many different kinds including, emerald tree boas, carpet pythons, burmese python, reticulated pythons, different species of boas, red tail, nicaraguan, dumerils and much more species.. So my friend has this female gaboon viper he can no longer keep, he's wondering if I can take it. He told me she's really placid andnever has struck him before and even one time he free handled when he was drunk (completely stupid I know) I've been considering this for weeks now while looking at numerous care sheets. My friend will teach me some things I will need to know like hooking and all that. Should I take this animal into my care? I have all the proper things for her, but I'm really uncertain because of how powerful their venom is.. and most websites say this species is not for beginners, but at the same time she's quite docile.. of course I know that they are ambush and wait until something gets in range so there is alway a potential to be bitten if she ever gets the chance..I know not to underestimate this gorgeous creature because they do have intense speed and power although they do look "sluggish". I was actually planning on starting with a copper head (which my friend also owns) he told me that they're they tend to strike a lot unlike the gaboon. So really what do you guys think? also if you have experience with these snakes do you have any tips if I do decide to take in this beautiful animal?
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RE: Should I get a gaboon viper?
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by Carmai12 on March 21, 2014
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I would not learn from this guy, especially if he free handled his snake. Not a very good role model in my opinion. Even though it may seem docile, they can levitate at a moments notice. Starting with a gaboon viper (bits gabonica) is not a good idea. Thats just my opinion anyways.
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RE: Should I get a gaboon viper?
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by CharlieO on March 21, 2014
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In the interest of full disclosure...I'm not a keeper and have no plans to keep any hots, but I'd like to try and offer some thoughts:
1) Gaboons are among the fastest striking species and can hit you from almost any angle at almost their full body length. Take a look at this article from a member here (apologies, I don't recall the name)for some quick info on handling gabbies. http://www.snakegetters.com/demo/gaboons.html
2) Gaboon bites are easily capable of causing your demise in a not very pleasant fashion. Coupled with extremely long fangs capable of reaching deeply into your body, copious amounts of venom injected can cause a great deal of damage, quickly...
Here's a bref discussion of treatment for gaboon bites:
http://toxicology.ucsd.edu/Snakebite%20%Protocols/Gabonica.htm
3) You will need to make a significant investment in equipment and space to properly care for a gabby of any size. Check the threads here for discussions of snakerooms and the need for proper precautions to protect not only yourself, but family members and others in your immediate area
4) You recognize the need for training and recognize that your friend's decision to freehandle a venomous animal while drunk was "completely stupid." Given this person's tendency to engage in risky behavior with a loaded gun (a gaboon viper is nothing less), would the lessons he provides likely make you safer or less safe caring for that same loaded gun?
5) I don't know the laws for West Virgini; there are certainly folks here who can provide you chapter and verse. Have you researched the laws to make sure you can legally keep the animal in your home?
6) You list your age as 16. Even if minor ownership in West Virginia is not a legal issue, will your parents permit you to keep this snake? Do you have the time and temperament to keep this animal safely (for both human and snake) for the long haul? How will it be cared for when you go to college? These are all questions that you should consider seriously and discuss with your parents before making any decisions.
7) Lastly, should you still be considering taking this animal in, you may want to read this article from the site for one person's experience in keeping gaboons..
http://www.venomousreptiles.org/articles/93.
Regardless of what you ultimately decide, please make sure you don't rush into taking on the responsibility for keeping and caring for your friend's snake. Continue to seek advice; many of the folks here are more than happy to share their wisdom-please give their advice great weight.
Charlie
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RE: Should I get a gaboon viper?
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by monstersnakesforever on March 21, 2014
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Charlie, I am aware of the equipment I do own a large vision cage with the lock to secure her in, the rest of the equipment will be given to me free by my friend. I do trust him on giving me some lessons on keeping hots since he has been caring for them for many years now he has various species of vipers and elapids, aside from the fact he got extremely drunk and handled her he is quite intelligent about these animals. My state doesn't have laws against any exotic pets.. Only natives. Also, my Father is okay with me taking her into my care, as long as I'm carful and do my research. I do have the time and temperament to care for her, I realize the requirements, and I will meet them. Whenever I do go to college I plan to take her and all my other snake in my collection with me to this appartment near the campus that does allow these animals.
Also, thank you for your answer it's very informative and really helped me out :)
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RE: Should I get a gaboon viper?
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by jparker1167 on March 21, 2014
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You're 16? You're dad has no idea what a gaboons is capable of, if he says its OK for you to have one. Also good luck finding a land lord that allows venomous snakes.
If you get bit you're dad could face child indangerment charges.
You ask for advise and then when every tells you no you shouldn't get one you pretty much argue that you can handle it and basically ignore everyone anyway..
Sorry but a gaboons is not a good first snake for an adult and sure as hell isn't a good one for a kid. You're friend shouldn't have it either. Having some other non venomous snakes is not the same as having a gaboon, you can read and watch videos for weeks, but when you have one sitting on the floor striking at you so hard it lifts off the floor, the videos are not going to matter. Imagine one getting a hold of you and injecting venom, that's not something you want to face when you have no experience with it.
You say you're friend is smart? But handing hots while drunk shows he's not, I keep hots and never once handled while drunk. Also him willing to give a gaboons to a 16 year old as their first venomous snake shows he's not smart and shows a lack of respect for the hobby and the snake. A friend of mine sold a rhino viper to a guy who ended up getting drink and free handling it and it bit him, he died the next day. They are not some video game you just run out and get because they look cool and you want it. Its an animal that could kill you or leave you with limbs amputated from one mistake that could happen in less than a second. Hospital bills in the .$100k ranges and up.
So no don't get it and tell your friend to find someone who is experienced enough to keep it. If you want to get into venmous do it the right way and work your way up to the gaboons, rhino vipers, puff adders the right way.
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RE: Should I get a gaboon viper?
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by monstersnakesforever on March 21, 2014
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I'm not defending, I was answering his questions and what he said honestly. I won't lie by no means do I think I'm ready for a gaboon viper. I would like to get training on everything before hand, before I even get any type of hot.
I DONT want this snake becuase I think this snake is "cool". I have a deep passion for these animals. You do not know me so. Please do not carelessly say something like that. I enjoy the life, the beauty, the shier power of these animals. Not just a gaboon any snake they're all gorgeous and fascinating they're all I ever though about as a child growing up.. I didn't want puppies or kittens like the other girls I wanted snakes.. I absolutely love them. I don't just want to be "cool" that's absolutely rediculous!
My father knows they're dangerous, I have found a land lord that allows them thank you.
My friend is not that stupid, he made a mistake I know. He was extremely drunk like I stated he was clueless of what he was doing.. I do not judge him for it.
Yes I'm 16, but please don't underestimate me and treat me like I'm a dumb teenager who simply knows nothing. I'm not that extremely stupid to run out, buy a deadly snake and free handle it or make the dumbest mistakes I see people do. Basically there isnt a venomous snake with training wheels, I do not think I'll take the gaboon, but at the same time I do feel bad for my friend. Also as for a this gaboon striking at me on the floor.. I would stay calm let her calm down a bit then gently pick her up with a hook (or hooks) depending on her size and put her where she needs to be that is if she ended up in my floor.
Again, I'm not trying to "defend" myself saying I'm ready and can do it. I'm quite aware I do need more experience first like I said I own retics and burms I worked my way up from corns to them.
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RE: Should I get a gaboon viper?
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by Carmai12 on March 21, 2014
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I would like to add,that using a hook gives the snake a chance to fall on the ground. My point is that if that snakes fall on the ground and starts quickly moving towards you do not have the necessary experience to react to that. Bitis Gabonica may seem slow, but working with one I know from experience they can bolt. Another thing in this genus is their highly toxic venom with large glands so a severe bite could be life threatening. Please if you do decide to acquire this specimen, to be extra careful.... One last note: While working with hots one screw up could mean bad news for the hobby in general.
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RE: Should I get a gaboon viper?
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by Bitiss on March 21, 2014
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First and foremost, we don't mean to sound like a parent, but please wait until you are at least 18 years of age before keeping hots.
That having said, gaboons aren't very challenging as far as temperament goes. Keep your distance and respect the snake and you will be fine.
However, make sure you understand the husbandry as one of my mine just got a RI . Ask many questions.
I don't feel like rescuing that gaboon is a very good idea for you right now, again because of your age, although you do sound like you are eloquent.
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RE: Should I get a gaboon viper?
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by monstersnakesforever on March 21, 2014
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Well that's very true too, thank you I didn't really think about one coming towards me. No matter how much I would love to have her I don't think I will, it seems too dangerous for me at the moment..
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