VenomousReptiles.org Survey

Survey Question	Current Survey Question Should hobbyists ever free handle venomous reptiles with their hands? Recent Surveys Most venomous/toxic Naja species in the world? I have read that the Philippine cobra is the most venomous (mice, 0.2 mg/kg SC with the lowest reported value being 0.14 mg/kg SC) (Brown, 1973). I have recently, come across something in the Indian Journal of Experimental Biology (Vol. 30, (issue 12), pages: 1158-1162, 1992) which stated that the LD50 for Naja oxiana was the most toxic/venomous (mice, 0.18 mg/kg SC and lowest reported value was 0.10 mg/kg). Along with that, the mortality rate for untreated Naja oxiana bites are the highest among all Naja species (70-80%). N.oxiana also produced the lowest known lethal dose (LCLo) of 0.005 mg/kg, the lowest among all cobra species ever recorded, derived from an individual case of poisoning by intracerebroventricular injection. Following N. oxiana and N. philippinensis are N. melanoleuca at 0.225 mg/kg SC and then N. samarensis at 0.23 mg/kg. The water cobras (N. annulata and N. christyi also have very toxic venoms, but no SC values are listed. Only intraperitoneal (IP) values of 0.143 mg/kg for N. annulata and 0.12 mg/kg for N. christyi. IP values tend to be generally lower (more toxic than subcutaneous values, so it would be unfair to compare their IP results to the subcutaneous (SC) results of other Naja species. Then I have heard that (without solid evidence) that Naja nivea is the most venomous, although their murine SC LD50 range anywhere from 0.4 mg/kg (Toxicon, Vol. 5, issue 1, page 47, 1967) to 0.72 mg/kg (Australian venoms and toxins Databse). So which is the most venomous? To me it seems obvious that it is the Caspian or Oxus cobra (Naja oxiana), followed by the Philippine cobra (Naja philippinensis). What do you think or know? I've noticed that the Australian venom and toxin Database seems to have higher LD50 values for all snakes across the board. For example, for the black mamba IP value of 0.01 mg/kg is listed (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/004101018890219X) and Ernst and Zug et al 1996, list a SC value of 0.05 mg/kg for the black mamba. While the Australian venom and toxin Database listed much less toxic LD50's. So there seems to be a lot of variation. 2014-01-23 What's Your Favorite Venomous Snake? 2013-11-13 Deadliest Bite? 2013-09-16 IF the science of self-immunization for a snake envenomation was proven/perfected what is the least benefit(percentage) you would accept before practicing it on yourself? 2013-06-06 how did you learn to keep venomous reptiles? 2013-03-02 View All Survey Questions Have a good idea for a VenomousReptiles.org Survey question? Enter your idea!
What company do you mainly use snake handling equipment from?   Posted: Mar 07, 2001   (179 votes, 9 comments) by HELERI   Midwest Custom Products   FurMont Reptile Equipment   Pro Hooks   Hand made equipment   Other   All of the above ( or list in the comment section )   Genesis Reptile Company (added at 40 votes)     (179 votes, 9 comments)
Survey Results
Midwest Custom Products 41% (74) FurMont Reptile Equipment 16% (28) Pro Hooks 5% (9) Hand made equipment 22% (39) Other 11% (19) All of the above ( or list in the comment section ) 3% (5) Genesis Reptile Company (added at 40 votes) 3% (5)
Survey Comments
A suggestion... due to recent events My suggestion is simple. Do not support or condone the business of anyone who would purposefully and intentionally sell tools of death to rattlesnake round-uppers. Be aware of the ethics of the company you choose to give your hard earned dollars to. Posted by NUMBER18 on March 25, 2001 G Herps GHerps has a nice selection of high quality tongs and hooks. I use mine every day! Posted by solarjinx on March 23, 2001 FurMont Equipment FurMont needs a web site!! Posted by HELERI on March 19, 2001 What company do you mainly use snake handling equipment from Well I use only the best that is Furmont hooks. And midwest tongs are next on the list. I have the latest rage now not bad but like midwest hooks not the best. I have no use for a bag sitck as I dont take snakes from the wild. Posted by Framk_S on March 13, 2001 Snake Hooks by... I have been using my own design since the mid 70s. It is simple and inexpensive but a little heavy. I just recently got ahold of a Midwest Pocket Hook that works perfectly with my Pigmy Rattlesnakes. So now, I have my own large hooks and a Midwest Pocket Hook. I am really looking forward to getting to see a Furmont Stump Ripper soon to see what I have been missing all these years. Karl Posted by Buzztail1 on March 10, 2001 I've always made my own hooks But I'm useing Midwest heamostats and have just purchased their Pro Bagger. Can't wait to hit the swamps and try it out. Their quality is second to none. My tongs are a pair of antique Pilstroms. The GG tongs are a lot better, I think, but I'm used to these. Posted by filthy on March 10, 2001 Mostly Furmont In the field, I use the Furmont "Stump-ripper" exclusively. The double-shafted model is so strong it will pry up any item that I'm strong enough to lift. And for the durability it offers, it is extremely lightweight. In the snakeroom, I use Midwest, Furmont, and homemade hooks with equal satisfaction - it just depends upon which animal I'm hooking. I have no use for tongs and bagging equipment on my field trips or in my snakeroom, but if I needed them there is no question that Midwest would be my choice. York Posted by Anonymous on March 7, 2001 furmont vs. mid west i have used furmont hooks while working for the zoo,they are excelent.and as for feild use,the"stump ripper" rules.it is like a custom, light wt. potato rake only better.but,on the subject of tongs.the "gentle giants",we-are-not-worthy!! mid west is da bomb when it comes to tongs,i recently compaired my pilstroms to a freinds GG's,it was like compairing a sophwith camel to a f-14.in my opinion,both companies have excelent equipment,but some things are better than others and vice versa.regards,james Posted by 2-step on March 6, 2001 Mainly Midwest I use mostly Midwest stuff, but I do have an assortment of my own handmade hooks. A friend and I made them in his machine/ welding shop. Posted by Charper on March 5, 2001 To post a comment, you must be logged in. If you are not a member, become one now!