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!
Your favorite method of handling any snake?   Posted: Jan 25, 2011   (108 votes, 12 comments) by newggtongs   Tailing (free hand)   tubing   tongs   pin then grab behind the head   hook (hands off)   hook (tail in hand)   other methods     (108 votes, 12 comments)
Survey Results
Tailing (free hand) 6% (6) tubing 2% (2) tongs 4% (4) pin then grab behind the head 6% (7) hook (hands off) 32% (35) hook (tail in hand) 49% (53) other methods 1% (1)
Survey Comments
i only use tailing when it comes to large snakes that are not to good at coming over there own body for small snakes i usually just use a pocket hook with tail in hand Posted by viperboy on May 14, 2011 Handling I do prefer two hooks no hands method feel it's the safest. With my gaboon however i have his exhibit set up so that he is completly hands off with a locked down shift box method of moving him. Some of this comes from the safety standars of our company that I have to follow. I chose tubing bedcause in vet physicals I prefer this way to get blood draws and check out the animal up close. But I am big on hooks Posted by SharkBait on March 18, 2011 handling I prefer to use a hook or two,I want to keep my hands away from the danger zone Posted by mikep on February 23, 2011 Variables I have used every method mentioned above except "Tailing (free hand)" in different situations with different snakes. Each situation dictates what will be the safest method to use and safety is a major concern for me. To use just one method because it is your favorite does not reflect that you use a discerning eye when you handle your snakes. Be careful - be safe. R/ Karl Posted by Buzztail1 on February 19, 2011 Handling Hands off with two hooks! You ever try to tail a Bothriechis? I think NOT Posted by LooseAFur on February 12, 2011 Looking for the "Like" button again for marty's comment. LOL Thanks, Eric Posted by vanerka on January 29, 2011 handling I experienced a dry bite on two different occasions so I rathere use a hook (hands off)cause I donot want to experience a wet bite but I believe the best way and the safest way to handle a venomous snake is to avoid it all together unless absolutely necassary Posted by mikep on January 28, 2011 My favorite way is whichever way is safest at the time. The snakes I work with primarily do hook very easy no hands needed. Posted by Crotalusssp on January 27, 2011 I really like a snake that rides the hook well. Thus my hook/no hands preference. Keeps everybody safer. Posted by Pug on January 26, 2011 Handling Chris and Marty, I couldn't agree more with you both, there are a lot of variables in handling any "Hot", and everyone has to discover what works for them and the snakes they have, as well as the individuals experience and comfort zone. Keith Posted by pdk9Roper on January 26, 2011 Some snakes aren't meant to be "hooked, tail in hand", i.e., Sistrurus, but for the most part, that's the way I roll. Posted by Chris_Harper on January 25, 2011 Handling I chose hook (tail in hand)because of the wording of the question, "favorite method". By no means is it my only method, or even the most common method that I use. For example, I'd never "tail" a small venomous snake. Others I would use 2 hooks, rather than tail. Non-venomous snakes I don't use any tools at all, just my hands. Every snake I own, has it's own method, depending on size, temperament, venomous or not, etc. But hook (tail in hand) would be my "favorite" method I guess. Posted by agkistrodude on January 25, 2011 To post a comment, you must be logged in. If you are not a member, become one now!