gila monsters

[NicoleRussell]

Yeah I am really considering one after I move and get the new herp room. Does anyone here have any experince with these guys?
I was told that the venom will not substancially hurt me (well it will not kill me). But the person that told me this was the same breeder who also bred ETP and told me they were a good starter snake soooo....figured I'd ask

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[NicoleRussell]

(BTW the gorgeous man on my avatar is dedicated to Rev Mojo)

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[roachpunk]

http://www.kingsnake.com/rockymounta...es/RMHgila.htm

"Most of the Gila Monster's teeth have two grooves that conduct the venom, a nerve toxin, from glands in the lower jaw. The toxin is not injected like that of the snake, but flows into the wound as the lizard chews on its victim. While the bite can overpower predators and prey, it is rarely fatal to humans." (http://www.desertusa.com/sep97/du_gilamonster.html)

found this info on em.

[Ravnos]

Considering what gila monsters generally eat and where the venom glands are located (in the bottom jaw), their venom is more likely a defensive adaptation. It is known to be extremely painful, and definitely not to be taken lightly. Their bite alone can do serious damage. Whats an ETP - isn't that a home pregnancy test?



If you want to know more, check out the Gila Ranch. Definitely not a cheap pet.

Rav

[NicoleRussell]

Actually the breeder you linked here is less expensive then the one I was going with --but coloring is a factor with the other breeder.
For instance, I would put a deposit on an egg as it's incubating. The hatchlings would then be judged on color and depending on your needs you would be sent some photos. I was thinking of getting a banded gila----the best I could buy from this other guy at about $2000.
I never had the desire to spend the cash on a color morph of any species of snake or lizard but for certain animals , like this I would do it. It's a also a low key way to get into hots.
Yes the bite has been known to be very bad---and they basically should be handled with gloves until you are experienced...even then it's not a cuddle reptile
They do not require too much space, yet they are interesting animals. I can't seem to find any info on lighting. Not sure whether they do not require uvb or I just have not hit upon info that says I do......

	Morph A morph is a color or pattern variation that is proven to be genetic. Common morphs include albino, anerythristic, gentically striped, Hypomelanistic, and many others. Morphs also include combinations of simple traits such as "Sunglow" which is Albino and Hypomelanistic. These traits may be recessive traits, co-dominant traits, dominant traits, or created through selective breeding (ie Pastel).

	Ultra Violet Radiation B Ultra Violet Radiation B

[C. hortulanus bites]

I'm glad you need a permit to keep them here. Gila Monsters are not to be taken lightly simply because they do not have a strike like that of a snake. Their venom will endanger your lifestyle if not your life. Each one of their teeth is designed to deliver copious amounts of venom and they DO NOT let go. An animal like this has serious bite pressure PLUS venom. Not a friendly captive. Someone with as much knowledge as yourself, I find it surprising that you would consider an animal like this in your home with your young children. I think you should wait and get over the cool factor a minute before you go and put your reserve on an egg.

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[NicoleRussell]

Well Jon thanks for all the imput but I am 37 years old and not trying to go for a cool factor.
I did say I was considering this once I got the new herp room which, I am 99% sure will be in a seperate building...and broken down into rooms.
I'm not stupid when it comes to my children...most people feel I'm overprotective if anything.
Never said the gila was FRIENDLY---never said the children would be near it---never said the cage would not be very secure...and I did not say I was doing this tomorrow.
Relax.
I'm the parent here remember?

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[NicoleRussell]

also since I am building a friendship with my local zookeeper in the herp house--and she has beaded lizards, and gilas---I will get some imput there too.
Since she cares for these guys each day she should shed some light on what goes on with animals who see the same person each day and how they react.

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[mark7762]

hey Nicole ,,i can just go pick you one up in the desert here in phoenix ,,just kidding,,while i think gila 's are an interesting animal ,my black throat is enough ,thank you hahaha ,,it wuold definatlely be a project to look into

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[joerissa]

Well Nicole I know you know what you are doing so I will spare the lecture.LOL A friend of ours breeds gila 's I think he sells his babies for around 1200 don't quote me on that though.

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[kerri4776]

didnt realize they cost so much,,....lol....anyway good luck nicole

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[JuliusSqueezer]

Jon, ...n/m it won't come out the way I want it to. uncalled for? Maybe that's what I'm trying to say.

Nicole, Gilas are one of the only two leggedy reptiles I can make myself get excited about. Bet you can guess the other lol. Good Luck!

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[kerri4776]

Originally Posted by JuliusSqueezer

Jon, ...n/m it won't come out the way I want it to. uncalled for? Maybe that's what I'm trying to say.

Nicole, Gilas are one of the only two leggedy reptiles I can make myself get excited about. Bet you can guess the other lol. Good Luck!

could it be a beaded lizard?

[JuliusSqueezer]

DING!

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[kerri4776]

what do i win...lol

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[Ravnos]

I want a guatemalan beaded lizard, they are arboreal and have prehensile tails.

Rav

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	Arboreal Arboreal is a word meaning "related to or resembling trees". Its meaning comes from the Latin arbor, meaning tree.<br> In biology, an arboreal animal is one which inhabits or spends large amounts of time in trees or bushes.

[NicoleRussell]

Originally Posted by joerissa

Well Nicole I know you know what you are doing so I will spare the lecture.LOL A friend of ours breeds gila 's I think he sells his babies for around 1200 don't quote me on that though.

Apparently the banded gilas go for more then the reticulated ones. Also after you get over the price difference you have money differences for color, brilliance etc.
I'm going to start with a few books, talking to my friend at the zoo, and of course moving and settling ...then of course the herp room has to be completed so---this whole thing will take time.
The whole thrill of getting a new animal that is off the beaten track is the preparation and learning it takes to get the enclosure right---find a great breeder----and learn about proper husbandry.

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[NicoleRussell]

Originally Posted by Ravnos

I want a guatemalan beaded lizard, they are arboreal and have prehensile tails.

Rav

are they anything like the mexican beaded lizards (as far as looks)?

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	Arboreal Arboreal is a word meaning "related to or resembling trees". Its meaning comes from the Latin arbor, meaning tree.<br> In biology, an arboreal animal is one which inhabits or spends large amounts of time in trees or bushes.

[NicoleRussell]

Originally Posted by mark7762

hey Nicole ,,i can just go pick you one up in the desert here in phoenix ,,just kidding,,while i think gila 's are an interesting animal ,my black throat is enough ,thank you hahaha ,,it wuold definatlely be a project to look into

no matter what they are all interesting.....

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[Ed_r]

Gilas and beadeds are awesome lizards. Would LOVE to have them. I understand their bite is incredibly painful.

I see no real danger with the kids. A gila is not likely to be an escape artist (in a good cage) I know my kids know enough not to touch anything that they shouldn't touch. None of my snake cages have actual locks on them, to prevent a person from entering the cage. I used to have lion fish in my saltwater tank and eels, All i had to do was instruct the kids not to touch the tank, or put their hands in the water, and explain to them why it was a danger. Kids are smarter than most people give them credit for.

*Hopes nicole will consider adopting me when she gets her gila* :P

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