This is SO cool!!!!!

[PythonChick]

Hey all!

Well, my fiance and I went to the Long Island Reptile Museum yesterday (just for something to do) and I figured that I'd ask if they were looking for someone to be a reptile husbandry person. I spoke with the owner (I think it was him) and his wife (?) and after filling out an application and talking for a little while they said that they would call me next week when they have the schedule! Cool, eh?! I never thought I'd end up with a job just like that! They are even going to train me to work w/venomous!
I'll keep everyone updated on stuff and try to take some pictures if I can.

Just wanted to share the excitement!!

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[pincess_wy]

Congratulations on landing such a sweet job! I'm sure you'll have tons of fun & learn a lot...
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[PythonChick]

Hey, thanks a lot!!

Can anyone lend some info on handling venomous? They also have crocks and gators. A few very large snakes like an anaconda, which I DO NOT plan on getting to close to being alone!


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[DragonGuru]

Congrats!!! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img] Sounds like an awesome experience.

How big is their Anaconda?
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[PythonChick]

I'm not really sure of specifics, but it looks like it's pushing 13 feet. It was hard to tell b/c he/she was curled up in the water. And you know how water tends to magnify things. All I know is that it's BIG. I had to keep telling my fiance that everything will be OK. I think he's more concerned with the venemous than the gators/crocks and anacondas!
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[Ravnos]

Kinda hard to just give advice on handling venomous species - as was easily seen by the latest issue of Repiles magazine, which was interesting but not overly informative. Its really a hands-on thing that you will only really learn from doing it. The things I can say: Use the right tool for the right job. Always make sure your work area is neat... nothing worse than hooking a large rattler and then tripping over a water bucket. Don't get distracted, your attention should be completely on the snake. The snake knows his strike range better than you do. Don't let the snake climb up the hook. And remember, the vast majority of bite stories by hot keepers start with 'Well, I was reaching in for the water dish and...'. Make sure you know exactly where the snake is before you even open the door of the cage. Best bet - which I'm sure a zoo would do - get an experienced keeper to show you what he's doing. Watch and learn.

Rav
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[BWSmith]

The number one rule for working with venomous - - - - - - Don't Get Bit! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_lol.gif[/img]

I really need to just write an article, but here is what I have off the top of my head.

Seriously. There are some basic rules for dealing with them properly. Learn your equipment. A snakehook should be an extension of your arm. All of the movements should flow naturally. Never brink the hook perpendicular to or above you body. The snake can easily slide down onto you. Don't let the apparent sluggishness of vipers fool you. They are fast and can strike in almost any direction. Elapids (cobras, Mambas, etc.) are fast, agile and lethal. Think of them as a ratsnake on cocaine!! Generally speakin, i have found that "L" shaped hooks work better for elapids since they tend to cling to the hook or shoot in an unpredicatable direction. King Cobras and Mambas are not only some of the most dangerous due to their potent venom, large size, and agility, but in my opinion, they are also the most intelligent. You will find it neccessary to "tail" venomous on occasion. This means you have the front half of the body on your hook and the tail in your hand. Many snakes can climb their body very well from this position. Watch the snake at all times. When tailing, if the snake begins to get a little unruly or threatens to climb the hook, simply lower the head until it touches the ground. Most often, the snake will then drop its head to the floor in attempt to crawl away and you can bring it back up from there if need be. Never work with venomous by yourself!! Always have another person there. Have all emergency numbers and your personal medical information handy. Know and practice envenomations protocols. A little tip for tubing venomous. Place hardware cloth over one end of the tubing. This way you can access the snakes head for meds or force feeding. it is the safest way and the least stressful way. This is great for cobras. Cobras are notorious for retaining eyecaps. This makes removal much safer. When releasing a snake from the tube, place the body on the ground, release the snake with your second hand and finally release the snake from the tube with your other hand. Hard to explain, but once you see it done, you will understand. I am not even going to attempt to go over pinning in this post. Remember the when you are cleaning up waste, venomous shed their fangs, so be careful. Easy way to give fresh water to a venomous is to use the restraining tubes as a funnel. The cage does not have to opened much, and your hands are well away from the snake. A viper CAN strike its full body length and then some. That is all I can think of off the top of my head. I am at work so my mind is not completely into it. Good luck and be safe.
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[PythonChick]

Thanks SO much for all the info. I guess seeing it and then mimicking it will help too. Is there any way to "practice" on non-hot snakes? I guess there really isn't any other snake with the personality of a hot snake?

You're very informative on HOTS! Is there a book or website that I can study up on them about? I want to learn as much as possible!

Thanks!!

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	Venomous Reptile A term commonly used to refer to a venomous reptile. Most commonly used in reference to venomous snakes.

[BWSmith]

Check your messages, PythonChick. I sent you a link. It is the bible for venomous keeping.
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[XzyluM]

Congragulations! Sounds like it's gooing to be a great experience.
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[Dr.Oviparous]

man, that's a great opportunity! right on. we expect some great stories in the future!

Thank you for the info BW! the thing I learned today is: venemous snakes shed their fangs, I diddn't know that. -Juggalo
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