went to the Hamburg Show :(

[GaryO]

Well I see some statements here that make me go HMMMMMM.......

My brother will own his first hot at the age 18 is this wrong? NOT AT ALL. Not saying any 18 year old should but not all are bad either. There is that line I always talk about.

Defanging is not voiding a snake. Fangs do and will grow back. Voiding a snake is hacking away at the said snakes head to remove the gland and or duct. I know some will say defenign is voiding but IMO it is not. It is just another wasy to abuse the said animal

Now IMO the venomous part of the show should be sectioned off. 18 and older only as if venodors are not checking IDs then there should be another safty gaurd in place.

Anyone can walk up to a said vendor and say. I own this and this and this and rattle off some latin names and sound all important. So how does one vendor check? you know. I agree they should do a little probing but how deep?

And as BW said what is the difference in a kid owning a 15 foot burm? I say hey that is just as dangerous.

Venomoid Inc. should not be allowed to vend IMO. Venomoids are an unloaded gun as I have always said. And the only reason I do not vend and never will vend Hamburg is becuase they are there. I will not support a show that supports a voider.

If you ask venomoid Inc to put their name and money up if any snake they voided becomes hot again they will say no. WHY? It is a vet right? So why not sign a contract saying if this snake delivers a hot bite they will pay for all bills! BUT THEY WILL NOT.

	In My Opinon IMO = In My Opinion and IMHO = In My Honest Opinion

[Spider Tyrant]

Originally Posted by cris78

I know what you are sayin BW and u're right, but any 18 yr old buying a hot is not acting responsible. They are doing it for all the reasons you stated why u shouldnt own a hot..like pride..etc ( I read u're article)

I take great offense to that. I have spent most of my life handling and working with both venomous and nonvenomous snakes. I am completely capable of handling them safely, and do so for multiple reptile rescues that need someone that can work with hot snakes. It wouldnt be a pride issue for me.

[Cristina]

Originally Posted by Spider Tyrant

I take great offense to that. I have spent most of my life handling and working with both venomous and nonvenomous snakes. I am completely capable of handling them safely, and do so for multiple reptile rescues that need someone that can work with hot snakes. It wouldnt be a pride issue for me.

hey good on u that u have spent most of u're life handling hots..u're 18 so i dont know what consituts most of u're life..all im sayin is at the show i saw and heard plenty of young boys buying and braging about buying a hot..they were cheap..much cheapier than any boa or ball morph..

i look at it when u get u're 1st car, u get a beater b/c u know u're gonna crash it..then w/ experience u become a better driver.

im 28 and in 10 yrs ago i cant imagine doing somethibg that warrants that much respect.

sorry u take offense to that, and mabey u are the few and far btwn, but i still think there has to be stricter laws in selling hots..

	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).

[VoodooChile]

I am still stuck on the idea of making a Gaboon a venomoid, what the heck is the point??? You still don't want to be bitten by one, I promise!

Seriously my opinion on venomoids is that I feel it is unethical to make a snake a venomoid by surgically removing the sacs. (except in the case of medical necessity for the snake's health)

I would think under proper vet care the evil is lessened somewhat where the snake receives pain relief, anethesia, and and proper after care. Unlike HOSER who DOES NOT do this for his animals, and that is a totally different category to me.

Would you believe some people dont realize that your breed 2 venomoids you still get fully venomous babies?

If someone brought me a venomoid to care for, I would take the best possible care of it, and give it a good home with me. I would still handle it as though it were fully venomous, and treat it as such.

As far as an 18yr old owning hots, it depends, has he worked with someone as a mentor? Does he have the proper precautions? Does he have the proper tools and set up? If so, I see NO problem, the herp community needs more responsible owners regardless of age.
Now that being said, if an 18yr old asked me to buy a venomous snake (or large snake for that matter) I would ask in depth questions about the experience, living arrangement, and knowledge of the snake in question.

I actually know a young man who keeps hots, does a pretty good job too.
I know a guy my age who managed to get bitten by his Massasauga after drinking too much.

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

	Venomoid Venomoid surgery is the removal of venom glands. It is an operation to alter the functions of a snake, not an operation aimed at altering it's appearance. The measurable and desired effect is that the snake no longer produces venom.

[Cristina]

it saddened me to see so many ppl intrested in the venomoids...its removing the one thing that makes them who they are!...

the number one reason for venomous bites is ppl who are drunk

	Venomoid Venomoid surgery is the removal of venom glands. It is an operation to alter the functions of a snake, not an operation aimed at altering it's appearance. The measurable and desired effect is that the snake no longer produces venom.

[louise]

i will never understand this...there are so many snakes in all different colors and sizes that are not venomous. for gods sake people buy one of them! you dont have to take a venomous snake and make it another non venomous snake(if it even works).
i think getting a venomoid is one of the most selfish things a person can do.

i am also sick of people comparing it to getting a cat declawed.
there is no such a thing as a cat that is born without claws but there are many many different kinds of snakes born without venom!

	Venomoid Venomoid surgery is the removal of venom glands. It is an operation to alter the functions of a snake, not an operation aimed at altering it's appearance. The measurable and desired effect is that the snake no longer produces venom.