Milking Question

[Ed_r]

When a snake is milked of it's venom regularly, Do the venom glads increase the amount of venom produced? Or does the production level stay the same? I guess What I'm asking is if the snake is milked allot is it "dry' for a while? or do they fill the need right away? Kind of an odd way to look at it but like a nursing mother. If she keeps nursing she will keep producing allot of milk, but if she stops the milk will stop producing. I know snakes never stop producing venom. Just trying to make my question clear. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_confused.gif[/img]
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[BWSmith]

I am by no means an expert on the subject. I will answer to the best of my knowledge and forward the question to Bryan Greg Fry.

I do not believe that the venom yield increases with milking. Whether it be from milking or from securing prey, venom is being used. However, generally during milking, the venom glands are pressed to extract a greater amount of venom. The general turnover time (the recommended time between milkings) is about 2 weeks. But I believe that this has alot to do with stress level.

But i will forward the question and hopefully, the answer won't make me look like an idiot [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]
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[JuliusSqueezer]

I have no data one way or the other either...so I tried to test it for ya....can someone tell me where the udders are on a copperhead? I can't find em.
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[BWSmith]

here is Tim Nias's response:

All venomous snakes produce an average amount of venom, the amount varies with species. each species has specimens that produce below average , average , or above average yields.
all species have a maximum yield . If you milk an above average snake on a weekly basis , you will not increase its yield , milking too frequently will usually cause a slight drop in yield. But it wont drop enough to make an above average yielder to become a below average yielder.
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[Ed_r]

Cool Thanks for asking him.
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[JuliusSqueezer]

Did ya ask him where the udders are? I still can't find them [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img]
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[biff]

I know the answer to that one...tap the snake on the shoulder, when he responds ask him to open his mouth, i think he stores the udders inside his mouth and will be glad to show you. Oh yeah, his shoulder is directly behind his head.

lol,
Steve

The disclaimer: Don't try this as home kids, Julius is a trained professional.
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[eddie]

Silliness, just silliness!
Everyone knows only sinolan milksnakes have udders! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img]
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