Gila Monsters and Mexican Beaded Lizards

[trinitywolf]

I know this is a venomous "snake" forum...but I think these guys fit here. I don't own any and I'm not really looking (yet [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img]) but I did wonder if anyone here keeps them. Heloderma Suspectem and Horridum are definatly my fav lizards, and one day I would love to have a pair. I imagine that they are fairly hardy in captivity and I would LOVE to have a big desert Vivarium with a few. Anyway, anyone have any or have any experience with them? Maybe seen some in the wild? Pics would be great!

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It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.
Aristotle

[kogoz]

I found this gila monster info wow my first post in the ven forum its a new day for me [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_cry.gif[/img] . I wanna keep hots one day so better start learning now
[addsig]

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

[Ravnos]

The Gila Ranch is a breeder in TX who has some impressive animals. I was out at his place a few months ago. His site has some information and pics.

Rav


[addsig]

[Bry]

That sounds cool, Ted. They would definitely be very interesting to keep and observe. If you ever do get some, I'll have to come by and check them out. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Bry
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[RevMojo]

They're beautiful creatures...how much is known about their venom, as compared to say, the knowledge base for snake venom?

[kogoz]

its a toxin that effects the nerves not ussually fatal to humans it is not injected through fangs but two ports in the back of its jaw that injects it through a chewing motion. thats all I know. and a first dibs on the babys if ya get some
[addsig]

[BadKarma]

Our friend Dennis Harter was one of if not the first to breed gilas in captivity. I do know that it takes for ever for the eggs to hatch. Dennis almost threw his out several times but talked himself out of it. About the time he finally decided to throw them out he opened the incubator to see babies. They are really cool creatures. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_cool.gif[/img]
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[BWSmith]

Heloderma are on the top of my list when i can keep exotic hots. While fatallities from Gilas are rare, they have heppened. There is no antivenin as you pretty much have to try to grab the to get envenomated. Their jaws are like a freakin pitbull! They bite and DON'T let go. It is also supposed to be a very painful bite. Breeding in captivity is supposed to be difficult because the females often eat the eggs. Just what a few breeders have told me at the various hot shows. Never kept them myself and one of the few species that I have never even had the honor to work with.

On the upside, even though they are venomous and should be treated as such, handing (as little as possible) is not difficult. Basically you treat them like you would an aggressive savannah monitor with one exception, gloves. Good gloves. Midwest gloves. While they are not bite PROOF, it is a very significant layer of protection for Helos.
[addsig]

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

[trinitywolf]

Hey Scott...I would say that their venom is well researched. My understanding is that it is much like Cobra venom. However, it is injected, as Kogoz stated, through the chewing motion when they bite down. Their teeth, unlike fangs, have grooves in them that deliver the venom into the wound caused by the bite. Because the venom glands are in the lower jaw they have no way to meter their venom.
Brian...seems like I read that confirmed deaths from Heloderma (in America) may have actually been attributed to exagerated cases and/or poor medical attention. These days medical attention is to widely available for someone to die, except in the case of an allergic reaction. Of course, medical attention should certainly be sought should someone be envenomated. Don't get me wrong, they are still dangerous. I don't believe that the venom alone would be enough to kill a healthy adult human in most cases, would it?


_________________
It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.
Aristotle

[reticguy]

I've heard that they hold on for along time when they bite, giving alot of venom.
Steve