Daydreams of Gila ownership, and a subsequent question...

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rudukai13

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jan 29, 2010
614
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Colorado
Recently I've found myself all but obsessing over the idea of at some point in the future acquiring a Gila of my own. If this happens at all, it won't be for a good few years, as I'm in no position to attempt to care for one at current, not to mention the fact I'm going to school in a state where it's illegal to own one. In the meantime, however, I've taken up reading and researching just about every last bit of information I can find on the captive care of Gilas. I've been posting in the Heloderma section of a forum for HOT reptile owners, asking just about every question I can think of. One of their members shared this site with me;

http://docseward.com/about.html

That's the website of a Gila breeder based in Colorado. I was reading through the information he lists on how he keeps his animals, when something caught my eye. He describes the cage requirements of an adult Gila as "a minimum of about 0.3 square meters (3.125 square feet) of floor space." This was different than all of the other information I'd been finding online, which previously stated that a proper Gila enclosure would be at least 4x2x2. While operating under the belief that I'd have to provide such a large enclosure, I had counted out my original idea, which was to use the largest Exo-Terra enclosure and create a zoo-worthy, display type enclosure for the animal. Considering the statistic from the breeder though, the largest Exo-Terra (with a three foot length and 18 inch width) would provide four and a half square feet of floor space - more than enough as per his suggestion.

So I pose this question to the masses - Would a large Exo-Terra terrarium provide enough space for one adult Gila, or should I shift my planning to a larger 4x2x2 enclosure?
 
Venom-Center is actually the HOT forum I was talking about. They have some very knowledgable members there, the problem is finding one who's active enough to answer your question.

In a perfect world, when I go back to Colorado after school and finally get to a place where I could realistically acquire one of my own, I'd like to contact Seward and volunteer to work at his facility for some time before purchasing a Gila from him. Even though it's not required by law in Colorado, I do think getting hands-on experience with the animals under the eye of a professional is an important step to being fully prepared for the care requirements.
 
rudukai13 said:
Venom-Center is actually the HOT forum I was talking about. They have some very knowledgable members there, the problem is finding one who's active enough to answer your question.

In a perfect world, when I go back to Colorado after school and finally get to a place where I could realistically acquire one of my own, I'd like to contact Seward and volunteer to work at his facility for some time before purchasing a Gila from him. Even though it's not required by law in Colorado, I do think getting hands-on experience with the animals under the eye of a professional is an important step to being fully prepared for the care requirements.
Click to expand...

I remembered seeing your post over there which is why I mentioned it. Try messaging the mod who posted on your thread as he's pretty knowledgeable on all things venomous; it might take him a little while to get back to you, though, because he's been pretty busy of late.

Sounds like an excellent and responsible plan to me. I imagine that he would be willing to let you volunteer since he has so many Helodermatids; he can also take you through setting up your bite protocol and stuff like that.
 
exo terra's big one could work but id go 3x2x2 min personally, 2' deep is a good depth to create an interesting and versatile display its set-up of decor that is particularly crucial with gila's in my eyes.. they are very hardy, easy to maintain animals with a proper setup... and yes a thick set of gloves is all you need to protect from a bite but you still dont want to be sticking your hand in the enclosure every five min rearranging decor!

As wiggles has said you actually sound like a responsible perspective gila owner which is a nice change! you have an excellent plan gaining some experience at a facility would be a excellent way to go!
 
I've actually been a strong proponent of permit systems for a long time. I believe the training requirements for getting one in most states provides priceless knowledge on the animals you'll be taking care of, and allows you to not only have the ability to stay as safe as possible, but learn as much about the animals before taking possession of one as well, so that you're able to properly care for it in the long run. Just because Colorado doesn't require a permit for Gilas doesn't mean anyone looking to get one shouldn't have a similar hands-on training period as any state that has a training/permit system.
 
rudukai13 said:
I've actually been a strong proponent of permit systems for a long time. I believe the training requirements for getting one in most states provides priceless knowledge on the animals you'll be taking care of, and allows you to not only have the ability to stay as safe as possible, but learn as much about the animals before taking possession of one as well, so that you're able to properly care for it in the long run. Just because Colorado doesn't require a permit for Gilas doesn't mean anyone looking to get one shouldn't have a similar hands-on training period as any state that has a training/permit system.
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I would agree with you on the permit thing if the government would actually set up a proper system and run it properly instead of screwing it up and essentially creating a ban as they have done in many states; a permit system is only a good thing if the permits get issued when individuals qualify for said permit(s).

We don't have any requirements yet here in PA either, but many of us, myself and at least one other member included, still do training with experienced individuals in order to be better prepared for dealing with these magnificent venomous creatures. The proper mindset is something that also must be acquired; one must respect these animals rather than fear them or handle them with reckless abandon.
 
I completely agree with your characterization of the permit systems. It should be a tool to aid the individuals who want to properly keep the animals, not bar them from doing so.

I have to admit, I am extremely excited about the prospect of eventually getting a Gila of my own. I never knew there was such a prevalent breeder in my home state - I'll definitely be attempting to learn from his wealth of knowledge in the future.
 
Howdy< on occasion I care for 2 Gilas.
Each animal is housed individually in a VISION cage measuring 24" d 29" w and 12"t
they seem perfectly content. Should you go with a glass cage I would recomend back round be
place around the sides and back.
cheers
 
Thanks! That's exactly what I'm looking for. Just trying to learn as much as I can about how others have cared for theirs at the moment.
 
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