I agree that they should be treated just like their venomous counterparts, which is one reason they would be good for "practice". If you can handle the venomoid and not get bit, good for you. If it DOES manage to tag you... Don't get a hot yet.snakeguy101;4473020; said:Venomoids are for all intents and purposes venomous and should be treated as such. Man times the venom gland is either improperly removed or not completely removed allowing for the snake to continue to produce venom. Also, they are considered venomous by any states that make the distinction between nonvenomous and venomous so I am pretty sure they are illegal in NY.
snakeguy101;4472573; said:I would say it really depends on the type of hot you want to get and even then they only mildly comparable. I have found aggressive Pituophis to be similar to elapids and amazon tree boas to be similar to arboreal vipers. If you want to learn this way though, you really have to commit to keeping it as you would a venomous reptile- locked cage door, double screened air holes, using tongs and hooks 100% of the time and NEVER getting bit.
If you really want to go down that road I would say find a good mentor. Just make sure this is what you really want to do. Good luck.
A. gigas;4473750; said:I agree that they should be treated just like their venomous counterparts, which is one reason they would be good for "practice". If you can handle the venomoid and not get bit, good for you. If it DOES manage to tag you... Don't get a hot yet.
As for whether they can still produce venom, just make sure the surgery was done by someone with lots of experience and is qualified, not someone trying to make a quick buck.
As far as who a good person would be, it seems like venomoid Inc. Does a good job.
Personally, I would never send in a snake to be venomoided. I do not agree with the practice. I DO agree however, with giving an already venomoid snake a good home, which is why I said get a rescue.
EDIT: are you serious? Sylvias posted at the same time!
from my understanding its very similar to timber rattler venom, but less in volume and harder to deliver. Unless it gets a good chew on you i dont think ud have to worry.Sylvias;4473730; said:yes false water cobras are mildly venomous, more so than hognoses but less so than mangrove snakes I think... I have never actually heard a definitive answer on the power of fwc venom.
Yeah.. never trust a venomoid or treat it any different than a fully hot snake. There is only one company that I know of that uses a vet and is actually legal to perform the right surgery yet there are numerous back yard hack jobs done and this is where the majority of venomoids come from. If the entire gland and duct is not removed it can grow back. Also the illegal surgeries often leave the snakes lookin disfigured because they do not replace the glands with silicon implants like venomoid.inc does.
However, if done properly it does not affect the snake negatively at all and it is a safe and humane procedure.