What are your opinions on venomoids?
I really hate this practice and try not to associate myself with it in any way

__________________
~Jason Richardson

its evil is all i'm gona say

Hello,

I am indifferent toward it. I personally don't own any hots, but if I had the ability to purchase a venomoid, I don't believe that I would turn it away.

In the same token though, I wouldn't purchase a hot and then have it devenomized. This is certainly one of those situations where it is a personal preference.

__________________

If I were ot take one in as a rescue sure I would. But I would treat it just like any "real" hot

__________________
~Jason Richardson

Hello,

The beauty of a venomoid is that you can safely own a "hot" without having to worry about getting a venom injection if you make a mistake. The only thing I think is wrong is that those that have had the venom glands removed are taking away the animals natural protection and killing method.

It makes me wonder if the snake knows it can no longer inject. Does it realize that there is nothing there anymore or is it business as usual for the snake.

If the snake still feels and believes it is injecting when it strikes, I can see nothing wrong with it. It would not affect the snake negatively if it doesn't realize it, and it would be safer for humans that wish to own hots.

Anyone though that wishes to own hots should go through the proper channels and certification. Venomoids are not the simple solution.

__________________

Isn't the injection of venom the beginning of the digestion process, beyond just a method of killing prey? I'm no expert, but I would speculate that there is a distinct possibility of the animal's long-term health being affected by the possible added strain on it's system. Then again, this could be a moot point.

__________________
1.4.0 cornsnakes
2.0.3 firebelly toads
1.2.0 redfoot tortoises
3.2.0 ball pythons
1.2.0 beardies
1.0.0 asian water monitor
1.1.0 burmese pythons
1.1.0 basilisks
0.1.0 black tree monitor
1.0.0 Green Iguana
0.1.0 chinese water dragon
2.2.0 redtail boas
1.0.0 CA rock python
1.0.0 emperor scorpion
1.2.0 leopard geckos

actionplant.com

Hello,

I think that is a very valid point. Some species venom (hemotoxic venom I believe) cause muscle and tissue degeneration. This very well could be a pre-digestive measure. If the composition of muscle tissue is compromised in a way that it has begun to break down prior to the snake actually digesting the prey, it would certainly ease the strains of digestion. This is yet another good reason why research should be done before anyone considers devenomizing a snake.

__________________

The venom is designed to start the digestion process. However having talked with several keepers of hots. There are long term captives that are accustomed to being fed on F/T prey and do not strike and envenomate. And even if they did the prey, being dead, would not circulate the venom and it would remain confined to the area where the bite occured.

With regard to venomoids, This is avery controversial subject. IMO unless for use in an educational or research purpose it should not be done.
I see no reason to subject an animal to such a proceedure just so someone that is unfit to deal with an intact venomous snake can claim to possess one.

__________________
Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

I'm completely against the practice. As Merlin said, "I see no reason to subject an animal to such a proceedure just so someone that is unfit to deal with an intact venomous snake can claim to possess one."

If you can't handle a venomous snake, then just don't get one. The process of removing the venom glands often leaves the snake horribly scarred, and in some cases the snake dies due to infections. More often than not, the surgery is not performed by a licensed vet. There was a thread like this one at VL somewhat recently. I'll see if I can find it and paste it over here.

__________________
+5 bonus points to whoever finds me a job!

"Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines." - John Benfield

http://thereptileroom.org/forum/inde...opic=4277&st=0 Just look how it made some of the mods react, I had a million and one things to say to that guy but I kept my cool. Note, he is not in the "limited" because he supports voids, but becaus ehe was cauhgt advertizing his website(about voids) in PM to one of our undercover agents

__________________
~Jason Richardson