The collection has grown

[Caiman]

Well, I'm still alive, so you know what that means! More snakes!

Tropical Rattlesnake (C. durissus dryinus) Male
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2184/2662863648_ae899de45d.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3098/2637294373_bf949d6ed6.jpg

Tropical Rattlesnake (C. durissus dryinus) Female (still in quarantine)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3249/2662861188_6fd98c12bd.jpg

[Caiman]

Western Massasauga

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3004/2605682651_7151a2a208.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3218/2662862788_505485e603.jpg

[kwj]

*shaking head* YOu live in bayou country in Deep Dixie right? Are you planning on cooking those thngs? ;)

[Heather]

Beautiful Caiman, I've never wanted a pet that could kill me but I do admire the animals themselves :)

[Siberman]

I've had a few dogs and fish that could've killed me so I'm not quite so intimidated by the snakes. :D My only problem is that in the past I haven't been very good about keeping my reptiles in their cages. I once found a corn snake on top of the curtains. :eek:
That said, I looooove the tropical, Odar. Do you plan on breeding?

[Caiman]

Yep, that's the plan.

I've yet to have an almost escape, but I try to follow a very strict set of procedures.

1. I never enter the room without a phone. If I'm bitten, I can call 911 immediately.
2. I don't free handle them. Small specimens are always manipulated with at least one hook, large ones, I use two.
3. I don't open the doors by hand. After unlocking the cage, I use one of the hooks to open it after I've made enough of an opening.
4. I don't ever leave the cages unlocked or open. Specimens removed from their cage are placed into a rubbermaid tub and the lid is closed. The door is shut if any still remain in the cage.
5. I don't ever put my hands into the cage with specimens inside.
6. I don't ever attempt to moisten my snakes with my bare tongue.

So far, it's worked out well. Most of the snakes I have can't kill me, but it would sure be a bad month if they did tag me. The tropicals however....they could easily kill me if I did not get the antivenom in time.

[Heather]

Why would anyone moisten any snake, venomous or not, with their tongue? LOL

[Caiman]

I have yet to find a good reason Heather, but even if I do, according to the rules, I am not allowed to do so.

You cannot deny that it is a very worthwhile rule.

[Heather]

Yes it is a worthwhile rule, although it does sort of remind me of the warnings for stupid people you see on some products such as "Wearing this Superman cape does not enable you to fly." and on a hairdryer "Do not use this product while sleeping." I don't know about you but I hate when I wake up and find I've been sleep styling again.