New Gila Monster and info

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Originally Posted by reptileexperts

Docility not to be mistaken with lazy... He's already incredibly calm once out of his enclosure. He only hisses when I startle him inside. But the risk is always there, albeit at a lot lower risk IMO than even a copperhead. But a risk not justified but always using engineering controls (gloves) and respect.


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A risk is a risk, I understand that but I have never put Heloderma in the same bucket with venomous snakes. I was quite *relaxed with mine...

http://imageshack.com/a/img834/6404/ynt6.jpg
*Do not try this at home kids. A certain amount of stupidity was a part of this selfie.



I do miss my babies though...

http://imageshack.com/a/img547/4730/6pdr.jpg

That looks like how one of the bite reports from a national park started when the guy put a Gila on his shoulder because he said it wanted to be hugged... Ours is incredibly calm but again it poses a great risk.


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These are risk I no longer take having grown up and all lol... Do not **DO NOT** take this as endorsement for free handling or show casing it should be done. These were two special circumstances with wild animals taken at a great risk. . .

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Western Cottonmouth (captured to relocate 30 minutes prior - this was at the release site)

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Western Diamondback (caught the day before)


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Yeah, I would never do that with CB pitvipers, let alone wild ones.

Lizards are an entire different story compared to venomous snakes. They are a lot less impulsive when it comes to defense and quite reluctant to bite.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Najakeeper

Yeah, I would never do that with CB pitvipers, let alone wild ones.

Lizards are an entire different story compared to venomous snakes. They are a lot less impulsive when it comes to defense and quite reluctant to bite.

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Thoughts of reluctances can lead to complacency and ignored risks. While it is less likely a Gila will bite given their typical behaviors even in the wild, the risk will always be there. While we have handled the Gila without aid of gloves here lately since he's stopped hissing even when approached in his enclosure, for any moving / prolonged handling gloves are still the go-to. . . all in all, agreed that they are a very special species to work with!

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Feeding night last night for him. Made him run around for it and expend some energy. :)


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Better image.


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Going into shed

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12...4187143c45.jpg


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Got moved into his permanent cage today. Temporary substrate style till I get the rocks and things ready for him. Shallow long water bowl for soaking which he loves at the moment.

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And a quick selfie in my new Heloderma shirt thanks to the wife as she made my Christmas today all about the monsters!




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More adorable Noms


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