My First Hot

[reptileexperts]

Yum! So pretty!

And RoyalRegius, it's generally not recommended to free-handle hots. Usually they're only moved around by use of a hook, using your hand to guide the back end and only for certain things such as cage cleaning.


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with the exception of gabs who can throw their bodies backwards over the hook and tag you . . .

To Scott - the OP -

Congrats, but do keep in mind that thinking it's going to be easy since unless the snake has a problem its going to be hands off, is a dangerous mindset. Their tank will need cleaning, waters will need to be changed. Ensuring that the cage is kept secure at all times is mandatory and non-negotiable. Just because you wont be showing him off, it does not mean you are in the clear. Hots require a different level of respect than retics. Having worked with both, I'd say that cleaning retics and interacting with them, I check their mood and then just keep them in mind for stuff around me. Working with hots, I secured the room, wore protective gear on my hands and legs (incase they fell off the hook). Used handling tools (never touching them physically with my hand - using two hooks when needed), and used transport boxes as needed to aid in cleaning when they were moody.

So again, even on a routine day, its not about being easy - and its not about it being something for everyone. Last point of information is the scariest:

"When you work with venomous reptiles on a daily basis, it's not about if you get bit, it's about when."

Stay safe my friend, and congrats!

PS: I'd say notify your nearest ER to ensure they have crofib on hand, but being its a native species, I'm pretty sure every hospital servicing bites in the area will have crofib or another antivenom on hand for atrox.