Something to ponder.....

I would never change a hot. Its part of what they are. Would you like to be injected with something that made you sterile and impotent? Really it wouldn't hurt.

I put my $.02 in a while ago, but I am glad to see these responses. Somehow, I expected to see more of a response from "the other side". Once upon a time, I had a few devenomized snakes. I even used them in some educational programs (such as when I guest lectured for the Herpetology class at a local university - including a "lab" on how to work with venomous snakes. I demonstrated techniques for safely manipulating a variety of cobras, rattlesnakes, gilas, etc., including the use of tongs and hooks.) There was just no way I was going to let students I didn't know practice catching, manipulating, or containing techniques on real hots. One could argue that a kingsnake or other nonvenomous snake could have been substituted, but it certainly wouldn't have been realistic. Nothing behaves quite so much like a pi$$ed off rattlesnake as a pi$$ed off rattlesnake.
Anyway, I prefer my hots intact. Its just the way they are supposed to be. Not to come off as an adrenaline junkie or thrill seeker; but it just isn't the same when they can't fight back, so to speak. The end result is carelessness in handling, shortcuts, and unnecessary risk. (Yes, I know someone that was nearly killed by a 'void)
As to the hypothetical scenario posed (a harmless, effective, permanent way to cause the "disappearance or deactivation" of venom) - If I wanted a cornsnake, I would buy a cornsnake. When I want a cobra (rattlesnake, whatever), the same rule applies: This is what it is...if it isn't what you want, or you don't have the skills and knowledge to deal with it, DON'T BUY IT.

Originally Posted by ffollett

I would never change a hot. Its part of what they are. Would you like to be injected with something that made you sterile and impotent? Really it wouldn't hurt.

Sterile sure, impotent....no thanks. No kids for me please......I have enough kids with scales thanks.

I had to say no.
I just believe they should be left natural. If you don't have the experience, or aptitude to learn safe handling of hots, you just should not own one.

Ciao,
Rick

Although I'm not as adamant about the void issue as some, I still don't approve of it. I personally can condone it in an instance such as Harald described where they were used as teaching tools. In these cases they would be professionally altered as well, not some kitchen table butcher job.
I agree you just can't adequately teach someone how to handle a hot by showing them with a kingsnake.
Beyond that though, there is no reason to do it in my opinion.

I voted no on the poll. I'm not an adrenaline junkie, heck, my rattlers I've had for years and have never physically touched them. There just hasn't been any reason to. I don't have the need to interact with my snakes like that, I keep them for what they are and that's enough reason for me to have them.
I do feel the venom plays a part in other aspects of the snake's existance though, particularly digestion. Sure they can still process their meals without envenomating it, but to remove the venom from the equation is taking that additional step away for no reason.

After hearing about the possible issues with venomous snakes digesting food I'd have to say no myself. Hadn't really thought of that in the past and didn't know it was an issue.

I hope i dont get ridiculed for this,
But i would use it if i had venomous snakes as long as it was FDA approved
and didnt harm the reptile any

Nope,

We were "Barred" from ridicule, or flaming anyway.

Ciao,
Rick

No room for ridicule in an intelligent debate.

true words those are.