Wanted LOOKING FOR

[aidan0616]

Yes, I do have bite protocols. However, I don’t currently have formal quarantine protocols in place. I do know how to identify and treat mites and ticks, and I’m learning more every day. I’m working on getting proper tubs for quarantine, and I already have a 4ft and a 2ft hook, with plans to add more. We also use disinfectant wipes regularly—since that lancehead was wild caught, I’m extra cautious because I don’t want to risk the health of my other animals.

Western Diamondback (Ace) Bite Protocol​

1. Stay Calm
Minimize movement of the bitten person to slow venom spread.

2. Call Emergency Services Immediately
Inform them it’s a Western Diamondback bite — time to antivenom is critical.

3. Immobilize the Limb
Keep the bitten arm or leg immobilized and slightly below heart level. Use a splint if available.

4. Remove Tight Items
Take off rings, watches, or tight clothing near the bite site to allow for swelling.

5. Do NOT:

• Use a tourniquet or ice packs.
• Cut or try to suck out the venom.
• Give alcohol or caffeine.

6. Monitor Vital Signs
Track pulse, breathing, and consciousness.

7. Record Time
Note the exact time of the bite.

8. Prepare for Transport
Get to a hospital with antivenom as soon as possible. Have someone accompany the victim.

Have this printed for my Gf in case something happens but I still feel I need help with it

This is nice but this isn’t a really a “bite protocol”. So you in fact - do not have proper bite protocols…. Because this isn’t what we’re talking about. We’re taking about Joe Pittman folders. “Get to a hospital with antivenom” isn’t gonna be as easy as you think, luckily for a WDB it’ll be easier than a naja or a gaboon tho. There aren’t even going to use “antivenom.” They're gonna use Crofab. Do you even know what that is?

 

[Titan Exotics]

Perfect example of needing to do more research. Wipes even with bleach infused or straight 100% bleach will not sanitize everything nor will hot water. You will come to understand that there is a lot of nasty stuff out there when researching and what work has to be done in order to do this right and it’s not just as simple as buying Clorox or reptile wipes at the store and spot cleaning.

 

[SymbaCat]

Before you buy another snake you need to understand and have some other things done first. Do you have any bite protocols for your current venomous? I don’t mean some crap on the internet. I mean Joe Pitman kind of protocols…Do you have any kind of quarantine protocols? Not a month or 3 month. I mean 6 month to over a year quarantine protocols. Do you know what mites and ticks are and how to treat them on your current and future animals? Do you understand how many various parasites there are and how to quarantine/treat them? Do you know how many viral and bacteria contagions there are and how to quarantine/treat them? This is a whole bunch of basic stuff people don’t even know about but that all needs to be researched and understood clearly first before you bring anything else into your current collection. Do you have snake tubes, do you have someone in the room that is able to help you to the hospital in case of bite (if your allergic you got roughly 30-90 seconds to get help and on the way to the hostpital before going downhill quickly). Do you have proper hooks, you will need multiple of different sizes. Do you have a sanitizing area for your tongs, hooks, tubes or other equipment?

My bad—I was working with my snakes and didn’t read that right. This protocol is what I have saved in my drive for Ace. Like I mentioned, I need help fully fleshing it out. This is what I put together on my own time for Ace.

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake Bite Protocol​

Immediate Actions​

• Stay Calm & Reassure: Panic accelerates heart rate and venom circulation. Talk calmly to the victim to reduce anxiety.
  
  
• Limit Movement: Have the victim sit or lie down immediately. Keep the bitten limb as still as possible.

Limb Positioning & Immobilization​

• Immobilize the Limb: Use a splint, sling, or any rigid support to prevent movement.
  
  
• Keep Limb Slightly Below Heart Level: Elevating the limb can increase venom absorption and swelling; keep it low but comfortable.

Emergency Communication​

• Call Emergency Services ASAP: Describe the bite type (“Western Diamondback rattlesnake”) and provide location details.
  
  
• Prepare for Evacuation: Plan the quickest and safest route to the hospital.

Wound Care​

• Remove Restrictive Items: Rings, watches, tight clothing near the bite site must be removed to prevent circulation problems as swelling develops.
  
  
• Clean the Area Gently: Rinse with clean, lukewarm water if possible. Do NOT apply disinfectants, creams, or ice packs.

What NOT to Do​

• No Tourniquets or Constriction Bands: These can cause ischemia (loss of blood flow), permanent tissue damage, or loss of limb.
  
  
• No Cutting or Incising the Bite: Risks infection and worsens injury.
  
  
• No Suction or “Venom Extraction” Devices: Proven ineffective and potentially harmful.
  
  
• No Alcohol or Caffeine: Both can speed venom spread and complicate treatment.

Monitoring & Support​

• Observe Vital Signs: Monitor breathing, pulse, and consciousness continuously.
  
  
• Watch for Symptoms: Increased swelling, difficulty breathing, weakness, dizziness, nausea, or changes in skin color require immediate emergency response.
  
  
• Hydration: Give small sips of water if the victim is conscious and able to swallow.

Medical Treatment​

• Transport Promptly: Antivenom is the definitive treatment. The sooner it is administered, the better the prognosis.
  
  
• Inform Medical Staff: Relay any known information about the snake, the time of bite, and first aid already performed.

Additional Tips​

• Keep Victim Warm: Avoid hypothermia but do not overheat.
  
  
• Stay with the Victim: Do not leave them alone.
  
  
• Prepare to Perform CPR: If the victim loses consciousness or stops breathing, be ready to start CPR.

 

[Titan Exotics]

When you get a real protocol you will understand the night and day difference. What you posted is more of a common sense protocol. We are talking about protocols with various medications, dosages per lb/kg body weight and other things the hospital can give you and what not to give you in order to keep you alive and stable.

 

[Titan Exotics]

Also understand that there are various kinds of antivenom and your body may be allergic to it. Some are made from horse plasma others from sheep/goat plasma. If you research how they make antivenom on YouTube there’s quite a few quality videos on the whole process and that in itself should be apart of something you need to watch just to see how much of a pain in the ass it is to make a single vial of AV and why us responsible keepers gatekeep this hobby the way we do. We don’t want to sound rude or mean but when it takes almost a whole year to make a single vial of AV for certain species and why a single vial will cost you $5,000+ before hospital markup, you will begin to understand better (some bites you may need up to 40-50 vials depending on species, yield injected, your body’s response, and where the bite wound is.)

 

[Chris25080]

My bad—I was working with my snakes and didn’t read that right. This protocol is what I have saved in my drive for Ace. Like I mentioned, I need help fully fleshing it out. This is what I put together on my own time for Ace.

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake Bite Protocol​

Immediate Actions​

• Stay Calm & Reassure: Panic accelerates heart rate and venom circulation. Talk calmly to the victim to reduce anxiety.
  
  
• Limit Movement: Have the victim sit or lie down immediately. Keep the bitten limb as still as possible.

Limb Positioning & Immobilization​

• Immobilize the Limb: Use a splint, sling, or any rigid support to prevent movement.
  
  
• Keep Limb Slightly Below Heart Level: Elevating the limb can increase venom absorption and swelling; keep it low but comfortable.

Emergency Communication​

• Call Emergency Services ASAP: Describe the bite type (“Western Diamondback rattlesnake”) and provide location details.
  
  
• Prepare for Evacuation: Plan the quickest and safest route to the hospital.

Wound Care​

• Remove Restrictive Items: Rings, watches, tight clothing near the bite site must be removed to prevent circulation problems as swelling develops.
  
  
• Clean the Area Gently: Rinse with clean, lukewarm water if possible. Do NOT apply disinfectants, creams, or ice packs.

What NOT to Do​

• No Tourniquets or Constriction Bands: These can cause ischemia (loss of blood flow), permanent tissue damage, or loss of limb.
  
  
• No Cutting or Incising the Bite: Risks infection and worsens injury.
  
  
• No Suction or “Venom Extraction” Devices: Proven ineffective and potentially harmful.
  
  
• No Alcohol or Caffeine: Both can speed venom spread and complicate treatment.

Monitoring & Support​

• Observe Vital Signs: Monitor breathing, pulse, and consciousness continuously.
  
  
• Watch for Symptoms: Increased swelling, difficulty breathing, weakness, dizziness, nausea, or changes in skin color require immediate emergency response.
  
  
• Hydration: Give small sips of water if the victim is conscious and able to swallow.

Medical Treatment​

• Transport Promptly: Antivenom is the definitive treatment. The sooner it is administered, the better the prognosis.
  
  
• Inform Medical Staff: Relay any known information about the snake, the time of bite, and first aid already performed.

Additional Tips​

• Keep Victim Warm: Avoid hypothermia but do not overheat.
  
  
• Stay with the Victim: Do not leave them alone.
  
  
• Prepare to Perform CPR: If the victim loses consciousness or stops breathing, be ready to start CPR.

Where do you think you'll get AV for a WDR in Winsconsin? Like bro seriously

 

[SymbaCat]

Also understand that there are various kinds of antivenom and your body may be allergic to it. Some are made from horse plasma others from sheep/goat plasma. If you research how they make antivenom on YouTube there’s quite a few quality videos on the whole process and that in itself should be apart of something you need to watch just to see how much of a pain in the ass it is to make a single vial of AV and why us responsible keepers gatekeep this hobby the way we do. We don’t want to sound rude or mean but when it takes almost a whole year to make a single vial of AV for certain species and why a single vial will cost you $5,000+ before hospital markup, you will begin to understand better (some bites you may need up to 40-50 vials depending on species, yield injected, your body’s response, and where the bite wound is.)

I understand now that there are different types of antivenom and that my body might not react the way I’d expect. I’ve seen a few videos on how it’s made, but not enough to fully grasp the process until now. I genuinely understand why your approach was the way it was, and I really respect the honesty — it’s exactly what I needed to hear.


Starting today, I’m going to begin practicing hook work with my girlfriend’s feisty little rat snake and spend more time working with some of my other snakes to get more comfortable with my tools. After today, she and I are also going to sit down and put together a specific bite protocol moving forward.

 

[Lachdanan]

Also understand that there are various kinds of antivenom and your body may be allergic to it. Some are made from horse plasma others from sheep/goat plasma. If you research how they make antivenom on YouTube there’s quite a few quality videos on the whole process and that in itself should be apart of something you need to watch just to see how much of a pain in the ass it is to make a single vial of AV and why us responsible keepers gatekeep this hobby the way we do. We don’t want to sound rude or mean but when it takes almost a whole year to make a single vial of AV for certain species and why a single vial will cost you $5,000+ before hospital markup, you will begin to understand better (some bites you may need up to 40-50 vials depending on species, yield injected, your body’s response, and where the bite wound is.)

This is very true.
A questionable breeder I ordered a little viper from tagged him as he packed her (decided to try and freehandle).

He decided “it’ll be find; don’t want my wife to know.”

Once his finger had turned solid black he went to the ER.

Surprise surprise! He’s allergic to Crofab!
Even worse, his wife found out!

 

[SymbaCat]

This is very true.
A questionable breeder I ordered a little viper from tagged him as he packed her (decided to try and freehandle).

He decided “it’ll be find; don’t want my wife to know.”

Once his finger had turned solid black he went to the ER.

Surprise surprise! He’s allergic to Crofab!
Even worse, his wife found out!

This is exactly why I want to listen. I've been watching bite videos and, as much as I love snakes, I’m starting to realize a lot more now—especially after talking with Titan Exotics. It’s given me a new perspective.
But I’m never going to freehandle—it's just not worth the risk to me.

 

[Titan Exotics]

If your to be tagged by any of the big 3 Bitis, you might as well dunk your arm to the shoulder in a deep fryer and crank the heat up to 500 degrees. That’s where you’ll be at within the first 5 minutes of the bite. Naja you’ll be gasping for air in minutes as your nervous system begins to take a hit. Don’t know much about bothrops bites but I have a feeling it’s not too far off from a Bitis. This is from first hand experience and stories from friends and keepers I met over the years that taken bites. I did hear of a death years ago from a forest cobra. Guy ran to the phone to call for help and collapsed within 30 seconds and died due to anaphylactic shock. Not only can this happen to you in a bite incident, most bite bills from a hospital will cost $100,000 at a minimum and if I recall the last bothrops bite carried a stupid big bill. Most health insurance companies do not cover bites from personal injury/collections, read the fine print.

 

[SymbaCat]

Damn, this really puts things into perspective. Appreciate you sharing this—it’s a brutal but necessary reminder of the reality behind keeping venomous. People romanticize it way too often without understanding just how quick and devastating a bite can be, both physically and financially. That forest cobra story is terrifying, and the insurance part is something most don’t even think about. Respect to you and everyone who’s learned the hard way or seen it firsthand.

I seriously can’t thank you enough for keeping it real with me. I really respect that—and I genuinely get it now. I’ve just always had a deep affinity for venomous snakes. It’s been a lifelong goal of mine.

It might sound crazy, but one day I’d love to open a small zoo dedicated to reptiles. Yeah, maybe it sounds a little out there, but I’m serious about it. I plan to work with every type of snake I can until the day I die!

 

[Landon532]

Bro using Chat GTP to respond is nuts Lmao

 

[Lachdanan]

Unfortunately ladies and gentlemen all we can do is sit back and wait. He will prove us right or wrong. Either he will have his come to Jesus moment, be another fly by nighter and sell off or stick with it. He already has animals and regardless if we all ban together to not sell to him, someone else will. Not everyone uses Fauna, Facebook or other apps for animal sales. Remember people sold Jeff animals even though he free handled.

Sadly true. I’d forgotten about Jeff.

 

[SymbaCat]

Bro using Chat GTP to respond is nuts Lmao

Hey man, I just like making sure I say things right, no shame in using tools that help.

 

[crikeykarl]

Piss off. Everyone knows who you are and what you’re about now. No ones gonna sell you anything

Sorry I'm late to the party. But what did this guy do?

 

[bcr229]

Sorry I'm late to the party. But what did this guy do?

If someone wants to make a post about that then it should go into the Board of Inquiry as paying members can delete ads.

 

[SymbaCat]

If someone wants to make a post about that then it should go into the Board of Inquiry as paying members can delete ads.

Im fine if someone wants to delete it but still looking for one more just saying I think Ill just stay native tho....

 

[JMCannon]

NOW you want to learn… after all these threads lmao. You say you’re “not looking to jump to a lancehead or gaboon” - yet you literally just pissed money away on one that died. After everyone told you it would. Yes. The first thing you’ve said that you might be correct on - maybe a cottonmouth would be good for you. I’m a believer in getting something you actually WANT tho (within reason). But nothing you want - except maybe a cottonmouth is within reason for you. You need to realize that we aren’t trying to come off as dicks. Your “experience” with keep a retic has absolutely nothing to do with hots. None of that transfers over. Your arrogance and unwillingness listen and learn is going to prevent you from growing in this hobby. People have been doing this way longer than you (and me too lmao) and you should always be open to learning. Most of us actually enjoy giving proper advice on the animals we care for. As long as people aren’t arrogant and ignorant to said advice….

Well he's still not bit. How many people have you black listed for disagreeing with you?

 

[SymbaCat]

Well he's still not bit. How many people have you black listed for disagreeing with you?

I've learned a lot, and while I only half understood why people acted the way they did back then, I get it more now. This hobby is no joke. Even after six months, I can’t claim to fully understand it,but I can say that I was definitely childish when I first started.

Working with these animals now, it’s hard to put into words the level of respect and awareness you need to have. It’s not about assuming a snake is “chill” every snake is chill until the one time it isn’t. You have to read behavior, stay present, and never get too comfortable.

I just wish people had explained things differently to me back then. Not with judgment or attitude, but with clarity. I get that some were trying to protect me, or the animals,but the way it came across wasn’t always helpful.

Still, I’ve grown. I see it now. And I’m here to keep learning and doing better, because that’s what this hobby demands, and what the animals deserve.

 

[Willie86]

Well he's still not bit. How many people have you black listed for disagreeing with you?

No one was trying to blacklist him over a disagreement, but rather because he repeatedly demonstrated via his actions, comments and videos that he does not posses the requisite maturity or knowledge to be trusted with an animal that poses a significant danger to himself and those around him.

I tried to help him out (as I did you btw), and to get him to see that he doesn't even know what he doesn't know, as was evident by the content of his remarks. I assumed that it was going to be a waste of my time, but felt that I had a moral obligation to at least try, especially considering he had already jumped in with both feet. I treated him with respect and answered his questions, and the best he could do in response was spit out ChatGPT generated responses feigning humility and understanding. I think it's safe to say that the most important points I was trying to convey were not absorbed, and more likely, never considered.

Last thing, with all due respect, when you say "Well he's still not bit" in this context and present this as some kind of refutation to the concerns being expressed in that exchange, all you're doing is letting everyone know you have no idea what you're talking about. But, be that as it may, stay safe and watch your fingers.