How To Get A Job Milking Snakes
Snake Milkers help save lives.
There are hundreds of venomous snakes in the world, and the bites of many may be fatal if anti-venom is not administered promptly. Anti-venom is made by injecting controlled doses of snake venom into a host animal such as a horse or goat. As the animal builds up immunity, the dosage is increased. In time, the antibody-rich blood of the animal can be processed to form a serum, called anti-venom. The whole process starts with the collecting of pure venom. This is done by the Snake Milker.
Snake Milkers work on snake farms, where they not only milk snakes, but feed and care for them on a daily basis. They also work in research labs where they aid in developing new anti-venom serums, and also new medicines, based on snake venom. Snake Milkers may also take part in breeding programs.
The work done by Snake Milkers must follow strict guidelines, developed by the United States Department of Agriculture.
In order to milk a snake, the handler must first pick it up, using a long hook. The head is then pinned down so the milker can grab the head, with one hand, grasping it firmly on both sides of the jaw. This is done with bare hands so that the handler can feel and anticipate any adverse reaction on the part of the snake. Applying gentle but firm pressure, the milker exposes the fangs of the snake and positions it over the side of the collecting vessel. The right amount of pressure in the right place will cause the snake to release its venom. This method is undoubtedly the least traumatic for the snake. Some milkers give the snake a mild charge to make it release its venom. After milking, the snake is then restored to its cage, and the venom is labeled, and freeze dried or cold stored, until it is ready to be used or packed for shipping.
Snake Milkers must be calm, careful, and confident. They must have sensitive, strong, steady hands, and excellent eye-hand coordination. They must have quick reflexes, and be able to concentrate completely on the task at hand.
Education
Snake Milkers need knowledge, skill, and experience. The first step is to get a high school diploma. Include courses in English, computers, a second language, and all the sciences available.
While you are in high school, get some experience around snakes, as well as other animals. Get a job, paid or volunteer, in a zoo or snake farm. Read all you can about snakes, and if possible correspond with, or talk to snake handlers and milkers.
Once you have your high school diploma, you will need to get at least a bachelor’s degree, if possible, a master’s degree. The best choice would be a degree in herpetology. Degrees in biology or biochemistry would also be useful.
Once you have your degree, you will need to get some experience. The best way to do this is to get an internship with an experienced Snake Milker. As an intern, you will earn a salary at the same time as you complete your training under the supervision and guidance of a skilled professional.
