owning a HOT

[ReptiZone]

I here a lot of ppl say HOT's are realy nice I have never worked with one but would like to have one.

But the one thingI hear the most is you should work with a pro first to get the feal of it where would I find someone willing to give that kind of helping hand.

just wondering tanx for your answers or oppinions



Chondro Python

[BWSmith]

As a general rule, most hot keepers are fairly reclusive in real life. Except those fewof us who are VERY high profile;) The keeping of snakes in general is frowned upon by the general public. Throw a venomous species in there and youhave a whole new set of troubles. The best way is to get involved with a local herp society and find them there. The Southeastern Hot Herp Society is by far the best Hot Herp organization (www.venomousreptiles.org). Many think it is just a site. It is only tip of the iceburg until you actually get a paying membership and it is well worth it.

[Gregg M]

When it comes to keeping venomous snakes it mostly comes down to common sence...... But there are some thing you will have to learn from someone that has been keeping hots....... Unfortunatly when I started there were not many people that kept hots where I live....... I pretty much had to rely on my knowledge of aressive snakes and common sence....... I totaly believe nothing can teach you better than hands on experience but it is a huge help to do it with someone already versed in the keeping of venomous snakes........ I learned from my own mistakes and a couple close calls...... But those close calls could have just as easily been tragic...... I have been keeping hots for 11 years and have yet to be envenomated....... I plan on keeping that way........ You have to be prepared for the event of a bite if it ever happens....... Because the law of averages will catch up eventually....... Just make sure you understand what you are getting into and make sure you do it for the right reasons...... You should check out what BW wrote in a previous post....... Lots of good info that I agree with 100%.....

[BWSmith]

It is not only just the hands-on experience that other keepers can offer. The little tips and tricks make life a whole lot easier.

Here is an example:

In my hot room i have all the standard equipment: Hooks, GG tongs, tubes, totes, trash can, zip ties, Hemos, and of course an emergency protocol case.
I had a young man that wanted to learn hots. After much debate (and a release form), he entered my hot room to learn. Well, after a few sessions (after hooking and containing and all that good fun stuff), i always like to throw a curveball in there. :D
The cages are Precision Caging (front opening).
"That copperhead is out of water, just fill it back up. Use whatever is in here ya want"
Sound simple? He carefully opens the cage, hooks the copperhead, puts it in a tote, secures it, gets the water bottle and fills up the bowl. Next cage, he gets a little slicker. he opens the cage, and gets the Gentle Giant tongs. Reaches in with the tongs and pulls out the dish fills it and carefully puts it back in. Seems most people overlook the easiest way. Opent he door and poor water down a restraining tube into the dish. Nothing int he cage, including the snake, is disturbed ;)


Just a very long winded example of learning tricks from keepers :D